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The Anthem Awards have once again recognized stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, and Andrew Garfield for their powerful social impact work, demonstrating that celebrity influence can be used for significant global change.
The 5th Annual Anthem Awards, presented by the Webby Awards, honored the trio with prestigious Gold Anthem Awards, per Variety, for their dedicated philanthropic partnerships. These accolades spotlight public figures who prioritize real-world good over fleeting trends, focusing on seven core causes from mental health to humanitarian action.
This year’s list of winners serves as a refreshing reminder that the biggest stars are often those committed to making the world a better, more compassionate place.
Here’s what you need to know about the big wins and the important causes they champion.
The Anthem Awards were launched in 2021 by the Webby Awards to honor and amplify purpose and mission-driven work worldwide.
They are a comprehensive social impact award, selecting winners from thousands of submissions across dozens of countries. The awards spotlight collective action across seven core causes, including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Health; and Humanitarian Action.
This event serves to showcase how organizations and public figures are driving real progress and positive change. The awards celebrate resilience and a continued commitment to building a better tomorrow, especially in challenging times.

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter received a Gold Anthem Award for her impactful partnership with PLUS1, an initiative focused on channeling concert revenue to critical causes.
Carpenter utilizes PLUS1 to ensure that one dollar from every concert ticket sold goes directly to nonprofit organizations. This model of embedded philanthropy is a fantastic way to turn mass appeal and tour success into direct, tangible funding for those in need. Her work proves that a high-profile concert tour can be more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful vehicle for fundraising and awareness.
During her sold-out tours, Carpenter’s commitment has supported organizations tackling issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ support, and climate justice. This systematic approach to giving is highly commendable and sets a strong example for other artists. She is effectively leveraging her massive global platform to create a sustainable revenue stream for impactful nonprofit work.
Selena Gomez earned her Gold Anthem Award for the profound influence of her cosmetics company, Rare Beauty, particularly for its advocacy in mental health.
Since its launch, Rare Beauty has been much more than just a makeup brand; it’s been a leading voice in inclusive beauty standards and mental health awareness. The brand’s Rare Impact Fund has been a major philanthropic focus, working to increase access to mental health services for young people.
Gomez has been open about her own struggles, giving authentic weight to the brand’s mission. The Rare Impact Fund has a stated goal of raising $100 million over ten years to connect young people with mental health resources. This commitment to a difficult and often stigmatized cause highlights the power of using a commercial platform for deep social good.
Her work has fundamentally shifted how the beauty industry approaches wellness and inclusion, proving that business can be a force for compassion.
Andrew Garfield was honored with a Gold Anthem Award for his significant contributions and partnership with the legendary children’s organization, Sesame Workshop.
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, a global force in empowering children through educational content, emotional learning, and building community. Garfield’s involvement supports this ongoing mission to use media for good, reaching kids and families across the globe.
His work helps Sesame Workshop continue to develop crucial resources that teach kids about important topics, including emotional regulation and embracing diversity. Garfield’s platform helps amplify the timeless message of the Workshop: education and compassion are vital tools for building a better future.
The partnership underscores the fact that investing in early childhood learning and emotional development is a key pillar of long-term social impact. It’s a powerful reminder that every generation needs foundational lessons in kindness and understanding.

This year’s Anthem Awards recognized a wide array of other notable figures and organizations driving change.
Other Gold Anthem Award recipients included Lilly Singh for her Unicorn Island Fund, Katie Couric and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and the duo of Lauren and Seth Rogen for their work alongside AARP. Major organizations like Google, GLAAD, World Central Kitchen, and Make-A-Wish America were also among the recipients, underscoring the diversity of the impact sector.
Special achievement awards were given to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to long-term positive change. These included Paris Hilton as Advocate of the Year, athlete Frances Tiafoe as Athlete of the Year, and philanthropist Vincent Stanley as the Vision Award recipient.
The recognition of such a broad range of causes, from racial equity to climate action to mental health, affirms the Awards’ mission to celebrate all forms of social impact. It truly was a night to applaud those who are using their voices for the greater good.
The Anthem Awards powerfully illustrate the increasing expectation for celebrities and large brands to be active participants in social change, not just passive observers.
Fans want to see their favorite artists and actors aligning their influence with meaningful action, a trend that is clearly accelerating. The wins for Carpenter, Gomez, and Garfield highlight a shift where philanthropy is becoming an integrated part of a star’s brand and career.
This movement towards purposeful influence is setting a new standard in entertainment. It shows that global visibility comes with a responsibility to spark positive, lasting change. The collective efforts recognized at this year’s ceremony signal a strong, hopeful future for celebrity-led social good.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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