Robert De Niro, Usher honoured at Gordon Parks Gala

Los Angeles: Hollywood veteran Robert De Niro and singer Usher were honoured for their contribution to the arts at a charity gala in New York City.

De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower were both handed a prize during The Gordon Parks Foundation Gala at the Cipriani Wall Street venue in Manhattan, reported Vouge magazine.

The pair received the Gordon Parks Patron of the Arts Award, named in honour of the late photographer-turned-helmer, who directed groundbreaking movies including 1971's Shaft.

"Gordon Parks was an inspiration not only for his photography, not only for his importance to the Civil Rights Movement and not only for breaking down the doors of racism. He was a total artist. It's hard enough to do one thing well. Gordon Parks was able to master a number of disciplines. I am also trying to do that," De Niro, 71, said.

Usher was also feted at the gala, while guests including Janelle Monae and Whoopi Goldberg were treated to a performance by "Happy" hitmaker Pharrell Williams.

The event raised money for The Gordon Parks Foundation, a non-profit group set up to preserve the work of the pioneering photographer and director, who died in 2006.