Matt Bomer Honored at Project Angel Food's 35th Anniversary Angel Awards

 Miah Massaro | Writer

On the evening of September 23, 2024, actor and activist Matt Bomer was celebrated at Project Angel Food's 35th annual Angel Awards in Los Angeles, an event honoring his commitment to philanthropy and advocacy. Bomer received the prestigious Angel Award, a recognition that underscores his profound dedication to humanitarian causes, including his long-standing support for Project Angel Food, an organization that provides critical nutrition and meals to individuals living with life-threatening illnesses.

A Star with a Cause

Matt Bomer–best known for his roles in White Collar, The Normal Heart, Doom Patrol, and mostly recently, Fellow Travelers–has always been more than just a Hollywood star. He has used his platform to champion various social causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access, consistently demonstrating his belief in the power of community support. His involvement with Project Angel Food stretches back over a decade, during which time he has actively supported their mission, helping to raise awareness and funding for the organization’s efforts.

Bomer’s recognition at the Angel Awards was particularly poignant as it coincided with Project Angel Food’s 35th anniversary—a milestone event that highlighted the organization's continued commitment to fighting food insecurity and delivering meals to thousands of people in Los Angeles. Over the years, Project Angel Food has served over 16 million meals to those battling illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart disease, and Bomer’s advocacy has been instrumental in extending their reach and impact.

Ron Nyswaner’s Emotional Tribute

As the evening unfolded, one of the most moving moments came when Ron Nyswaner, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind Philadelphia and creator of Fellow Travelers, took the stage to present Bomer with the Angel Award. Nyswaner, who shares a close professional and personal relationship with Bomer, delivered a heartfelt speech that emphasized the actor's integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Nyswaner reflected on Matt coming out at a time when it could have ruined his career. In his speech, Nyswaner choked up as he said, “When Matt made that courage choice… [he] was achieving the thing he has dreamed of his entire life, and he put it at risk because his gut told him that it was more important to live honestly.” At this point, the crowd broke out into applause, and Nyswaner continued on with: “And [Matt believed] that if he [lived honestly], he would help others to find the courage to do the same thing. Matt paved the way for us and for all actors coming behind him.”

Paving the Way

Matt Bomer made headlines in 2012 when he publicly came out as gay while accepting an award at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. At the time, he thanked his husband, Simon Halls, and their three children during his speech. This was a bold and courageous move in an industry where many actors still feared that coming out could limit their career opportunities. Bomer's decision to be open about his sexuality set an example for other LGBTQ+ actors, showing that personal authenticity could coexist with a successful acting career.

His coming out was particularly impactful because it was not forced or scandalous, but rather a natural expression of who he is. This helped normalize the idea of actors being openly LGBTQ+ without it becoming the focal point of their public identities or careers.

As an openly gay man thriving in Hollywood, Matt Bomer serves as a role model for LGBTQ+ youth. His visibility shows that it’s possible to have a successful career without hiding one’s true identity, a message that is especially important in an industry that has historically pressured actors to remain closeted. Bomer’s continued advocacy and his willingness to speak openly about his family, career, and personal journey offer hope and inspiration to younger generations.

His acceptance of both mainstream roles and those that delve into LGBTQ+ experiences has demonstrated that being open about one’s identity does not need to limit an actor’s versatility or career options.

Acceptance Speech

In his acceptance speech, Matt Bomer humbly expressed his gratitude for the recognition. True to his character, he quickly turned the focus back on Project Angel Food and the crucial work they do for those struggling with severe illnesses. He also apologized for not being able to make it in person, as it was his eldest son’s first family weekend at his first semester of college. 

“Thank you so much Project Angel food for this incredible honor,” Bomer said. “… It’s a reminder to me to always be of service and to always hold an organization that I love close to my heart.”

A Night to Remember

The 35th anniversary of Project Angel Food was a star-studded affair, with celebrities, philanthropists, and community leaders coming together to celebrate the organization's legacy and the individuals who make its work possible. Alongside Matt Bomer, other honorees and attendees spoke to the ongoing need for charitable organizations like Project Angel Food, particularly in an era where healthcare disparities continue to widen.

Bomer’s recognition with the Angel Award was a fitting tribute to a man who exemplifies what it means to use one’s influence for good. Through his advocacy, Bomer has helped bring attention to critical issues affecting vulnerable populations, and his contributions to Project Angel Food serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting those in need, especially in times of crisis.