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Julie Andrews, 86, epitome of style in rare red carpet appearance as career honoured

Watch: Julie Andrews recalls illustrious Hollywood career

Julie Andrews was the star of the show as she attended the 48th AFI (American Film Institute) Life Achievement Award Gala.

The icon, 86, looked a vision of elegance at the event dedicated to awarding her with the 'highest honour in American cinema', joined by other stars including Gwen Stefani, Fran Drescher and Jane Seymour.

Practically perfect in every way, Dame Andrews wore a floor-length navy blue gown, with a square neckline adorned in pearls and diamonds, complete with sheer bell sleeves.

The ensemble was accessorised with equally as dazzling diamond-encrusted earrings, in a swirl shape design.

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Honoree Julie Andrews attends the 48th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Julie Andrews at Dolby Theatre on June 09, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TNT)
Julie Andrews became a Dame in 2000 by the Queen for her services to the performing arts. (Getty Images for TNT)

It was first revealed the Mary Poppins and Sound of Music star would be celebrated with the Life Achievement Award in 2019, due to be honoured in 2020, and then 2021. But as a result of Covid-19, it is now only three years later that she has finally received the promised award at the Dolby Theatre in LA on 9 June 2022.

"I'm enormously honoured that AFI chose me," the actor, singer, author and podcast host told Los Angeles Times.

"It is a little bit stunning. It makes me hugely aware that there was a large volume of work. When you're in it, you're so busy doing the work that you don't take stock of what you've done.

"And when someone else does, you marvel: 'Wow, that's a lot."

Andrews has had three Oscar nominations during her career, including for The Sound of Music, and winning for Mary Poppins. She has also won multiple Golden Globes, Emmys, BAFTAs and Grammys over the years.

The AFI event marks a rare public appearance for Andrews who is "still pretty much isolated" following the pandemic. "My age, my preference," she said.

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Carol Burnett presents Julie Andrews with her award during the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 9, 2022. REUTERS/Phil McCarten
Carol Burnett presents Julie Andrews with her very special award. (REUTERS)

On attending the Gala, she added, "It is a big fundraiser and it’s lovely to be part of that.

“I have no idea what they have planned, but I do know a few people who will be there. My great chum Carol Burnett will be doing something so I’m looking forward to that. I’m a bit worried because COVID is surging again, but I know AFI is taking all the precautions.”

Andrews and fellow star Burnett, the 89-year-old comedian, actor, singer and writer, were indeed seen together at the event, with her 'great chum' presenting her with the special award, the pair embracing on stage.

But Burnett wasn't the only one to make Andrews' evening, with five of the seven actors who played the von Trapp children in the 1965 musical reuniting to show their support.

Some 57 years later, Duane Chase, 71 (who played Kurt), Kym Karath, 63 (Gretl), Angela Cartwright, 69, (Brigitta), Debbie Turner, 65, (Marta) and Nicholas Hammond, 72 (Friedrich) all came together, co-ordinating their clothes in black and white.

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Duane Chase, Kym Karath, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Nicholas Hammond attend the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute celebrating Julie Andrews at Dolby Theatre on June 09, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
The von Trapp children: Duane Chase, Kym Karath, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Nicholas Hammond. (Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Meanwhile, Gwen Stefani wore a voluminous ombre dress with a dramatic frilled skirt. She arrived on the red carpet with her husband Blake Shelton.

Gwen Stefani attends the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute celebrating Julie Andrews at Dolby Theatre on June 09, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Gwen Stefani celebrates Julie Andrews at Dolby Theatre in LA. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)