Clooney was honoured by his Hollywood peers at the event

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

Stars attending the event included 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 was held to raise 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.

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 Ocean's Eleven, The Perfect Storm, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Affectionate reminders

Earlier this year he won a best supporting actor Oscar for his part in Syriana, while he earned a nomination for directing Good Night, And Good Luck.

But the night was full of affectionate reminders of less glorious memories. Matt Damon was seen in a video sketch handing out refunds to an angry cinema crowd - inspired by Clooney's panned movie Batman and Robin.

One of Clooney's early roles was on unfashionable TV drama The Facts of Life, where he worked alongside writer Paul Haggis, later to win an 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."