Robert Redford has been presented with a film gong – by Barbra Streisand.

The legendary movie star was honoured at the Film Society of Lincoln Centre Chaplin Awards as his wife, three children, their spouses and lots of grandchildren looked on.

“We don’t come together that easy,” the actor, 78, said.

Robert Redford
Robert Redford (Evan Agostini/AP)

“It’s the only time I can get everybody together.

“All of them coming here was a shock, but a wonderful shock.”

The actor said that the Manhattan ceremony – where the gong was presented by his The Way We Were co-star Barbra and guests included Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss, had a special meaning to him.

Elisabeth Moss
Elisabeth Moss (Evan Agostini/AP)

“I think it has a lot to do with the fact that this is where my career started, in New York City — in the theatre — and because that’s the root of my beginnings,” he said.

The Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid star said that his family affair will continue next month, when he’ll give the commencement address at a grandson’s graduation at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

“I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “I’m mostly looking forward to him graduating because I didn’t graduate from anything.”