Gwyneth Paltrow, Sir Richard Attenborough and Sir Derek Jacobi joined a star-studded gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Film Theatre.

The British Film Institute also handed out three of its prestigious fellowships at Sunday evening's event, which took place on London's South Bank.

It's a gathering place and it's a melting pot for cinema

Miranda Richardson

BFI Fellowships went to the film producer and Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein as well as his brother Bob, who was not present at the gala event.

The brothers' film hits have included The Crying Game, Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love.

Another went to veteran cinematographer Jack Cardiff, bringing the total number of BFI Fellowships awarded in the past half-century to 56.

Frances Barber and Derek Jacobi were in attendance

Past recipients have included Orson Welles, Clint Eastwood, Sir Michael Caine and Dame Maggie Smith.

Actress Frances Barber told the BBC the NFT was a "very important" part of the UK film industry.

"It's pioneered the work of all sorts of young and innovative film makers, that would not necessarily get finance in another medium," she said.

Miranda Richardson stressed the institution's social aspect.

Jane Horrocks, star of Little Voice and Absolutely Fabulous, was there

"It's a gathering place and it's a melting pot for cinema," she told the BBC.

Sunday's gala was hosted by Mariella Fostrup and also attended by Joan Bakewell, Jane Horrocks, Rhys Ifans, Lynda La Plante, Terry Gilliam , John Hurt, Alan Rickman, Miranda Richardson and Jim Broadbent.

The assembled stars saw a video message sent by the Prince of Wales and later attended a dinner at the Savoy Hotel.