Tom Hanks Honored by Julia Roberts & Film Friends

Tom Hanks friends, colleagues, and co-stars Julia Roberts, Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, Charlize Theron and Bruce Springsteen came to New York Monday night to honor Tom Hanks with the Film Society's 36th Annual Gala Tribute at Lincoln Center's newly renovated Alice Tully Hall. The stars also opened up about the recent passing of "Golden Girls" star Bea Arthur.

"Besides the fact that I'm a massive fan I feel like I got interested in acting because of him and watching his work," Charlize Theron tells "The Insider" about Tom. "Getting the chance to work with him and getting to know him a little bit made me realize that there's something about him that is so genuine and sweet, and just sincere. Makes you realize the nice guy does end up on top."

The Hollywood stars presented a variety of clips, anecdotes and accolades to the two-time Oscar winner, whose celebrated career spans from his "Bosom Buddies" days on TV and his first collaboration with Howard in 1984, 'Splash,' to his Oscar winning performances in 'Philadelphia' and 'Forest Gump' and his latest project with Howard, 'Angels & Demons.'

Previous Film Society honorees include Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Susan Sarandon, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Jane Fonda, Charlie Chaplin and more.

Watch "The Insider" for more highlights from Monday night's event!

Published 4/28/09 by the Insider

Comments (4)

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  • Cool:)
    NeverLetGo 4/28/09 Reply
  • I wish I was there to honor Tom Hanks.
    GeorgeJobson 4/28/09 Reply
  • I have no use for Tom Hanks anymore, and i wouldnt pay a dime to watch any of his movies either. he is white trash as far as i am concerned. I would love to see him banned from Hollywood, but of course that will never happen because he has too much...
    Anonymous 4/28/09 Reply
    • Wow. Strong words from Mr. Anonymous. Either you are brilliant with sarcasm or really, really lonely. Either way, it's good to know you have such strong feelings for someone you never met. Unless...wait, Tom is that YOU????
      Anonymous 5/3/09