Charlize Theron has been hailed an inspiration for gay and lesbian people in America, scooping a top award in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The actress was honoured with the prestigious Vanguard Award at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) 17th annual media awards ceremony.

The 30-year-old, who won an Oscar in 2003 for her portrayal of lesbian serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, was presented the gong for increasing "visibility and understanding in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community".