Julie Andrews was honored by the American Film Institute with the 48th Life Achievement Award during the gala tribute held at the Dolby Theater last week.
Before the ceremony, Andrews spoke about her feature film debut in the 1964 film Mary Poppins, for which she won her first Oscars for Best Actress. She was 28 years old when the movie was released to critical acclaim on August 27, 1964.
Julie Andrews was 28 years old when she made her film debut in the 1964 American musical fantasy film Mary Poppins (Credit: Walt Disney Productions)
“Walt Disney gave me my first big chance and I learned so much on that film. It was a wonderful film to learn the craft of moviemaking on because there were so many special effects, so much waiting around, so many complicated things to do because it was animated as well. It was a wonderful learning film to start my career with,” Andrews told The Associated Press.
Julie Andrews was honored with the 48th Life Achievement Award by the American Film Institute on June 9, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
In her acceptance speech, the Princess Diaries star acknowledged those working behind the scenes, including the camera operators, focus pullers, and script supervisors.
“The night reminds me with great clarity how many people are involved with making movies. What a huge collaborative effort it takes to bring film to the screen,” she said.
Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke as Bert, Karen Dotrice as Jane Banks, and Matthew Garber as Michael Banks in the musical film based on P. L. Travers’s book series Mary Poppins (Credit: Walt Disney Productions)
“My husband Blake never liked when people referred to filmmaking as the business or an industry. He insisted that film was an art form and should always be called that. And I know that is exactly the way the AFI feels also,” Andrews added.
Celebrities, including Carol Burnett, Steve Carell, Jane Seymour, Hector Elizondo, and Gwen Stefani all took to the mic to sing praises for the 86-year-old actress.
Julie Andrews acknowledged the people who work behind the scenes to bring film to the screen (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
While Julie Andrews was the woman of the evening, singer Gwen Stefani was the belle of the ball.
The What You Waiting For hitmaker arrived at the Dolby Theatre in a scene-stealing gown while arm-in-arm with her husband Blake Shelton, who opted for casual jeans with a blazer, a waistcoat, white shirt, and a necktie.
Blake Shelton joins wife Gwen Stefani on the red carpet at the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute on June 9, 2022 (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages)
All eyes were on the 52-year-old pop singer, who wore a white and green ombre gown from Taiwanese bridal brand Nicole + Felicia’s Fall 2022 Couture collection.
The upper part of the dress is a simple white sleeveless bodice with a plunging scooped neckline, while the bottom is a voluminous ruffled skirt with a massive train that fades from white to yellow and then to a darker green shade.
Gwen Stefani wows in a Nicole + Felicia Fall 2022 green ombre gown with a massive train (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Gwen fangirled over Julie Andrews in her speech, saying “I would not be me without the inspiration of Julie Andrews.”
“I’ve got to pinch myself right now because this is crazy,” she added. “I’ve always been way too nervous to meet my idol. But tonight is the night. I cannot believe this is happening. Julie, you have become a part of all of our lives. You’ve brought so much joy.”
She also mentioned The Sound of Music as one of the “most impactful movies in my life.”
Gwen Stefani fangirls over Julie Andrews in the scene-stealing gown that features a white tank-style bodice and a voluminous ruffled skirt (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Adding some luxurious element to her look, the former No Doubt vocalist accessorized with a diamond necklace, a pair of drop earrings, sparkling bangles, and several rings.
The GXVE Beauty founder then put emphasis on her ensemble by pulling her signature platinum blonde tresses up into a curled bun that sat on top of her head.
She further glammed up with pink smokey eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, heavy blush, and glossy neutral lip color.
Gwen Stefani pulls her tresses up into a curled high bun and wears pink smokey eyeshadow with neutral lip gloss (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages)