Meryl Streep introduces Shirley and presents her with AFI's 40 Life Achievement

"Everything on Shirley turns up..." Meryl recalls working with Shirley and watching her on stage before presenting the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award to her. It's followed by Shirley's acceptance speech and tribute to the women at her table, the women in her life, her male co-stars, and her brother and parents.

[@LoveABun]

What an outstanding introduction. And ALL true. Oh, how I love Shirley! Even when giving an award acceptance speech, she gives her audience a very powerful performance-all from the heart. Look at the reactions from her fellow actors as she speaks; they are in awe of her! Many of the women are teary-eyed. It’s not often that you see a Hollywood actress show such deep emotion for another female actress. And Jack Nicholson sits there with his mouth open, taking in her every word. Steven Spielberg is listening intensely and pondering Shirley’s message. It’s just so obvious they have *tremendous* respect for her. As it should be. She is an intelligent and fascinating, fascinating woman and human being. I wish she could live forever.

[@charliechilders6630]

For a 86-year-old woman, it's very difficult to see and believe that she still has all of her beauty! Her mind and speech both are still pristine. I have always loved this woman and all of her many movies, stage and and TV appearances. I have not seen or read any of her books. May God bless this lady who has always been totally honest direct about any and everything! 🤗

[@eriklf64]

Shirley is one of the greatest actresses thaT ever lived. We should never forget her! When Meryl said her name, I had tears.... Real tears.

[@stephenfermoyle1498]

the two of them together in POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE AMAZING

[@jmartin4204]

Glad I am a fan of Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep . Think I was in the US when this happened , one of the greatest talents both of them

[@lilytony3299]

I just love when Julia laughs so loud

[@cre8magic253]

Shirley MacLaine. What a star!

[@rmac1042]

Brilliant and profound speech!

[@Thadmotor1044]

What strength in Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolias . She teaches us how to act in Life !

[@mrlij6534]

always love shirleys speeches

[@joanie3452]

The Apartment and the film with Audrey Hepburn and Steel Magnolias are my favourite films of Shirley Maclaine.

[@mrqs1549]

Some very talented ladies!

[@rbeygarcia]

2022, and we STILL long for her onscreen presence. I’ve been biting my nails about whether she’ll cameo on Downton Abbey 2. If she does, production will keep it tightly under their hats. Until the film premieres, we must marinate in anticipation. She’s still very much wanted in Hollywood. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer gal. See you at the movies, Ms. MacLaine.

[@bryanismyname7583]

It's fun to hear her directly acknowledge her brother Warren. They are hardly ever seen in public together and have never worked together.

[@donnagnazzo5212]

We are all actresses and actors but as you see souls touching souls kindness is all that matters Shirley Maclaine is a powerful soul model for all woman

[@marleneengleman88]

I love you Shirley🌺😇😘 I see you everyday..the picture of you and myself,that my daughter took of us together😁 When you did the women's show in Denver..And she surprised me with this event on Mothers day😅 I look forward to be in your presence again Love to you.

[@riderskater7248]

Love love love Shirley McClaine. I too fell in love with Shirley watching the movie Irma la Douche. All Time Classic!

[@normadesmond6017]

Love Shirley's movies in the golden age of Hollywood. She was so unbelievable in the Appartment and yes, in Irma la Douce. Pure charm and charisma. She deserved this one.

[@waynej2608]

And, The Children's Hour. She and Audrey Hepburn were superb in that one. James Garner was excellent, too.

[@normadesmond6017]

@@waynej2608 Sure they were. And it's hard to find a bad movie with Audrey in it.... But now, in 2020, when you see Shirley Maclaine screaming that she feels so dirty because she loves the Audrey Hepburn charactre and in the end of the movie she's swinging from the balcony, it does hit you.

[@dracopticon7788]

"... I understand that we are basically attempting to preserve our imaginations against time." That was a real power word sentence. Wow, even in insights she's a real queen!

[@markleon411]

Ah, the nostalgia of movies.

[@jlkellen3519]

It's very nice to share appreciation for such a gifted entertainer and writer. Huge fan for life. Thank you, Shirley, for all the good times.

[@marilyncatalano6478]

I think "Some came running" was Shirlie's best movie!!! That's what I saw as a little girl and I thought she was the most beautiful star I'd ever seen. I didn't understand it then but I do now. Bless you Ms. Maclaine.💞💞

[@lm8982]

She was great in SCR--a great film, too!

[@YourJellyFishAteMyTV]

Brilliant speech, beautiful soul

[@melidoe452]

She’s been one of my hero’s since I was 10 I read one of her books then (and I learned more and more of everything) and all her movies have moved me!!

[@Thadmotor1044]

Fell in love with her in the Apartment , and still later in her shoes

[@scottbrandts610]

I wear this woman as a badge on my heart.

[@Nadia7474]

Love her, Love Meryl and love Jake Nicholson what a gentleman 🥰🥰🥰

[@sizerrul]

Beautiful. I'm smiling my way through the whole if this. Thanks for sharing

[@leocadiacanchogarcia9402]

GRACIAS ME ENCANTA SHIRLEY

[@etoneetone]

My Idol my sister the best spiritual truther actor ever 🎉❤🎉

[@ivanbrocko]

LEGEND. Just funny thing....she did POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE movie because of Meryl Streep, she wanted to work with her. She said.....YOU KNOW....MERYL, SHE IS SOMETHING ELSE.

[@kathleenfarris8710]

That blouse Meryl has on!

