Will Smith was hailed as a "champion of diversity" as he was honoured at the MTV Movie Awards.
The actor received the Generation Award recognising his film career after starring in blockbusters ranging from Independence Day and Men In Black to Muhammed Ali biopic Ali and I Am Legend.
Smith, who was joined at the ceremony with sons Jaden and Trey, joked that he thought the award was "code for the old-ass dude award".
"This is absolutely beautiful," he said.
"I released my first record when I was 17. I'm 47 years old now. This June marks 30 years in this business.
"I'm dedicated to being a light in this world."
Smith was presented with his award by Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry.
She said: "Will is a champion of diversity in Hollywood, blazing a path for actors by showing that someone of any colour can play any role, and can open any movie and win any award and be the biggest freaking movie star in the whole world."
Actress Queen Latifah also paid tribute to Smith and described him as the "king of all blockbusters".
"There isn't a nicer, generous, more thoughtful man in town," she said.
"We love every single thing about you Will Smith."
Daisy Ridley beat her British co-star John Boyega to win the breakthrough performance award for her role as Rey in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.