Israel awards actor Michael Douglas $1 million prize

In this Tuesday, April 15, 2014 file photo, actor Michael Douglas speaks during a launch event for a book entitled “Action for Disarmament: 10 Things You Can Do!” at the United Nations headquarters. AP

JERUSALEM — Israel has named actor Michael Douglas as the 2015 recipient of the $1 million Genesis Prize award, popularly dubbed the “Jewish Nobel Prize.”

The Genesis Prize Foundation said on Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present the award at a Jerusalem ceremony this summer to “actor, producer and peace activist Michael Douglas.”

A statement by Genesis chairman Stan Polovets says Douglas is being honored “both for his professional achievements and for his passion for his Jewish heritage and the Jewish state.”

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was the recipient of the prize last year, the first time it was awarded. Late night comedy legend Jay Leno presented the award to Bloomberg, who was honored for his long record of public service and philanthropy.