Charlize Theron Honors Pal Will Smith

Charlize Theron hugs Will Smith‘s wife Jada Pinkett Smith at the Simon Wiesenthal Center 2009 National Tribute Dinner on Tuesday (May 5) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

At the event, the 33-year-old actress presented pal (and Hancock costar) Will Smith with the Humanitarian Award.

According to E!, Charlize is also lending her support to Meet in the Middle for Equality, an upcoming rally for gay marriage in Fresno (central California).

“We know the people whose lives are on the line—those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender—will be there,” Charlize says. “But we need everyone there. Especially straight people. While we don’t know when the Supreme Court will rule exactly, we know it will be within the next four weeks. Californians need to be prepared to commit right now to go to Fresno on the Saturday after the decision is announced, no matter what that decision may be. The battle for equality has to be fought in Middle America—in places like Fresno, California—not just in gay-friendly cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. California’s Central Valley population is far more reflective of national attitudes towards LGBT equality—and until we engage the communities of Middle America, we will not achieve full equality in California.” 20+ pics inside…