Hollywood A-listers and their family and friends arrived dressed to the
nines to honor Meryl Streep at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s 35th
annual Gala Tribute. Avery Fisher Hall was filled to capacity for the beautiful and talented actress.

The bold names toasting Streep onstage included: Robert DeNiro, Amy
Adams, Robert Redford, Uma Thurman, Stanley Tucci, Mike Nichols, Jonathan Demme, Christopher Walken, and Garrison Keillor. They shared anecdotes and admiration for Streep and her work. Uma hit the mark with simplicity and precision when she quipped, “There’s Meryl, and there’s
everyone else.” Walken recalled their work together in The Deer Hunter, which earned the actress an Academy Award nomination. And DeNiro joked that since leaving Creative Artist Agency, no one would return his calls.

The over-the-top tribute featured a montage of Streep’s career. Featured films included Kramer vs. Kramer, The Seduction of Joe Tynan, Sophie’s
Choice, the updated Manchurian Candidate, and The Devil Wears Prada. |As the montage came to a close, Streep’s infinite variety was taken to yet
another level. The crowd was graced with a brief excerpt of Streep singing “The Winner Takes It All,” from the soon-to-be-released movie version
of Mamma Mia!

The audience’s anticipation was finally eased as the actress, who was greeted by a standing ovation, took the stage. “I was really dreading this for so many reasons—the dress, the speech, seeing the relatives...” After thanking her husband of 30 years, Don Gummer, and their four daughters, she said, “I’m trying not to be here tonight, to be Meryl Streep.” She then got goofy and said of her dress, “I got it at the mall in Short Hills. I don’t live in New Jersey, but a friend bought it for me.”

As she walked offstage, Streep removed her five-inch snakeskin heels and strolled off barefooted, shoes in hand as if on a beach. She looked so natural and elegant, opting to accessorize with only her wedding ring and small earrings. Her navy cocktail dress was a bit snug—she kept fussing with it as if she wanted to get out of her clothes. The very natural superstar was so taken by the love and attention of so many. She was humbly overwhelmed with emotion.