George Lucas honored at NAACP Image Awards

(CBS/AP) George Lucas was presented with the Vanguard Award at the NAACP Awards, after actor Samuel L. Jackson described the filmmaker as "the man, the myth, the legend."

The award is presented to an individual or group whose work increases understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. Lucas was honored for his body of work, including "Red Tails," which tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, several of whom were in the audience Friday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

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Lucas said he made the film to be inspirational, patriotic and to "show that everybody has contributed to building this country into what it is today."

In presenting the award, Jackson said he has always loved "Star Wars" and would have done anything to appear in an installment of the space story. He offered to be a Storm Trooper "and just run across the screen. Nobody even has to know I'm in it."

"Red Tails" stars Terrance Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. also spoke during the tribute to Lucas, and singers Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo performend "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

The 43rd NAACP Image Awards were handed out Friday at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.