Julia Roberts Claimed the 22nd American Cinematheque Prize

Displaying her renowned disarming frankness and trademarked high-wattage smile, Julia Roberts gracefully took the stage at the Beverly Hilton ballroom on Friday night (Oct 12) to accept the 22nd annual American Cinematheque Award, bestowed to her for her work and commitment in making a significant contribution to the art of the motion pictures.

Presented the honor was her "Pelican Brief" co-star Denzel Washington who said of Roberts to be "someone who says yes to life." Fellow Hollywood actors like Bruce Willis, Natalie Portman, Dermot Mulroney, and Marcia Gay Harden were also present, all speaking of the red-headed beauty's talent, humor, intelligence, and warmth as they introduced clips of the movies she starred in.

"I am not a one-woman show by any stretch of the imagination," Roberts remarked upon thanking her former agent, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and her current ones, Richard Lovett and Kevin Huvane, then singled out filmmaker Garry Marshall, who directed her in "Pretty Woman."

"At least twice a week people come up to me and say something about 'Pretty Woman,' and I ask for something a little more current, but they cling to that," she said. "And that suits me fine."

The gala dinner for the award started with Tom Hanks as he welcomed the guests to what he said to be "Julia Roberts' bat mitzvah" before audience were treated to extended scenes from the Oscar-winning actress' two latest vehicles of "Fireflies in the Garden" and "Charlie Wilson's War." An edited version of the ceremony reportedly will be aired on December 5, 2007 at 8 PM ET on AMC.