Shirley MacLaine accepts the 40th annual American Film Institute's life-achievement award -- along with a congratulatory kiss from Meryl Streep -- Thursday night.
Meryl Streep stands reverently behind MacLaine, "Downton Abbey’s" latest big addition, as she takes the podium in Culver City.
Actress Julia Roberts, who shared the screen with MacLaine in "Steel Magnolias," laughs as she looks on at 78-year-old MacLaine accepting her award.
MacLaine holds Roberts' face as she leans in for a kiss on the cheek.
Clutching a drink and the honoree's hand, actor Peter Fonda -- never without his sunglasses -- congratulates MacLaine.
Jack Nicholson, who memorably shared the screen with MacLaine in “Terms of Endearment” and “The Evening Star,” offers his tribute at the event at Sony Pictures Studios Thursday night.
MacLaine takes in the festivities with a laugh from her seat of honor.
Stand-up comedian Don Rickles and his wife, Barbara, join the show, at which Rickles, a close friend to MacLaine, spoke and jocularly complained about the fish dish.
Jennifer Aniston, MacLaine's "Rumor Has It" co-star, poses inside the event with Melanie Griffith.
MacLaine poses with her younger brother, Warren Beatty, inside the event.
Past AFI honoree Sidney Poitier makes a showing among the evening's stars at Sony Studios.
CBS Corp. President and CEO Les Moonves pauses for a photo with wife Julie Chen at the MacLaine fête.
Co-Chairwoman of Disney Media Networks and President of Disney-ABC Television Group Anne Sweeney arrives in a sleek black dress.
Actress Shirley MacLaine was honored with the 40th annual American Film Institute life achievement award Thursday night, drawing dozens of stars and supporters to Culver City for a ritzy gala.
All photos from Getty Images.
