* The White House Presidential Medal for the Performing Arts (1987)
* Billboard Artist Award (1989)
* Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Inspiration Album of the Year for "Christmas" (1989)
* Grammy Award nomination for Best Inspirational Album for "Christmas" (1990)
* Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) Award (1990)
* California State Senate Commendation (1991)
* Los Angeles City Council Certificate of Recognition (1991)
* The Papal Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from Pope John Paul II (1992)
* The United Nations Peace Medal (1993)
* The United States State Department's International Award for Outstanding Community Service (1995)
* California Assembly Certificate of Recognition (1996)
* The Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1997)
* The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Medallion (1998)
* The National Italian American Foundation Special Achievement Award (2000)
* The Lifetime Achievement Award (2002)
* The Tony Melendez Humanitarian Award (2004)