Stars line up to pay tribute to Julia Roberts' glittering career

A star line-up paid tribute to Julia Roberts' glittering career at an awards ceremony on US TV.

Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis and Denzel Washington were all on hand to salute the Pretty Woman stars 20-year career on  ' Julia Roberts: An American Cinematheque Tribute.

Richard Gere, George Clooney and Brad Pitt were also there in spirit, sending video greetings for the special show that was filmed in L.A. in October.

Roberts, 40, made her breakthrough in Steel Magnolias as a young bride battling diabetes, gaining her an Oscar nomination as best supporting actress in 1989.

It was her role in Pretty Woman, opposite Richard Gere that catapulted her to worldwide fame. Her performance earned her another Oscar nomination, this time as best actress. However, Roberts had to wait until 2001 to win the Oscar.

Her portrayal of Erin Brockovich won her the coveted Best Actress award.

Julia Roberts' films have grossed over $2 billion at the American box office, making her the biggest move star in history. Amazingly she achieved this feat with only 31 films to her name.

In the recent Hollywood Reporter's annual list of the highest paid actresses, Julia Roberts was joint fourth on the list, commanding $10-$15 million per movie.

Reese Witherspoon is top of the earners, with a price tag of $15-$20 million per movie.

However, Roberts still holds the record for biggest fee. In 2003, she starred in Mona Lisa Smile, earning a $24 million pay packet.