Washington, October 29 : Angelina Jolie left the crowd gasping at the Hollywood Film Festival Awards Gala with her surprise arrival to honour director Clint Eastwood.

The stunning actress presented the Oscar-winning director with the ‘Director of the Year’ trophy for ‘The Changeling’, which saw her in the lead role.

The mum-of-six, who recently returned from her philanthropic trip to Afghanistan, told the audience that Eastwood was an icon to many while being an inspiring leader at the same time.

"There are some people in this business that are icons, and we often wonder if, when we meet them, they''ll live up to what we imagine them to be," People magazine quoted the mum-of six as saying.

She said: "And Clint Eastwood in person is even better."

"He is a great leader. And I certainly would follow him anywhere." (ANI)