One of Hollywood's most loved actors and the latest honorary citizen of Greece, Tom Hanks has been nominated for his first Oscar in almost 20 years, for his portrayal of Mister Rogers in 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'.
This marks Hanks' first Oscar nomination for supporting actor and sixth overall.
He was first nominated for an Academy Award in 2000 for his role in 'Cast Away'.
Throughout his distinguished career, the honorary Greek citizen has won two Oscars- for his role in 1992's 'Forest Gump' and 1993's 'Philadelphia'.
Earlier this month, the 63-year-old actor was honoured with the Cecil B. DeMill, Golden Globe Award, for his outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment.
Starting 2020 as an Honorary citizen of all of Greece! Kronia pola! ( more or less, “happy year!”). Hanx pic.twitter.com/b8fmrgjvYP
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) January 2, 2020
The news comes as it has been revealed that Greece has extended its offer of citizenship to Tom Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson and their two children, in recognition of the family’s help in assisting victims of Attica's devastating wildfire in 2018.
Last month, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos signed an honorary naturalisation order allowing the 63-year-old actor, who has spent his recent summer vacations at his family home on the Greek island of Antiparos, to claim Greek citizenship.
The decision published in a government gazette revealed on Tuesday, unveiled that the order also includes Hanks’ wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson, and their two sons, Chester and Truman.
“The Hanks family gave a signal all over the world for immediate relief actions to help our fire-stricken fellow citizens,” the order signed on Dec. 27 said.
Their effort to assist efforts had provided “exceptional services to Greece,” it further added.
Under Greek law, honorary naturalisation may be granted to people “who have provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalisation serves the public interest.”
*Images courtesy of Rita Wilson's Instagram
Tom Hanks declares his love of Greece at Golden Globes (VIDEO)
