Handed the 2007 Liberty Medal by the National Constitution Center, a non-profit organization that aims to increase public understanding of the US Constitution.

Named a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on March 29, 2007.

Has in March 2007 become the guest editor of Vanity Fair magazine's Africa-themed July issue on behalf of his Project RED campaign.

Named as one of Persons of the Year by Time magazine in December 2005 for his Live 8 performance and mission to persuade the leaders of rich countries to drop the debt owed by the developing world.

Along with Oprah Winfrey expanding AIDS project, hit the Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" on Oct 12, 2006 for a shopping spree to promote a new line of clothing, accessories & gadgets, including a special-edition iPod, to raise money to fight AIDS in Africa.

Included in Forbes list of "Hollywood's 10 Most Generous Entertainers" (May 12, 2006).