OUTLANDER star Sam Heughan has said he was “honoured” to be named 2022’s “International Icon” by Esquire magazine at an award ceremony in Spain.
The actor, who has played the role of Jamie Fraser since 2013, won the title on Wednesday night at the magazine’s Men of the Year Awards in Madrid.
Tennis star Rafael Nadal took home the top Man of the Year gong, after winning both the Australian and French Open during 2022.
Heughan has been praised for his charity work as well as his acting this year, raising nearly £600,000 through his My Peak Challenge organisation over the last 12 months.
Accepting the award in Madrid, Heughan told guests: “What an incredible evening and a huge congratulations to all these iconic winners. Congratulations to Rafa, I was going to say I'm a big fan but he's left before I could challenge him to a game of tennis."
He went on to pay tribute to women in Iran and Afghanistan who are fighting for their rights.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the brave women across the world, and in particular, the courageous women of Afghanistan and Iran,” he said.
“It is hard, I know, to know how to support them in their fight against injustice and for equality, but it is important for us to keep the focus on their struggle and shine a light on their bravery."
In an Instagram post following the ceremony, Heughan told his supporters: "Thank you @esquirees, wonderful night celebrating Esquire Man of the Year 2022. Honoured to accept the International Icon and celebrate with some incredible people.”
It comes after fans of the actor were asked to take food bank donations to Heughan’s upcoming book signing in Glasgow.
Radar Books, the publisher behind his new book Waypoint, asked guests to bring donations to help those in need rather than gifts for the Outlander star.
Ahead of the event on Sunday, the publisher said: "We've been overwhelmed with the kind gifts given to Sam at Waypoints events this year.
"If you have a ticket to the upcoming Waterstones Sauchiehall Street signing and you plan to bring a gift, instead of presents for Sam personally (which on this occasion we are unable to accept) we ask that you bring items that we can donate The Trussell Trust Glasgow SE Foodbank."
