AMAL Clooney has paid unprecedented public tribute to her movie star husband George Clooney, calling him a gentleman, an amazing husband and father and the love of her life.
The human rights lawyer was addressing a star-studded lifetime achievement award ceremony on Thursday in Hollywood for the Ocean's Eleven star.
But she said it was easier for her "to address a court on behalf of detainees than to speak publicly, as I am doing for the first time tonight, about my husband."
"I met George when I was 35 and starting to become quite resigned to the idea that I would be a spinster. Then we met," Amal Clooney told the audience, packed with friends and A-list stars like Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Aniston, model Cindy Crawford and Diane Keaton.
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READ NOW"Five years later, he is the person who has my complete admiration and also the person whose smile makes me melt every time," she added.
Despite being one of the most celebrated couples in Hollywood after their 2014 marriage and the birth of twins a year ago, Amal and George Clooney rarely speak of their private life.
On Thursday, Clooney was the centre of attention as an American Film Institute lifetime honoree.
Friends ranging from former US President Barack Obama to Julia Roberts and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel spoke of his wit, charm, generosity and work for causes including refugees in the Darfur region of Sudan and victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
"He always looks better than me, does the whole grey hair thing better than me, may be more debonair than me," joked Obama, appearing by video.
"He is a good man, a good friend, a good citizen, and an outstanding maker of films."
Clooney, 57, a producer, director, actor and double Oscar winner, made his name on the 1990s medical TV series ER, before starring in movies ranging from comedies to thrillers and serious political dramas including Up in the Air, Syriana and Three Kings.
Julianna Margulies, his love interest on ER, called him "the most genuine, most stellar human being and friend."
"And yes, he is a good kisser. Sorry!," she added.
Clooney said that before meeting Amal he didn't believe he could "have it all."
"I love this industry," he said, before signing off using the title of his 2005 journalism movie. "Good night, and good luck."