Mark Ruffalo Honored at The Turtle Conservancy’s Ball

Activists, artists and celebrities graced the green carpet at New York City’s Bowery Hotel on Monday night for this year’s Turtle Ball, where Mark Ruffalo was honored.

“The Turtle Conservancy is such a well-known and respected organization that does real work and puts so much money into its work. It’s not about self-aggrandizement, making money or building a career — it’s simply about returning some of the greatness you’ve been given back to the world,” Ruffalo told The Hollywood Reporter.

With Sarah Silverman as master of ceremonies and event hosts Edward Norton, Drew Barrymore, Rashida Jones and Fisher Stevens, as well as Eric Goode, resident and CEO of the Turtle Conservancy, and Brian Sheth, chairman of Global Wildlife Conservation, the gala was packed with stars who strive to make the world a better (read: more turtle-friendly) place.

And if you’re wondering why Ruffalo has a soft spot for turtles along with all the other areas of activism he’s involved in, there’s a simple explanation for that: “It’s funny that I’m getting the turtle award, but I relate deeply to a turtle,” he said. “I’m really an introvert even though I’m an actor — I’m a bit of a loner, I’m deliberate, I stick with one mate, and I’m in for the long haul.”