Tom Hanks made an emotional acceptance speech after being awarded the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Cecil B DeMille Award for his impact on the film industry.

The DeMille award is reserved for an individual who has made a lasting impression on the film industry. Recipients are decided by the HFPA’s board of directors, and past honorees include the late Robin Williams, Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Steven Spielberg and Sidney Poitier.

Hanks was introduced by Charlize Theron, who starred in the Hanks-directed movie That Thing You Do.

“While Tom does give us the chance to see ourselves on screen, he also presents a vision of who we could be,” she began.

“He stands for all the qualities we aspire to, both onscreen and off. He gives us enough laughter to weather our storms.”

Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Show all 82 1 /82 Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Charlize Theron Bombshell star Charlize Theron ditched her normally minimalist wardrobe by walking the red carpet wearing a green gown with a contrasting black corset designed by Dior. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Billy Porter Billy Porter attended the Golden Globes wearing a custom white tuxedo jacket that featured a dramatic feather train designed by Alex Vinash. Porter paired the look with a white button-down shirt, white trousers, custom Jimmy Choo boots and a Tiffany & Co. necklace. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Jennifer Lopez Hustlers star Jennifer Lopez. made a grand entrance wearing a Valentino ballgown that featured an oversized gold and emerald green bow on the bodice. The actor paired the dress with more than 145 carats of Harry Winston Colombian emeralds and diamonds. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Priyanka Chopra Jonas Priyanka Chopra Jonas attended the event wearing a bubblegum pink gown by Cristina Ottaviano that featured an off-the-shoulder neckline. The actor finished her look with a diamond necklace and her hair styled in glamorous waves. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Olivia Colman The Crown star Olivia Colman arrived at the awards show wearing a bold red dress designed by Emilia Wickstead which featured dramatic, oversized sleeves. She accessorised the look with a gold clutch bag by Valextra. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Taylor Swift Cats star Taylor Swift stood out among a sea of monochrome looks in an Etro navy and yellow silk floral ball gown with a keyhole cut-out. The dress also featured an open back and a long train. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Jennifer Aniston The Morning Show star Jennifer Aniston opted for her signature hue in a black strapless Dior Haute Couture ballgown with a ruffled neckline. The actor accessorised the look with Fred Leighton jewels. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Reese Witherspoon Reese Witherspoon opted for a white one-shoulder column gown designed by Roland Mouret for the Golden Globes 2020 which featured ruffled detailing. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Lucy Boynton Lucy Boynton shone on the red carpet in a metallic silver high-neck pleated gown designed by Louis Vuitton. The silver metallic gown required “15 meters of velvet” and was “specially interwoven with silk and Lurex yarn,” according to the brand. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Leonardo DiCaprio Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio stuck to tradition at the 77th Golden Globes wearing a black trouser suit by Giorgio Armani, a white shirt and bow tie. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett walked the red carpet wearing a pleated yellow gown by Mary Katrantzou which featured rounded puff sleeves and a jewelled harness-style cutout bodice. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Scarlett Johansson Marriage Story star Scarlett Johansson brought Old Hollywood glamour to the red carpet on Sunday night, wearing a strapless red ballgown designed by Vera Wang that featured a sweetheart-style neckline and dramatic train. The star accessorised the look with 120 carats worth of Bulgari jewels. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Phoebe Waller-Bridge Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge walked the carpet wearing a two-piece suit designed by Ralph & Russo and Christian Louboutin pumps. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Renée Zellweger Judy star Renée Zellweger opted for a powder-blue custom Armani Privé strapless gown with crysta piping and a thigh-high slit. She paired the dress with with satin Jimmy Choo pumps. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Nicole Kidman Nicole Kidman joined a handful of stars who opted to wear scarlet red to the Golden Globes with a strapless gown that featured a dramatic train and thigh-slit. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Gwyneth Paltrow Politician star Gwyneth Paltrow chose a sheer, caramel Fendi gown which featured ruching, a built-in bralette and tiered skirt for the event. The actor accessorised the look with two diamond Bulgari necklaces, diamond drop earrings and rings, which totalled almost 100 carats of diamonds. