JULIA ROBERTS - ROBERTS RECEIVES HOLLYWOOD RECOGNITION

ROBERTS RECEIVES HOLLYWOOD RECOGNITION

Julia Roberts was awarded the 2007 America Cinematheque (AC) award at a dazzling ceremony in Hollywood last night.

The Notting Hill star was presented with her gong by former winner Denzel Washington at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverley Hills event, attended by 1,000 guests.

Roberts, 39, won an Oscar in 2001 for her leading role in Erin Brokovich and follows up George Clooney's recognition at last year's event. Previous winners include Sean Connery, Al Pacino and Nicole Kidman.

"Julia Roberts is a true movie star who has delighted audiences and critics in so many pictures, AC chairman Rick Nicita said before the event.

"Moviegoers are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the career of this beloved actress."

Roberts next appears in Charlie Wilson's War alongside Tom Hanks. The movie is directed by Mike Nichols, who also worked with her on Closer.

"I really am just a girl from a little town in Georgia, who had this giant, absurd dream," she said on receiving the award.