Ryan Reynolds awarded Vancouver's highest honour in private ceremony

The City of Vancouver has awarded its highest honor to one of its most prominent Hollywood figures, actor Ryan Reynolds.

A statement from the city indicates that Reynolds was acknowledged for his philanthropic and cultural contributions with the Freedom of the City award during a private ceremony on Thursday.

Reynolds, who hails from Vancouver, is one of Hollywood's most well-known actors, gaining fame through roles such as the Marvel Comics superhero in the Deadpool series.

The city notes that Reynolds has "demonstrated an unwavering commitment to giving back" to the community, supporting organizations like Covenant House Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and donating funds following the 2021 B.C. floods.

"This means the world to me. Vancouver shaped who I am, and I carry it with me in everything I do," Reynolds stated in the city news release.

"To now be part of its history in this way is both humbling and surreal, and I'm deeply grateful to be recognized by the city that gave me my start."

Reynolds has previously been awarded both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.

The Freedom of the City award is described as an honor given "in exceptional cases" where an individual has achieved the highest merit through national and international recognition while also bringing acclaim to Vancouver.