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Margot Robbie Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood star Margot Robbie looked chic in a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an. embroidered bustier top and a long skirt in ivory satin crepe. The actor paired the ensemble with Chanel jewellery. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Jodie Comer Killing Eve star Jodie Comer chose an emerald green A-line gown with ruffled, puff sleeves designed by Mary Katrantzou. The actor paired the dress with a feathery yellow clutch and hot pink sandals. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Andrew Scott Fleabag star Andrew Scott stood out in a cream suit jacket with white shirt, gold bow tie and black trousers worn with Christian Louboutin dress shoes. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Saoirse Ronan Saoirse Ronan arrived at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards wearing a floor-length metallic gown designed by Celine that featured delicate straps, a cowl neckline and thigh-high split. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Beanie Feldstein Booksmar star Beanie Feldstein paired her shimmery navy Oscar de la Renta gown with a matching braided headband and floral earrings. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Helen Mirren Helen Mirren wore a deep red, off-the-shoulder dress by Dior that made the actor twirl on the red carpet. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Kerry Washington Kerry Washington wore a black Altuzarra blazer with nothing underneath other than a metallic body chain. She paired the top with a high-slit skirt and Magda Butrym heels. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Zoe Kravitz Zoe Kravitz wore a black and white Saint Laurent dotted dress that featured an off-the-shoulder ruffled top and a high-waisted column skirt. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Kirsten Dunst Kirsten Dunst chose a pastel pink dress designed by Rodarte for the event which featured a drop waist and floral details. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Rami Malek Rami Malek attended the Golden Globes 2020 wearing in a black Saint Laurent suit with skinny trousers and a matching tie. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Cynthia Erivo Harriet star Cynthia Erivo opted for a sequin-covered black dress by Thom Browne that featured a white off-the-shoulder neckline. The actor accessorised the look with a pearl necklace and pointed black heels. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Gillian Anderson Sex Education star Gillian Anderson opted for a white column gown that featured a twisted bow neckline detail and one-shoulder. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Little Women director Greta Gerwig opted for a sleek off-the-shoulder dress by Proenza Schouler that featured embellished details down the sides, while Noah Baumbach sported a traditional tuxedo suit. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Rooney Mara Rooney Mara wore a black gown that featured a plunging lace V-neck bodice and tiered skirt. The actor finished the look with a beaded headpiece. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Dakota Fanning Dakota Fanning opted for a lavender tulle dress designed by Dior which featured an empire waist and puffed sleeves. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Naomi Watts Naomi Watts attended the 77th annual awards ceremony wearing a black halter gown that was covered in sequins designed by Armani Privé. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Joaquin Phoenix Joker star Joaquin Phoenix wore a black Stella McCartney suit to the 77th Golden Globes. The actor accessorised the look with a black bow tie and sunglasses. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Tiffany Haddish Actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish chose a pink full-length gown designed by Galia Lahav for the Golden Globes. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Christina Applegate Dead To Me star Christina Applegate arrived on the red carpet wearing a shimmering floor-length gown that featured a plunging neckline and long sleeves. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Winnie Harlow Supermodel Winnie Harlow walked the red carpet wearing a shimmering black camisole dress designed by Laquan Smith that featured a thigh-high slit. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Brad Pitt Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood star Brad Pitt opted for a classic trouser suit designed by Brioni. He completed the ensemble with a white shirt, black bow tie and coordinating dress. shoes. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Busy Philipps Busy Philipps attended the 77th Golden Globes wearing a sparkly deep red gown that featured a thigh-high slit and a matching clutch and earrings. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Shailene Woodley Shailene Woodley attended the event wearing a shimmering blue and black halter gown with dramatic thigh-high slit, which she paired with black high heels. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Michelle Williams Michelle Williams wore an elegant peach column gown by Louis Vuitton that featured contrast blue bow strap detailing. