Natalie Portman has been awarded Israel’s 2018 Genesis Prize in recognition of her commitment to social causes and deep connection to her Jewish and Israeli roots, organizers of the prize announced Tuesday.

The $1 million award, known as “the Jewish Nobel Prize,” is granted each year to a person recognized as an inspiration to the next generation of Jews through professional achievement and commitment to Jewish values.

The Oscar-winning actress said she was “deeply touched and humbled” by the recognition.

“I am proud of my Israeli roots and Jewish heritage. They are crucial parts of who I am,” she said in a statement. She said she would use the prize money to “make a difference in the lives of women in Israel and beyond.”

Portman was born in Israel and moved to the United States as a young girl, evolving from a child actress into a widely acclaimed A-list star.

The Genesis Prize noted Portman’s social activism in areas such as gender equality, combating poverty, microfinance and animal rights.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present the award to Portman at a ceremony in Jerusalem in June.

— Associated Press