“CineEurope and our partners at the International Union of Cinemas [UNIC] are absolutely enthused that Variety is presenting this award to Scott,” said CineEurope co-managing director Andrew Sunshine. “His work and dedication to children is second to none. Scott was a senior executive with Fox and gave up a prestigious career to devote his life to helping others.”
“Scott Neeson’s humanitarian efforts are truly inspirational. His achievements both in the film industry and in promoting social justice and community development around the world deserve huge recognition. We are honored that he has agreed to accept the Variety International Children’s Fund Humanitarian Award.” said Phil Clapp, president of UNIC.
“Just as Variety–The Children’s Charity identifies gaps in services to children and fills them, Scott founded the Cambodian Children’s Fund when he saw a vast gap for Cambodian children living in poverty with little opportunity to break the cycle,” noted Barbara Hislop, president of Variety–The Children’s Charity International. “Since 2003, Scott has sought to remedy that gap and made an immense difference to countless children’s lives. In 2004, Scott quit his job and moved to Cambodia to commit full-time to the project. Variety–The Children’s Charity is proud to honor Scott Neeson with the 2016 Variety International Children’s Fund Humanitarian Award during CineEurope.”
Neeson spent 26 years in the film industry, where he eventually served as president of 20th Century Fox International. While he was at Fox, he managed revenues in excess of $1.5 billion, as well as oversaw the release and marketing of many blockbuster films including Braveheart, Titanic, Star Wars and X-Men.
After an unplanned trip in 2003 to the notorious Steung Meanchey landfill in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Neesondecided to leave the film industry. He moved to Phnom Penh and founded Cambodian Children’s Fund. Cambodian Children’s Fund was initially developed to provide a safe haven for 45 children in critical need. CCF now provides award-winning education to more than 2,300 children, as well as supporting thousands of families through a holistic, integrated approach to community development. 2013 saw the launch of the Child Protection Unit (CPU), the latest addition to CCF.
Neeson has been recognized over the years with various awards. In 2007, he was awarded the inaugural Harvard School of Public Health “Q Prize,” in recognition of his leadership in advocacy for children. CCF’s education program received a 2012 WISE Award in recognition of its transformative impact on education and society. The same year, Neeson received the Ahimsa Award, presented annually at the House of Commons to an individual who embodies non-violence and compassion. In 2014, Neeson received the “Standing for Something” Award in recognition of “the powerful contribution he has made to those in need.”
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