power couple Joseph Morgan and Persia White presented the International Humanitarian Award to philanthropist Jim Greenbaum , who truly lives his personal motto, “Being a bystander to suffering is not an option,” through his incredible support of farmed animal protection around the world.

Harry Potter alum and stellar vegan activist Evanna Lynch presented MFA’s Compassionate Courage Award to former undercover investigator Barb Sicotte. Before a visibly moved audience, Barb humbly accepted her award, saying she’d chosen to work with MFA because “they take the footage, run like hell with it, and push it to its max potential.”

After a beautiful and emotional musical interlude by songwriter and performer Justin Tranter , famed singer Leona Lewis presented the Compassionate Leadership Award to legendary songwriter and animal activist Diane Warren. Diane was so touched by the tribute and standing ovation, she invited Barb back on stage to be at her side as she accepted the honor, declaring undercover investigators the real heroes of the movement.





Music icon Moby presented the evening’s final award. “This is so impressive to me,” he said, looking around the packed house. “It will be my 30-year vegan anniversary this Thanksgiving. Thirty years ago, no one even knew how to pronounce the word ‘vegan.’ I never thought it would be this legitimate.” In honor of Geoff Regier, the second investigator awardee, Moby extolled the strength and bravery it takes to go into slaughterhouses to expose animal abuse. “You’re not just heroes—you’re superheroes.”



