Glenn Close has said receiving a career achievement award is a "big deal".

The five-time Oscar-nominated actress, who made her big screen debut 29 years ago, was honoured with the statuette at the 15th annual Hollywood Film Awards gala ceremony in Los Angeles.

"It means a great deal, you know. I'm in a profession where half the time or more than half the time, you don't know where your next job is coming from, so all of a sudden - it seems like after all this time - to be recognised for the sum of your choices is truly humbling." she said.

"I love being an actor, and being recognised for what you do is wonderful."

Glenn - who also received a lifetime achievement award from the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain - is highly tipped to be a leading contender for a best actress Oscar following her performance as a cross-dressing butler in Albert Nobbs.

The actress has spent decades bringing the film, which also stars Mia Wasikowska and Aaron Johnson, to the big screen.

"We felt when we finished the movie that we made a movie we were all proud of, and to have people responding to it, I can't tell you what it feels like, having carried it with me all these years," she said.

George Clooney, Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Felicity Jones, Shailene Woodley, Elle Fanning, Andrea Riseborough and the cast of The Help also received awards on the night.