Hayden Panettiere was moved to tears this weekend as she accepted an award by the Humane Society Of The United States for her protests against the slaughter of whales in Japan.

Hayden was given a standing ovation on Saturday when she was given the Gretchen Wyler Award, which recognizes celebrities who bring attention to animal causes.

She told the audience, "As an actress, you always dream of getting awards like the Golden Globe award, but I never expected to get an award that is this special and important to me as this.

"There are people who dedicate their entire lives to preserving the environment and defending animals, they are so much more deserving of something like this." Beverly Kaskey, of the Humane Society, adds, "She's an inspiring example to her generation, using her compassion, courage and celebrity to help animals in a very effective way."

Hayden's family and boyfriend Milo Ventimiglia were in attendance at the special ceremony. At one point Hayden had to go to the restroom because she couldn't stop crying. Her beau Milo waited outside the restroom for her so he could escort her back to the podium. Cute!