Governors Awards 2012 See Steven Spielberg And Jeffrey Katzenberg Attend Star-Studded Event

Governors Awards 2012 See Steven Spielberg And Jeffrey Katzenberg Attend Star-Studded Event

This years Governors Awards saw one heck of a turn out in terms of famous faces, with honouree Jeffrey Katzenberg and Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg just two of the big names in attendance at the black tie event.

This years Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was handed to Katzenberg, honouring his ongoing commitment to charity, with the the founder and chief executive of Dreamworks Animation set to be given his award during the Oscar ceremony in February 2013. Fellow honourees at the gala include arts advocate George Stevens, Jr., documentarian D.A. Pennebaker and stunt performer and director Hal Needham.

Sidney Poitier and Annette Bening introduced Stevens, speaking highly of his commitment to the arts before allowing him to the stage - where he thanked his late father for encouraging him to consider film a timeless art and "for opening the door for me to a creative life."

87-year-old documentary maker Pennebaker was ushered on to the stage by Michael Moore and Senator Al Franken, and when on stage he looked as tough he was never going to leave, thanking just about everyone he met over his 60-plus year career over the course of a twenty-minute speech. His speech was later lampooned by Will Smith who jokingly said to the audience, "before I get started, D.A. Pennebaker has a couple more people he wanted to thank" prior to introducing Katzenberg with Tom Hanks.

Stuntman and cinema visionary Needham called himself "the luckiest man alive" upon receiving his award, with director Quentin Tarantino praising him as the man who "pushed the boundaries of what could be done in action," admitting, "I've ripped off many shots from you." 

All the honourees will receive their awards during the 85th Annual Academy Awards, being held on February 24, 2013.