George Clooney fêted by stars in tribute

By Stone Martindale Oct 15, 2006, 18:27 GMT

George Clooney EPA/MATTEO BAZZI

Actor George Clooney was fêted by his Hollywood peers at the event as he was given an award celebrating his career.

The 45-year-old star was presented with the 2006 American Cinematheque Award at a posh Beverly Hills ceremony.

In attendence were director Oliver Stone and actors Julia Roberts, Christian Slater, Salma Hayek, Geoffrey Rush and Lindsay Lohan.

"There's no man probably more worthy of getting some awards," Slater said.

"He's a great artist, great director, and a phenomenal humanitarian. I think he serves as a great example to other actors, myself included," he told Associated Press.

"He's a guy - somebody to follow."

The event raised money for American Cinematheque, a charity which supports aspiring film-makers and holds events to bring fans and directors closer together.

Describing the event, Clooney said: "Basically, what it is, really, is a bunch of your friends who are gonna roast the hell out of you.

Friend Julia Roberts was among the stars who joined Clooney  "But when it's done, you're raising money to help American Cinematheque, which actually does some great things."

It marked an acting career which has seen him star in hits such as the Coen brothers clever O Brother, Where Art Thou? Ocean's Eleven, The Perfect Storm, and the acclaimed Syriana, which he won a best supporting actor Oscar,  and he earned a nomination for directing Good Night, And Good Luck.

Matt Damon spoofed George in a video handing out refunds to an angry cinema crowd - inspired by Clooney's panned movie Batman and Robin.

Clooney's early roles was on the television series The Facts of Life, where he worked with writer Paul Haggis, who received and Oscar nomination for Crash.

"I hoped it had disappeared and gone off my resume," admitted Haggis. "But every time I see Clooney, he reminds me of it, and busts me before I can bust him. So, now I've got to bring it up."

Clooney will next be seen in the US in World War II drama The Good German with Cate Blanchett, which hits the screens December 2006.