Meryl Streep honoured

Mamma Mia actress 'very proud' to be recognised...

10:46 06 December 2011

President Obama honoured Meryl Streep along with four other artists for their commitment to the arts last weekend.

Meryl was joined by her husband and three daughters at the Kennedy Centre gala, in what was a very proud moment for the family.

The annual awards, which have been running since 1978, recognise individuals in the entertainment business for their contributions to US culture.

The 62-year-old Mamma Mia actress said she was "very proud" to be recognised by such an influential and powerful figure, telling the Associated Press:

"Look where we are, look whoÂ’s here. ItÂ’s Overwhelming."

All recipients were invited to a dinner at the State Department, which was hosted by Hillary and Bill Clinton on Saturday, before a reception at the White House the next day.

Streep, whose latest film The Iron Lady shows a portrayal of  Margaret Thatcher, attended the reception along with Neil Diamond, Barbara Cook, Sonny Rollins and Yo-Yo Ma, who were all given the same award.

The President said of the recipients on Sunday:

"They have different talents, and they've travelled different paths. And yet they belong here together because each... has felt the need to express themselves and share that expression with the world."

Whilst honouring the stars, President Obama also revealed that Streep is his secret crush:

"Anybody who saw The French LieutenantÂ’s Woman has a crush on her."

Glenn Close, Robert DeNiro and Sarah Jessica Parker were among the other stars who attended the gala.