Michael Douglas is supported by Catherine Zeta-Jones and their children Dylan and Carys as he receives $1m 'Jewish Nobel Prize' in Israel
The actor's wife Catherine Zeta-Jones was right by his side as he received the prestigious honour, and despite the hurdles in their 14 year marriage, the couple looked stronger than ever.
Before
the 70-year-old received the prize from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, he posed on the red carpet with Catherine and their two
children, 14-year-old son Dylan and daughter Carys, 12.
Supportive family: Michael Douglas's
wife Catherine Zeta-Jones and children Dylan, 14, and Carys, 12, were by
his side on Thursday as he received the Genesis Prize in Israel
Elegant: Catherine looked stunning in a two-tone gown while the man of the hour cut a suave figure in his tuxedo
'So proud of Michael': Catherine shared this photo to Instagram and said that they are 'having an amazing family vacation'
Catherine,
45, looked very elegant for the occasion in a two-tone black and nude
gown and her dark hair in curls, while the man of the hour cut a suave
figure in a black tuxedo and plum coloured tie.
Earlier in the day, the family visited the Israeli leader's Jerusalem residence.
The
Genesis Prize aims to honour Jewish identity around the world and
encourage young Jewish people to embrace their culture and heritage.
Michael was chosen for the award because of his excellence in the acting industry and his ability to inspire the community.
In an interview with the AP, the
Behind The Candelabra star said that he will use the million dollar
prize to strengthen ties between Israel and Jewish communities and
organisations across the globe.
Emotional: His wife and younger son watched from the audience as he accepted his award
Proud moment: Douglas holds the
Genesis Prize after receiving it from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu (2-L) as Genesis Prize Foundation chairman Stan Polovets (L),
Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky (2-R) and Knesset Speaker Yuli
Edelstein (R) look on
Faith in the family: Michael's father,
98-year-old actor Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch), was raised as
an Orthodox Jew, and then rediscovered his faith after barely surviving
a plane crash in 1991 and a stroke in 1996
'Abraham's
tent had its flaps open and so hopefully since approximately half of
the Jewish population in the world is outside of Israel, we can find
ways to better understand each other and to grow together,' he said.
Michael
also said that his marriage to Catherine is great these days - the pair
separated for six months in 2013 before reuniting.
'Catherine is wonderful,' the actor shared. 'Our kids are here, and we're having a fantastic time. Life is good.'
He
added that Dylan has recently become interested in the Jewish religion,
and decided to have a bar mitzvah when he turned 13 last year, which
has in turn made him embrace his faith.
During
his speech at the ceremony, Michael choked back tears as he thanked his
son and the rest of his family for their support.
Tears in his eyes: Michael grew emotional as he looked to his wife and children in the audience after being given his trophy
Addressing the crowd: The star said his journey to 'this stage was a long time in the making'
'Life is good': Michael says his wife is 'wonderful' and that the family are having 'a fantastic time' in Jersualem
He
revealed that his son choosing to have a bar mitzvah 'made me think and
it made me strong. And for that I will always be grateful.'
He added he is thrilled that as a result he is now 'able to say those four words with great pride: I am a Jew.'
Michael's
father, 98-year-old actor Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch), was
raised as an Orthodox Jew, and then rediscovered his faith after barely
surviving a plane crash in 1991 and a stroke in 1996.
Michael said he was 'touched' to see his father's spirituality and that he would study the Bible with a rabbi.
During
his speech, he added: ' There was no contradiction between his
Jewishness and his universality.' Kirk even recorded a video message
which was played at the event.
A little help from his friends: Jay Leno moderated the ceremony at which Michael was presented with his $1million prize
An honour: Catherine and Michael
visited the residence of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and
his wife Sara earlier in the day.
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