[@heidi.a.thomson]

I love Shirley MacLaine. Would love for her to be my mentor. :)

[@LovesMike33]

Beautiful. ❤❤❤❤ I love This.

[@simplypqz]

Woah Julia Roberts and Rachel sitting beside her, gorgeous.

[@tonitalas1757]

Simply the best, shirley McLain

[@floydbutler4241]

Love her

[@edithpalacio]

Shirley es divina

[@MattWeisherComposer]

Good god. I want to be best friends with Julia just for that laugh. Hahaha

[@TheTerryE]

Very richly deserved! But why did they have to interrupt with a commercial?????

[@PARADISE7670]

Adverts pay for the program.

[@ranlive1]

TheTerryE It’s called show BUSINESS.

[@lalionnecoulombe594]

waow my favorite!

[@zigzagz_8423]

I love you Shirley because of who you are 🍥🤺

[@jenielynmaealim6251]

i loved that julia roberts laughed so hard

[@TheCaithleen]

Well said girly

[@eriklf64]

And when she kisses Jack... WOW

[@johns7868]

Was that Liz sitting w/ Jack Nicholson?

[@user-tm5in1gs4s]

🙂💐❤

[@normadesmond6017]

Isn't it sad that her only daughter is not with her on this one. I find it hard to sympathise with the children of famous people who feel it necessary to fight out their fights with their mothers and fathers in books. Why not do it face to face, without making money out of it? But this is a very deserved award, Shirley, for sure. Whatever you are or weren't in your private life, you are one hell of an entertainer.

[@joed180]

You cannot know their story. Nobody has any idea what happens behind closed doors.

[@normadesmond6017]

@@joed180 no. but for me they should fight it out behind closed doors. No writing a book and making money. That would have been the more decent thing to do.

[@alicat1564]

Love Shirley McLain ...love steel magnolias ....however Meryl Streep’s dress left something to be desired

[@rrubio6660]

That is all you got out of this very beautiful, personal tribute???!!!

[@ruthiehensh]

Why were Melanie Griffith and Jennifer Aniston on the table with her?

[@lisadiconti]

I think they worked with her at one point.

[@ruthiehensh]

@@lisadiconti I thought that too but to the point of being at the table with her?

[@lisadiconti]

@@ruthiehensh I don't know. She paid tribute to them during her speech so maybe she wanted to sit with women whom she had worked with and whom she knew well. Her speech seemed to be all about paying tribute to the "feminine".

[@djtexas4993]

@@ruthiehensh Ladies she’s worked with and wanted with her obviously. several from steel magnolias at the table - Julia, Sally, and more, like Jennifer, etc. and Meryl’s seat would have been appropriately next to Shirley’s I think. It was empty while she was on stage.

[@barbarabrennan1753]

Best role Phyllis Rex. Whats bad is when all these people start controlling someones life to the point that life gets extinguished. And doesnt grow beyond what they allow. They exist because of the freedom their wealth gives them. When to pick and choose to show up or even replace themselves with dopplegangers.

[@gregoryc1500]

sad, her daughter was not there

[@haneefakarrim3689]

How dare she talk about the mother and what her mother gave her when she gave so little to her own daughter.

[@bingovegas4867]

What no daughter? In the audience? Not there at all??? You know the daughter who as a child you put on a plane by herself at Christmas because you had a career that came first. Your little girl was shipped off to stay with friends. FACT.

[@Thebraids]

Irma la douche 😂

[@Buckleigh]

WTF is Jennifer 'NoTalent' Anniston doing there???

[@djmotise]

Ugh. Could the music be any more cheesy?

[@su-rv2uq]

Not a huge fan of Shirley Maclaine. Meryl Streep....always!!!!!!!!!

[@TheHoopyscoopy]

Blah blah blah, Shirley... Where were you when your own DAUGHTER needed you? Talk is cheap. Smoke on that.

[@kathradz2248]

That’s right.....talk is cheap. That’s why you are flapping your mouth.

[@peterdurkin8980]

Nope this all wrong she has campaigned for this for years. Not afi material sorry

[@richardscott4318]

Why is jennifer aniston there? I mean, aside from making a few forgettable films, all she's known for is an overrated, cornball tv show and being the former wife of an equally overrated film star. Her time has come and gone. She just does not belong at an event surrounded by legendary movie stars. I mean, seriously.

[@annlanders978]

I totally agree.

[@joed180]

Are you *really* that invested?

[@djtexas4993]

Lol there’s a lot more to J Aniston than maybe you’ve picked up on. Her time has definitely not “gone”. But you’re welcome to your views!

[@maryanng6841]

Meryl Streep annoys me. Just saying........

[@richardscott4318]

Your comment annoys me. Just saying...

[@arthurfleck816]

richard scott I 2nd that!

[@MicheleMJJ]

Just sayin' who cares?

[@TheHoopyscoopy]

I've never liked or trusted Meryl. She has shifty eyes and that wispy tone in her voice makes me wince. All the rest in this audience like sally field make me wanna kick their self-important pompous ass but hey i'm a tad tipsy right now, speaking for the everyman.

[@pawdaw]

she speaks highly of you

[@TheHoopyscoopy]

??

[@kathradz2248]

Oh my God how ok’d are you??????

[@kathradz2248]

You aren’t speaking for ME...that’s for sure....worry about your drinking problem instead of the lives of actresses.

[@TheHoopyscoopy]

Are you in that special California Club of robots that are jealous of my insight and beauty? It's a big club.

[@johnmackenzie2862]

A total fake.