On stage accepting her trophy, Bassett paid tribute to the 10 Black women who have won Academy Awards - naming each one - and said she hoped the film industry would provide more opportunities for people of color.

Writer, director and actor Brooks, now 97, began his career writing comedy routines for Sid Caesar's TV shows in the 1950s before making films such as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein."

The gala was attended by top stars including actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy and Margot Robbie, who all feature in films hoping to win accolades in March's ceremony.

The honorers were selected by the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the organization that will hand out this year's Oscars in March.

Film editor Carol Littleton and Sundance Institute director Michelle Satter were also presented with honorary awards.