Media magnate Oprah Winfrey has been nominated as the person of the year 2008 by animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). According to the president of PETA, Ingrid E. Newkirk, Winfrey has done enough for the animals by lending her powerful voice and fame. The philanthropist has always helped and defended the cause of the less fortunate.

 

She has used her talk show 'Oprah Winfrey Show' to uncover horrific cases of cruelty to animals in puppy mills and on factory farms. PETA said that it will send Winfrey an award plaque and a letter of appreciation. Only a few weeks back, the talk show host was adjudged as the most powerful woman in Hollywood. Apart from these, Oprah Winfrey is also included in the Newsweek's list of 50 most powerful people in the world.

 

Previously the PETA awards were given to U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia in 2007 and the founders of the San Francisco-based cleaning product company Method in 2006. The award is instituted by the group so as to recognise people who have bestowed enough contributions for the betterment of the animals. The award is also given to encourage the people to fight for the cause of the animals.