New York, Sep 23 (IANS): Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who has worked with Martin Scorsese in films like "Gangs of New York" and "The Aviator", has praised the filmmaker by calling him his director and friend.

Scorsese became the seventh recipient of the Friars Club Entertainment Icon Award on Wednesday night here at Cipriani Wall Street, reports variety.com.

To witness the ceremony, Scorsese's closest friends -- Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Olivia Wilde, Sacha Baron Cohen, Juliette Lewis and Ellen Burstyn - were present.

All the guests gave speeches in which they shared their experience of working with Scorsese.

"I thank you for everything you've done for me and our craft. You are my director, my collaborator, my friend," DiCaprio said in his speech. 

"You are part of a community that spans continents and decades and I couldn't think of a better recipient of this honour," he added.

Other notable guests present included Ben Kingsley, Jerry Lewis, Jonah Hill, Regis Philbin, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Kat Graham.