John Shearer/Andreas Rentz/Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesAlong with people across the country, some of Hollywood's biggest names—including Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and more—are celebrating today following news that the Supreme Court has struck down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as California's Prop. 8.
On this historic day for gay rights, many celebs have come forward to express their excitement and gratitude following the ruling.
And not just today, many A-listers have stood behind the cause and even spoken publically about their strong beliefs regarding equality for all.
Here's a list of some of the most vocal proponents of gay rights.
1. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt: The famous couple has revealed countless times in the past that they would not tie the knot until everyone in the United States had the same rights to get married.
In fact, Pitt donated $100,000 to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, on behalf of the group's marriage equality efforts.
"Gay and lesbian couples—our friends and neighbors—are worthy of the same protection as everyone else," he said in a statement on the group's website.
"But that's the system we have and I'm not going to back down from the fight of loving and committed couples to have the ability to marry."
2. Lady Gaga: The pop star has made no secret of her strong support for equality.
Upon learning of today's good news she wrote on her Twitter, "We stand tall today. #DomaStruckDown So many fought for so long. Be proud, the prejudiced are now the minority."
Mother Monster's hit single "Born This Way" allowed the singer to explicitly address her beliefs even further.
The chorus featured the lyrics, "no matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby."
3. George Clooney: The actor, who isn't afraid of speaking out about even the most heated political topics, took part in a Los Angeles play called 8, about the court battle to overturn California's gay marriage-banning Prop 8.
He acted alongside longtime pal Pitt in the play, which also had starred Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Kevin Bacon.
The actor famously said, "At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black."
4. Ellen DeGeneres: The ever-popular funnylady has been a gay rights advocate since coming out of the closet on television in front of millions of viewers in 1997.
For more than a decade, DeGeneres has supported countless celebs who've done the same and has been ranked on the top of Out magazine's Power Lists for years.
She tweeted today, "It's a supremely wonderful day for equality. Prop 8 is over, and so is DOMA. Congratulations everyone. And I mean everyone."
5. Neil Patrick Harris: Harris' dedication to the cause has made the How I Met Your Mother star one of Hollywood's best-known gay rights advocates.
From childhood star to marriage and raising twins, the actor has made his private life public in an effort to dispel any taboos about the gay community.
6. Anne Hathaway: For the Oscar winning actress, the issue of gay rights hits close to home.
Hathaway's brother is gay and she revealed in 2008 (while accepting an award from the Human Rights Campaign) that her family welcomed him with open arms.
"When my brother came out, we hugged him, said we loved him, and that was that," she said.
Hathaway also donated a portion of the sales from her wedding pictures to nonprofit organizations that advocate for same-sex marriages.
7. George Takei: Aside from also taking part in Pitt and Clooney's star-studded play, 8, the veteran actor, who came out publicly in 2005, has been a longtime supporter of gay rights issues.
"Today marks a watershed moment in history and a tremendous victory for the principle of equality," he wrote in a blog on his Facebook today after seeing the Supreme Court's ruling.
"Today my heart soars, and my faith in the promise of our great nation is renewed."
8. Beyoncé: The Grammy-winning singer posted a clear message revealing on her personal beliefs in March of this year.
Queen Bey shared an image of a handwritten note that read, "If you like it you should be able to put a ring on it #wewillunite4marriagequality" on Facebook.
9. Leonardo DiCaprio: The actor has been very vocal about environmental issues, but recently made headlines when he donated $61,000 to support gay rights at the annual GLAAD Media Awards in April.
DiCaprio paid another $14,000 in the evening's silent auction for a photo of Marilyn Monroe from Los Angeles' Andrew Weiss gallery. Proceeds for the photo went towards the organization as well.
10. Madonna: The Queen of Pop said in a statement to E! News, "What a way to start my day!!"
She added, "I'm wearing a smile from ear to ear. There is a G-D! Justice is served. Hallelujah!!"
She once confessed during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, "I wouldn't have a career if it weren't for the gay community."