Julia Roberts says there's "no one more deserving" of being honored for his work than
Anthony Fauci.
"You've been tireless and true for all of us and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart," the "Pretty Woman" actress says while presenting the nation's top infectious diseases expert with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research's Award of Courage. People
on Thursday was first to report details of the organization's virtual event, scheduled to be seen on March 4.
Roberts, 53, heaps praise on Fauci and his work fighting AIDS amid the coronavirus pandemic, telling him, "You have been a beacon for us."
"Thank you so much Julia, those are such very kind words. I really do appreciate them. Coming from you, that really means a lot to me," Fauci, 80, replies.
Saying while it's nice to be recognized, Fauci notes he wants to "make sure that we tip our hat" to COVID-19's unsung heroes, including health care workers who "very bravely, every day put their lives and safety on the line."
"I might be a bit more visible than they are, but what they do is equally as important," he says.
Along with Fauci, actress Glenn Close is also poised to be honored for her contributions to the fight against AIDS at amfAR's awards gala. The
virtual event is free, with donations benefiting the group's COVID-19 fund.