Whether we like it or not, one thing is for certain — celebrities are very influential, mostly thanks to their money, their connections, and of course their social media following. With millions of people following them on Instagram and watching their interviews on TV, famous people can actually use their voices and platforms to make the world a better place. And some of them are actually doing that.
Whether it is to fight against global poverty and climate change or to advocate for equality — these celebs are doing something to try and make a change. From Academy award-winning actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio to Grammy-winning musicians like Chance the Rapper — keep on scrolling to find out who ended up on the list!
10 Leonardo DiCaprio
Back in 2016 when he finally won his long-overdue Academy Award for The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio took it to the Oscars stage not to talk about his movie, but to discuss climate change and to urge everybody to work together on the issue. He said: "Climate change is real; it is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating. Let us not take this planet for granted."
9 Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie started getting involved with activism back in 2000, after filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in Cambodia. She's visited many war-torn countries and even became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Apart from her UNHCR work, Jolie is also an advocate for human rights and women's rights, as well as children's education and immigration.
"I tell my daughters, ‘What sets you apart is what you are willing to do for others. Anyone can put on a dress and makeup. It’s your mind that will define you," said Jolie in an interview with Elle magazine.
8 George Clooney
Oscar-winning actor George Clooney has been very vocal about political activism throughout his career. While talking about activism in an interview with People Magazine, Clooney revealed that it is because of his parents that he does what he does. He said: "You had to be involved. My mother and father were involved, and we were [taught] it is your civic duty."
7 America Ferrera
Another actress who is not a stranger to getting involved in political and social activism is the Ugly Betty actress, America Ferrera. Together with Eva Longoria, Ferrera hosted a digital platform She Se Puede, which aims to encourage voting within the Latino community. Ferrera is also a feminist and an advocate for women's rights. In January 2017 she took part in the Women's March on Washington, where she gave a speech.
6 Matt Damon
Actor Matt Damon has supported numerous charities, NGOs, and hunger-relief organizations throughout his life. The actor even founded his own non-governmental organization, H2O Africa Foundation to raise awareness about the lack of clean water in Africa. Matt Damon supports One Campaign, which aims to "end extreme poverty & preventable disease by 2030" in Third World countries.
5 Keke Palmer
Actress and singer Keke Palmer has been a vocal activist for quite some time now. Apart from supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and abortion rights for women, Keke has also worked with charities such as YWCA on the empowerment of women all over the world. In 2011, Palmer and YWCA launched a global anti-bullying campaign, Save Our Daughters.
4 Jesse Williams
Another celebrity who really cares about activism, especially about racial justice issues and equality, is Grey's Anatomy actor, Jesse Williams. "I found this incredible chasm between two of the many Americas we have. I got a much better education and resources because of my zip code," said the Grey's Anatomy actor in an interview with Essence Magazine. "I wanted to be part of the solution, so I started working in my community when I was at Temple University"
3 Emma Watson
When she's not in front of a camera filming a movie, Emma Watson loves to fight for gender equality and women's rights. The actress was even appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador back in 2014. "The more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating," she said during the launch of UN Women's campaign "HeForShe". "If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop."
2 Chance the Rapper
Even though he is currently one of the biggest rappers out there, Chance the Rapper still has time to get involved with social and political activism. The young rapper has worked on providing support to Chicago youth as well as stopping gun violence in Chicago. Chance The Rapper was even awarded the UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Award and BET Humanitarian Award.
1 Natalie Portman
Another celebrity who supports many kinds of activism is the Israeli-born American actress Natalie Portman. The Black Swan actress — who's been vegetarian since she was eight — is a huge animal lover and an advocate for animal rights. In addition, Portman has also been an ambassador for international charities and organizations such as FINCA International and WE Charity.