DiCaprio slams lack of climate change debate during US election

Leonardo DiCaprio has criticised the lack of focus on climate change in the run-up the US presidential election at a politically charged film prize-giving ceremony.

The Hollywood star said it was "completely unacceptable" that the subject was not raised during the televised debates as he collected an award for his environmental documentary Before The Flood at the Hollywood film awards.

"Let's all use our power as citizens and do the right thing" he told the audience in a tacit message of support for Hillary Clinton.

"Please vote ... vote for people who believe in the science of climate change."

Clinton has made it clear that she will set "bold" goals to tackle global warming, while her rival Donald Trump has previously dismissed it as a "hoax" and has vowed to cut funding in the area.

Robert De Niro also used the event to campaign for Clinton as he urged Americans to "prevent a comedy from turning into a tragedy" when they vote.

Robert De Niro has previously spoken out against Donald Trump Credit: Reuters

He compared Mr Trump to the "totally insane" General Jack D Ripper from Stanley Kubrick's Dr Strangelove as he collected a prize for his role in film The Comedian.

Meanwhile, Hugh Grant was in a lighter mood as he collected an award for best supporting actor by his former co-star Andie MacDowell, whom he appeared alongside in the 1994 film Four Weddings And A Funeral.

Hugh Grant at the awards night

"I'm just depressed at how much better preserved you are than I am after 22 years," he told her.

"Do you use any special creams or anything like that? It's amazing. You're still a southern peach and I am, according to Twitter, a scrotum."

A heavily pregnant Natalie Portman was among a host of star who were recognised at the glitzy event.

Natalie Portman arrives at the awards Credit: Reuters
Kate Hudson Credit: Reuters

Eddie Murphy received the Hollywood Career Achievement Award in recognition of his film career.

Portman picked up the Hollywood actress award and while Tom Hanks was given the actor award.

Eddie Murphy admires his Hollywood Career Achievement Award Credit: Reuters