Theron collects her Hasty Pudding
Actress Charlize Theron picked up her Hasty Pudding woman of the year award in the US by wooing someone dressed up in an elephant suit.
"I hope you know I'm a high school drop-out," the Oscar-winning star told her audience at Harvard University.
The quirky prize is given annually by the institution's drama company to actors who make a lasting contribution to entertainment.
Christopher Walken will be awarded the man of the year award on 15 February.
Versatile performer
Theron, 32, talked about one of her latest projects, a film written and directed by long-time partner Stuart Townsend.
"It's really impressive when you're dating somebody for eight years, then all of a sudden they do something you never thought they could do, and then they do it really well.
"He's a really talented writer and director. I really loved working with him," she added.
Theron won an Oscar for best actress for her role as a serial killer in 2003's Monster.
"She's done so many different projects, she has such a range, she's someone we can look up to," said Talisa Friedman, spokeswoman for Hasty Pudding.
Established in 1951, the woman of the year award has been granted to a host of actresses, including Meryl Streep, Katharine Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster, Meg Ryan, Halle Berry, and, most recently, Scarlett Johansson.
BBC
