Clint Eastwood and Nicole Kidman were both honoured

The Los Angeles lunch marked the AFI's 10 best films of 2003, which included Eastwood's Mystic River.

Kidman praised the AFI's list, which are not ranked in any order.

"I think it is lovely to have a whole group of people coming together and just saying what we are all about is the pursuit of excellence," she said.

Other films on the list included The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Last Samurai and Lost in Translation.

AFI's top 10 films American Splendor Finding Nemo The Human Stain In America The Last Samurai The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: Far Side of the World Monster Mystic River

Actors, producers, directors and writers were invited to the event, although no-one had to give any kind of acceptance speech.

The AFI also honoured its 10 best TV programmes of the year, which included Everybody Loves Raymond, Alias and Nip/Tuck.

Among the stars in attendance were Charlize Theron, director Jim Sheridan and Lord of the Rings' Sean Astin.

Bono was invited by Sheridan, having written the song Time Enough for Tears for his long-time friend's film In America.

Many of those at the lunch will be vying for awards at the Golden Globes on Sunday.