Tom Cruise received the Friars Club Entertainment Icon Award in New York last night

Alec Baldwin hosted the ceremony while friends and former co-stars including Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kevin Pollak paid tribute to the star.

However, there was a sombre mood to the occasion when it was revealed that Friars Club Abbot Jerry Lewis was rushed to hospital just before he was due on stage to present Tom with his award.

The 86-year-old entertainer - who was due to be honoured with the Applause Award - collapsed with low blood sugar just before he was to take the stage at the star-studded gala.

During his acceptance speech, Tom - who attended with his son Connor and daughter Suri - told the crowd: "I am sorry Jerry couldn't be here tonight, but I know he is going to be fine."

It is believed Jerry was later released from hospital and was resting at a Manhattan hotel last night.

The Friars Club was founded in 1904 and along with providing a haven for some of the industry's most noteworthy figures, it also aims seeks to secure a future generation of performers and artists by granting a number of scholarships to students in the performing arts.