Leonardo DiCaprio pays tribute to parents

Los Angeles: Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio paid tribute to his parents as he collected the Actors Inspiration Award at a movie industry gala.

The 40-year-old actor was feted at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation's 30th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles, where he received a top honour for his movie work and philanthropic efforts, reported Vanity Fair.

"I was blessed with two incredibly supportive parents who listened to the harassment of their overly assertive son and drove him to auditions after school even though they had very little time for it," he said.

"I'm going to take one moment here, because this isn't nationally televised, to embarrass both of them, but they're sitting here tonight.

"Mom, Irmelin, George, I would not be receiving this award and I would not be the actor that I am or be able to do any ofthe philanthropy that this job has given me the opportunity to have, and I wouldn't be the person I am without the both of you, so thank you."