Comedian Ellen DeGeneres and Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn have just been named PETA's 2009 Woman and Man of the Year. PETA said they were chosen because of their exceptional effort this past year against animal cruelty.

"I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals," said Ellen, who became a vegan in 2008. "I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things with feelings."

Tim Gunn, mentor of one of the most fashion-forward shows on TV, doesn't believe fur equals style. "Wearing fur is like wearing a big sign that says, 'I'm in favor of inflicting cruelty and pain on animals as a fashion statement,' said Tim.

"Tim Gunn and Ellen DeGeneres show us that one person really can make a difference in the world by rejecting cruel deeds in favor of compassionate acts," says PETA president Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Their message that animals must be treated kindly and respectfully has reached scores of people, and many of them have changed their buying habits, all because Gunn and DeGeneres spoke up for the voiceless."

Tim and Ellen are being honored by PETA with a plaque and letter of appreciation. For more info on PETA, click here.

Photo Credit: Retna