(PHOTOS) Beyoncé, Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and More on Hand as Denzel Washington Receives AFI Life Achievement Award

Denzel Washington recently received the American Film Institute’s 47th Life Achievement Award in grand ceremony that featured tributes from some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Among those paying tribute to Washington at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood included Mahershala Ali, Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Antoine Fuqua, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts and Cicely Tyson. Spike Lee, who directed Washington in several films, presented him with the lifetime award.

Several presenters discussed Washington’s influence on their own careers, including Chadwick Boseman, who hailed the legendary actors’ impact on file.  “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington… because my whole cast, that generation, stands on your shoulders.”

Julia Roberts, who starred in “The Pelican Brief” alongside Washington, said that “working with you (Washington) was like working with The Beatles. You are the greatest talent of any time.”

Guests were graced with a surprise appearance by Beyoncé, who presented the AFI’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to Melina Matsoukas, who directed the Grammy-winning artist’s “Formation” video, the “Thanksgiving” episode of “Master of None” (featuring Lena Waithe) and several episodes of Issa Rae’s “Insecure.”

“She is fearless, no matter the challenges, and believes in breaking stereotypes in the industry,” said Beyoncé. “As a woman of color, conformity is not her thing. Her drive, vision, taste level and storytelling are boldly unapologetic.”

Guests also enjoyed a musical performance from Jennifer Hudson, who sang Sam Cooke’s classic, 1964 civil-rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

Washington closed night with the words “Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives. What an opportunity we have to practice what he preached.”