Since its establishment in 2006, the Foundation’s annual Lincoln Leadership Prize has honored exceptional individuals for their service in the Lincoln tradition. Past honorees include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, astronaut James A. Lovell Jr., journalist Tim Russert, Polish President Lech Wałęsa, U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, film director Steven Spielberg, the Little Rock Nine civil rights movement icons, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, philanthropist David Rubenstein, actor Gary Sinise, corporate leader Mellody Hobson, business leader Jim Reynolds and acclaimed author and historian Jon Meacham.
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SAM WATERSTON ANNOUNCED AS 2025 RECIPIENT OF THE LINCOLN LEADERSHIP PRIZE
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin to receive Wayne Whalen "Charity for All" Award
The Lincoln Presidential Foundation will award our prestigious 2025 Lincoln Leadership Prize to renowned actor and philanthropist Sam Waterston for his exceptional career in film, television, and theater. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in the critically acclaimed play Abe Lincoln in Illinois, which earned him a Tony nomination, as well as in other productions that have brought Lincoln’s legacy to life.
The Lincoln Leadership Prize will be presented by his longtime friend, U.S. Senator Angus King of Maine during an in-person dinner on April 21st at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (120 East Delaware Place). The annual award recognizes notable individuals for a lifetime of exceptional service in the spirit of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The award honors individuals who accept the responsibilities imposed by history and demanded by conscience, who show great strength of character and exhibit unwavering commitment to the defining principles of democracy.
The Foundation is also proud to present U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin with its 2025 Wayne Whalen “Charity for All” Award. This award, inspired by Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, recognizes individuals like Durbin who exemplify civic leadership, generosity of spirit, and a commitment to the ideals of this nation. The presentation of the award will take place during the Foundation’s Lincoln Leadership Prize event honoring Sam Waterston.
The Lincoln Leadership Prize event is the primary fundraiser for the Lincoln Presidential Foundation.
About Sam Waterston
Recently Sam Waterston starred in the Emmy-winning limited series THE DROPOUT, where he portrayed the polarizing figure ‘George Shultz,’ opposite Amanda Seyfried. Additionally, he was a lead opposite Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Martin Sheen on the Emmy-nominated Netflix Original series GRACE AND FRANKIE, which ran for seven seasons making it the longest-running Netflix Original series. Sam also co-starred alongside Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer in the Aaron Sorkin HBO series THE NEWSROOM. Sam is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Jack McCoy on the iconic LAW AND ORDER franchise. Waterston’s film career includes starring roles in The Great Gatsby, The Killing Fields (for which he earned an Academy Award nomination), and Woody Allen’s Interiors, Hannah and Her Sisters, and September. His theater work includes acclaimed performances in productions like Hamlet, King Lear, The Tempest, A Doll’s House, and Abe Lincoln in Illinois.
About U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
During his Senate tenure, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has sponsored or co-sponsored legislation on many key state and national issues, including education, healthcare, immigration and the Dream Act, veterans’ benefits, consumer protection, and gun safety. He has introduced or been a co-sponsor of hundreds of bills to support healthcare, voting rights, environmental protections, benefits for active military and veterans, and many other important human rights initiatives. He has also worked to share Abraham Lincoln’s visionary legacy with current and future generations.
For more information, contact Phyllis Evans at (217) 557-5610 or pevans@lincolnpresidential.org.