Fans of the Bourne films are not the only ones who love Matt Damon. American Cinematheque rate him so much, they gave the star their top acting honour.

The 39-year-old was presented with the accolade by his good friend Ben Affleck. The pair won the Academy Award for best screenplay in 1998 for Good Will Hunting.

Damon is the 24th star to land American Cinematheque's award. He follows in the footsteps of Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson and he joked that it now puts him in the same league as his Oceans co-star George Clooney.

"Anytime I'm in Clooney's company it makes me a little nervous. But the other guys, that's great."

Charlize Theron, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman and Harvey Weinstein were among the other big names who turned up to salute the actor.

Filmmaker Weinstein explained the key to Damon's success: "He can do anything. You watch The Informant. You watch Talented Mr. Ripley. You watch The Bourne Identity. Green Zone. I mean, what can't this guy do?"