The Lincoln Presidential Foundation awarded its prestigious 2025 Lincoln Leadership Prize to renowned actor and philanthropist Sam Waterston for his exceptional contributions to the historical canon and public understanding of American democracy. The prize will be presented to Sam by his longtime friend, U.S. Senator Angus King of Maine.
The Lincoln Leadership Prize will be presented 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 award presentation 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. For more information about the Lincoln Leadership Prize, please visit www.lincolnpresidential.org.
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 season,s 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.