Stars salute Meryl Streep

Robert De Niro plays comedian at gala

By ADDIE MORFOOT

Uma Thurman and Robert Redford join Meryl Streep backstage with her award at Avery Fisher Hall on Monday.

Director Mike Nichols gives Meryl Streep a thumbs up.

Meryl Streep's daughter and actress Mamie Gummer helps laud mom.

Robert De Niro took on the unexpected role of comedian at the Film Society of Lincoln Center tribute to Meryl Streep, held Monday at Avery Fisher Hall.

During his speech, De Niro joked about having no anecdotes to tell about Streep: "I made a few calls to see if anyone had Meryl stories I could borrow. I even offered to trade a few Barbra Streisand stories." He also touched on his recent split from the Creative Artists Agency: "I would like to be in another movie with her, (but) Meryl, your agent isn't returning my call. They warned me that there would be consequences for leaving CAA."

Robert Redford, Mike Nichols, Christopher Walken and Amy Adams were among the celebs who saluted the actress after various clips from Streep's film repertoire were shown.

Before hitting the gala's post-tribute banquet, the actress admitted to the aud that she "was really dreading this night for so many reasons -- the dress, the speech, seating the relatives with the stars. So many minefields and more to come with dinner."