Hayden Panettiere may have a warrant in her name in Japan ... but she got a big fat award for trying to save the dolphins and protesting against the annual slaughter of dolphins in Japan last year.
Hayden was awarded at the 2008 Genesis Awards, which were held Saturday night, and received the Gretchen Wyler Award for making news on behalf of animals!
Hayden was overwhelmed by tears as she accepted the award and needed some time to regain her composure before returning to her seat.
Beverly Kaskey, Senior Director of The Hollywood Office of The Humane Society of the United States said: “We feel Hayden is a very worthy successor to Sir Paul McCartney, last year’s Wyler Award recipient. She’s an inspiring example to her generation, using her compassion, courage and celebrity to help animals in a very effective way.”

Guess who was in the attendance? Hayden's mom and dad ... and Milo Ventimiglia! Lucky Hayden!

Congratulations Hayden ... you're officially a real Hero now!

Photos of Heyden Panettiere at the Genesis Awards