Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds awarded Vancouver’s highest honour in private ceremony

British ColumbiaReynolds said he is ‘deeply grateful’ to have been given the Freedom of the City award, an honour Vancouver said recognizes the actor’s philanthropic and cultural achievements.’Vancouver shaped who I am, and I carry it with me in everything I do,’ Reynolds saysThe Canadian Press · Posted: Sep 19, 2025 3:53 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoRyan Reynolds is pictured at Vancouver City Hall with Mayor Ken Sim as he’s given the Freedom of the City award on Thursday. (City of Vancouver/Facebook)The City of Vancouver has bestowed its top honour on one of its highest-profile Hollywood stars, actor Ryan Reynolds.A statement from the city says Reynolds was recognized for his philanthropic and cultural achievements with the Freedom of the City award during a private ceremony Thursday.Reynolds, a Vancouver native, is among Hollywood’s most-recognized actors, achieving stardom through film roles including the Marvel Comics’ superhero character in the Deadpool series.The city says Reynolds has “shown an unwavering commitment to giving back” locally, supporting charities such as Covenant House Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, as well as donating money after the devastating 2021 B.C. floods.’This means the world to me,” actor Ryan Reynolds said of receiving Vancouver’s Freedom of the City award on Sept. 18, 2025. (City of Vancouver/Facebook)”This means the world to me. Vancouver shaped who I am, and I carry it with me in everything I do,” Reynolds said in the city news release.”To now be part of its history in this way is both humbling and surreal, and I’m deeply grateful to be recognized by the city that gave me my start.”Reynolds has already received both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.The Freedom of the City award is described as an honour granted “in exceptional cases” where an individual has achieved the highest merit through national and international acclaim while also bringing recognition to Vancouver.WATCH | Reynolds receives Order of Canada: ‘A lifetime of meaning:’ Ryan Reynolds becomes officer of the Order of Canada Shortly before his investiture as an officer of the Order of Canada, actor Ryan Reynolds spoke to CBC News chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault about receiving the honour and his response to threats of Canada becoming the 51st state.