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Zoey Deutch Zoey Deutch opted for a Gen-Z Yellow jumpsuit designed by Fendi Couture which featured a deep V-neck and billowing sleeves. The actor paried the look with more than 110 carats worth of Harry Winston jewels. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa Aquaman actor Jason Momoa wore a green velvet Tom Ford blazer, paired with black Valentino trousers, and a green necklace to the event. Meanwhile, Momoa's wife Lisa Bonet wore a floral Fendi Couture dress. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Joanne Tucker and Adam Driver Marriage Story actor Adam Driver attended the event alongside his wife, Joanne Tucker, wearing a classic black tuxedo suit. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Bel Powley Actor Bel Powley opted for a cornflower blue gown with a deep-v neckline, ruffle trim, and exaggerated sleeves. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Natasha Lyonne For the 77th Golden Globes Awards, actor Natasha Lyonne wore a black gown with a sequinned bow at the shoulder. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Michelle Pfeiffer Michelle Pfeiffer chose a sleek black floor-length dress for the event, which featured a metallic top and bow detailing at the waist. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres twinned at the 77th Golden Globes in trouser suits designed by Celine. While Degeneres paired her navy version with a black shirt, de Rossi opted for a a white button-down top and a skinny black tie. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Sienna Miller Sienna Miller attended the event wearing a two-tone yellow silk gown designed by Gucci. The dress featured a bandeau-style top and halter fastening. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Kate McKinnon Comedian Kate McKinnon attended the Golden Globes 2020 wearing a black trouser suit that featured glitter embroidery. She completed the ensemble with black pointy-toe heels and statement earrings. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Amy Poehler Actor and comedian Amy Poehler opted for a forest green sequinned dress which featured a wide waist belt and gold buckle. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Sibley Scoles Sibley Scoles wore a disco-ready trouser suit to the Golden Globes, which was made from black and silver sequins. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Laura Dern Marriage Story star Laura Dern wore a sheer, embroidered Saint Laurent plunging maxi gown to the 77th Golden Globes. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Joey King The Act star Joey King wore a dress that resembled wearable art designed by Iris van Herpen. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Kaitlyn Dever Booksmart and Unbelievable star Kaitlyn Dever kicked off the 2020 awards season with a dramatic floral gown by Valentino Couture that featured puffed sleeves and an A-line skirt. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher attended the Golden Globes wearing contrasting and colourful outfits. While Fischer opted for a magenta pink off-the-shoulder gown, Baron Cohen chose a royal blue trouser suit. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Rachel Weisz Actor Rachel Weisz opted for a timeless look with a strapless black gown that featured a white accent at the neckline. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Tom Hanks Tom Hanks, who received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes, chose a black trouser suit with a white button-up shirt and black bow tie. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Margaret Qualley Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood star Margaret Qualley opted for a simple black strapless gown designed by Chanel which featured a single white flower attached to the bodice. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Wesley Snipes Actor Wesley Snipes stood out among the crowd of black trouser suits by wearing a deep red tuxedo and pink ruffled shirt. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Kit Harington and Rose Leslie Couple and Game of Thrones co-stars Kit Harington and Rose Leslie walked the Golden Globes red carpet together. While Harington wore an all-black ensemble, Leslie opted for a glittering green gown that featured a square neckline and sheer sleeves. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Renee Bargh Presenter Renee Bargh wore a white one-shoulder gown by Toni Maticevski, complete with a long cape that flowed behind. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin Anna Paquin attended the event wearing a multicoloured floral midi gown designed by Dior. The actor's husband and True Blood co-star chose a black trouser suit with a bow tie. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Lauren Graham Parenthood star Lauren Graham walked the red carpet wearing a belted one shoulder Azzi & Osta gown, Miu Miu heels, a Stuart Weitzman clutch and jewels by Le Vian, Kallati and Hearts on Fire. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Glenn Close Glenn Close chose a floor-length velvet gown that featured a tuxedo top for the Golden Globes. