Susan Sarandon broke down in tears as she dedicated an award to late writer/director Nora Ephron at a film festival in the Czech Republic on Saturday night.

The Thelma & Louise star received a lifetime achievement prize at the 47th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and when she took to the stage, she used her acceptance speech to remember her friend Ephron, who died of cancer last month.

Sarandon struggled to fight back tears as she told the audience, "I dedicate this to Nora Ephron. My friend and a wonderful director and writer."

The moving speech won her a standing ovation.

British actress Helen Mirren received an award at the festival last week and she also paid tribute to the Sleepless in Seattle moviemaker, urging more female directors to follow in Ephron's footsteps.