Elizabeth Banks worried about "bombing" in front of Jane Fonda

She said: "In preparing this speech I was planning on coming up here and cracking jokes because that's what I do and I would inevitably veer into inappropriate territory. Jane likes that kind of thing, but then I realised you do not want to bomb in front of Jane."

The 41-year-old star went on to praise the "trailblazing" actress for her "no-nonsense" attitude.

She added:"She is a certified broad who collects wonderful women. She is outspoken, no-nonsense and trailblazing and she has had enough amazing experiences to fill five lifetimes."

Diane Lane also paid tribute to the 'Youth' actress.

She said: "Recently, during promotional requirements for a movie, I was asked who Wonder Woman is to me. What do you think my answer was? Jane Fonda."

When she took to the stage at the Bacara Resort & Spa to accept her award, the 77-year-old actress recalled how she quit acting when she married her now ex-husband Ted Turner and feels "very, very blessed" that her career is going strong again now.

She said: "I didn't miss it for a second. But I came back at 65, which is pretty unusual, and I feel very, very blessed that I was able to have a new career so late in life and, as a result, be able to spend time with people who are so profoundly inspired, moving and talented."