Charlize Theron, the blonde bombshell from Benoni, was honoured with an American Cinematheque Award for her “fearlessness”.
The Oscar-winner, 44, is known for biting into challenging roles playing complex characters in which she’s required to subdue her good looks. Charlize also doesn’t shy away from tackling themes of sexual harassment.
The award ceremony was held at a Beverly Hills gala on Friday and attended by, among others, Kristen Stewart, Seth Rogen and David Oyelowo.
“I’m overwhelmed I need a cocktail!” she told AFP.
“These people who are here tonight have been with me through a lot of stuff.”
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Charlize won the best actress Academy Award in 2004 for playing prostitute and serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster.
She bulked up 14kg for the character and was unrecognisable after make-up and prosthetics for her role as the murderer.
Jason Reitman, who directed Theron in Young Adult and Tully, said of Charlize: “She is the most fearless actor I’ve ever worked with, and probably the most fearless human being I’ve ever met.”
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She next stars as ex-TV anchor Megyn Kelly in Bombshell, which depicts the downfall of Fox News co-founder Roger Ailes after a sexual harassment scandal.
Previous recipients of the award include Al Pacino, Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg.