Angels of the Arts Award
Recognized as an icon of the greatest Italian vocal tradition, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 90 million records. He became widely famous after winning the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994, starting his dazzling career. His countless accolades include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, six Grammy Award nominations, and six Latin Grammy Award nominations. He has performed for four Presidents of the United States of America, three Popes, the British Royal Family, and many Prime Ministers, as well as at the ceremonies of the Olympic Games, the Universal Expo, and the inauguration of Expo Dubai.
In 2011, he founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to enhance the bond of trust that he has been able to establish and maintain around the world. The documentary Because I Believe, presented during the 49th Toronto International Film Festival recounts his story from behind the scenes. Maestro Bocelli has been honored with the titles of Grande Ufficiale of the Italian Order of Merit, Ambassador of the Italian Republic of San Marino, and Argentina’s Order of May for Merit. In Italy, he earned bachelor's degrees in both opera and law, and he has been the recipient of numerous honorary degrees from institutions worldwide.