Nicolas Cage's new role: UN ambassador
Last Updated: Saturday, December 5, 2009 | 11:50 AM ET
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Nicolas Cage, pictured in 2007, has also been named the U.N.'s goodwill ambassador on drugs and crime. (Lee Jin-man/Associated Press)Movie star Nicolas Cage is making headlines again but this time instead of his money woes he's been hailed for his humanitarian work by the United Nations.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon presented the actor with the Global Citizen of the Year award on Friday in New York City.
As well, the Oscar winner was named UN goodwill ambassador on drugs and crime.
"My real life role as goodwill ambassador will certainly be even more challenging and meaningful than those I have portrayed on screen," said Cage who is an advocate for Amnesty International.
UN officials are hoping the 45-year-old actor will shine a light on global justice issues in his new role.
"Nicolas Cage's characters have exposed us to some of the darkest aspects of human nature," said Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
"Now he is championing one of the most noble - the quest for justice."
Donated millions
Cage already donated $2 million US to establish a fund, which helps former child soldiers.
He also led a campaign around his 2005 film, Lord of War, to raise awareness about the international arms industry.
Cage is currently getting solid reviews for his star turn in Werner Herzog's Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.
He has also been in the news of late after slapping a $20-million US lawsuit against former business manager Samuel Levin in October.
Cage has charged Levin with negligence and fraud for investing in "numerous highly speculative and risky real estate investment" and causing the actor "catastrophic losses."
The actor is facing bankruptcy and two of his homes are at risk of foreclosure.
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