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Taika Waititi Director Taika Waititi opted for a monochrome outfit consisting of a white evening jacket, black trousers and shirt. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Jane Levy Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlis star Jane Levy wore a strapless floor-length dress in soft pink with red detailing that continued with a box clutch bag and the actor's beauty look. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Karamo Brown Queer Eye star Karamo Brown wore a custom Grayscale black on black double breasted silk brocade tuxedo suit to the event. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Thomasin McKenzie Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie attended the Golden Globes dressed in a tiered blue Valentino gown with Cartier jewelry, and a Roger Vivier bag and shoes. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Da'Vine Joy Randolph Dolemite Is My Name actor Da'Vine Joy Randolph walked the red carpet wearing a fuchsia pink dress with a sweetheart neckline and thigh-high slit. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Sofia Carson Disney star Sofia Carson wore a cotton candy-inspired dress that consisted of layers of frilly pink tulle. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Zhao Shuzhen The Farewell star Zhao Shuzhen wore a scarlet red dress that featured a high neckline and batwing sleeves. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Ana de Armas Actor Ana de Armas attended her first Golden Globes wearing a midnight blue strapless sequin ballgown designed by Ralph & Russo and matching blue jewels from Tiffany & Co. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Elton John and David Furnish Elton John attended the Golden Globes alongside his husband David Furnish. The singer donned a Rocketman badge on the lapel of his black tuxedo jacket, while Furnish opted for an intricately embroidered jacket featuring a floral design. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Ryan Seacrest TV host Ryan Seacrest, who spoke to A-listers as they arrived on the red carpet, wore a green velvet tuxedo jacket with a white shirt and bow tie. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Erin Lim E! host Erin Lim opted for a nude-coloured sparkly mini dress with a sheer skirt and Lark & Berry jewellery. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Nina Parker Actor Nina Parker wore a statement gold sequinned gown that featured long sleeves and a cowl neck. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Salma Hayek Salma Hayek arrived on the Golden Globes red carpet wearing a Gucci gown that featured a low-cut blue bodice and satin cream skirt. Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Rachel Brosnahan The Marvelous Mrs Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan chose a plunging aubergine sequinned gown by Michael Kors for the ceremony. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Sofia Vergara Sofia Vergara chose a merlot-coloured strapless gown by Dolce & Gabbana with metallic embellishment details for the event. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Kristin Cavallari Reality star Kristin Cavallari opted for a cutout dress with a white skirt and strapless, sequin-covered pink top. She accessorised the look with drop earrings by Martin Katz. AFP via Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Karen Pittman The Morning Show star Karen Pittman attended the ceremony wearing a multi-coloured feather gown. Getty Images Golden Globes 2020: The best-dressed guests Jeannie Mai TV host Jeannie Mai opted for separates at the Golden Globes, wearing a white embellished top and coordinating wide-leg trousers. AFP via Getty Images

A montage of Hanks clips was then shown, from films such as The Love Boat and to Oscar-winners such as Forrest Gump and Philadelphia.

Hanks began his speech by making a self-deprecating comment about his work: “Most of the people in this room, I would pay to see them get their cars washed. But how many people in this room have a clip package that includes The Love Boat?”

He paid tribute to the directors of his films: “I have never not been challenged or flummoxed or lost sleep because of the work of the directors that I’ve worked with, every single one of them, Steven [Spielberg] and Ron [Howard], Paul [Greengrass], Bob [Zemeckis], Clint [Eastwood] and every one of those guys at some point or another came up to me in the course of a day and said, tomorrow, if you don’t do your job really well, we don’t have a movie.”

There were two particularly emotional moments – one where Hanks thanked those who had helped him in his career, where he blamed his state on a recent cold, and another where he thanked his family.

“I can’t tell you how much your love means to me,” he told his wife, Rita Wilson, and children who were sitting at a table near the stage.

“There is a saying in motion pictures, back when it was shot on film, that you could not move on to the next scene until the gate was good,” he said, closing his speech. “Thank you all here, thank you all for all your inspiration and all of your work and all of the struggle that you guys all go through in order to hit the marks and, I have checked the gate. The gate is good. Thank you.”