Hollywood pays tribute to Sophia Loren

Washington, May 5 (ANI): Sophia Loren was honoured in an event organised by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday, 50 years after she won the Oscar for her movie 'To Women'.

The 77-year-old actress was the first person to win an Oscar for a foreign-language role for her role in 'Two Women' in the year 1961.

The event hosted in her honour turned out to be a starry affair. The audience included some 800 actors, directors, friends and family.

Veteran Hollywood celebrities like John Travolta, Tom Hanks and Benigni too turned up to honour the 'El Cid' star.

"The Academy Award changed my life completely. It helped me to believe in myself and encouraged me to push my own artistic boundaries," said the actress in her speech.

"There are no words to describe my emotions right now. It is hard to imagine that 50 years have passed since I welcomed my Oscar to my home," she added.

Famous for her hourglass figure, Lauren began working as a model by the age of 14. However her acting career started after she met her late husband, film producer Carlo Ponti.

When asked by the host Crystal whether she was happy with her career, Loren said, "You are never content, You always want to do more and find the right thing at the right time. I like my career, my life, so much. I was born for this. I am sick when I don't work for a year or two." (ANI)