Julia Roberts; George Clooney.Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty (2)

Julia Roberts, George Clooney

Julia Robertsis giving major kudos to her longtime friendGeorge Clooney.

The actress, 55, was on hand Sunday at the45th Annual Kennedy Center Honorsin Washington, D.C., where she took the stage — wearinga dress covered in photos of Clooney, 61 — to honor him.

“Not only is he handsome and talented in all mediums he chooses to tackle, he is profoundly present and attentive to the world around him,” Roberts said of herTicket to Paradisecostar. “He thinks so far outside of himself that, at times, it’s hard to imagine when he finds the time to rest.”

TheOscarwinner went on to say that Clooney’s “global interest in people should come as no surprise as he creates such a sense of community on a movie set, making everyone feel seen and heard.”

“Now maybe it is the small-town Southern girl in me that responds to the uniquely small-town Southern boy in him. And I’ve just always felt that I really see George and he really sees me,” Roberts added. “He is the best combination of gentleman and playmate.”

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Julia Roberts.Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

julia roberts

Matt Damonalso spoke on behalf of Clooney during the event, which honored him and four others for lifetime artistic achievements.

During his remarks, Damon, 52, joked abouthaving made “hits” and “bombs” with Clooney, and enjoying all the career ups and downs together. He also poked fun at Clooney’s “movie-star looks.”

“George, I know a lot of people think you have movie-star looks, but let’s be honest, it takes a village to style the star. PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive — I’ve been there, those experts can transform anyone,” said Damon, whowas 2007’s Sexiest Man Alive.

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In addition to Clooney, the evening also honoredAmy Grant,Gladys Knight, composer-conductor Tania León andU2.

“Growing up in a small town in Kentucky I could never have imagined that someday I’d be the one sitting in the balcony at the Kennedy Center Honors,” the Academy Award winner said, perABC News.

“To be mentioned in the same breath with the rest of these incredible artists is an honor. This is a genuinely exciting surprise for the whole Clooney family,” added Clooney, whose wife Amal Clooney and parentsNick Clooney and Nina Bruce Warrenwere also there to support him.

The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will air on CBS Dec. 28.

source: people.com