Catherine Zeta-Jones added another gong to her growing collection when she was honoured for her "killer talent" at an awards ceremony in New York. The Welsh actress was applauded by a constellation of stars as she received the trophy from her Chicago co-star Queen Latifah in the heart of the Big Apple. Looking characteristically stunning in a figure-hugging black and silver gown, the mum-of-two seemed to be relishing her moment of glory in the Lincoln Centre's Avery Fisher Hall. She was by no means the only famous face enjoying the adoration of her peers, though, as quite a few big names picked up gongs at the prize-giving.
Silver screen veteran Goldie Hawn was on hand to receive the lifetime achievement award in recognition of her four-decade career. And tennis player Venus Williams, who is currently fighting her way back to the top of her game after an extended slump in form, was there too, picking up the "comeback" award.
But perhaps the most rapturous round of applause was not for a glamorous A-lister, but for the indefatigable women's rights campaigner Mukhtar Mai. The Pakistani villager, who has been hailed as a symbol of hope and justice in her home country for refusing to keep quiet after falling victim to a brutal sexual attack, was presented with the "bravest woman in the world" prize by Brooke Shields.
Catwalk queen Petra Nemcova was likewise honoured for her bravery. The Czech beauty, who was presented with the "survivor" award, was holidaying in the Thai resort of Khao Lak last Christmas when the tsunami disaster struck. Despite suffering serious injuries in the initial surge of water, she managed to stay alive by clinging onto a palm tree until the flood subsided.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
