Actress Sophia Loren has always been known for her bombshell sex appeal and talent, but even at 76, the Italian beauty is a red-carpet stunner.
Loren, who posed nude for the exclusive Pirelli calendar in 2006, was honored in Hollywood at a tribute organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on May 4, 2011.
'The Oscar Changed My Life'
Sophia, who didn't attend the 1961 Oscars when she won for Best Actress for the Italian film Two Women, showed off her hour-glass figure in a sparkly black gown, tights and black heels.
"The Academy Award changed my life completely," she said at the tribute. "It helped me to believe in myself and encouraged me to push my own artistic boundaries."
"There are no words to describe my emotions right now. It is hard to imagine that 50 years have passed since I welcomed my Oscar to my home."
Loren's two sons, composer Carlo Ponti Jr. and director Edoardo Ponti, joined her in the tribute.
Sophia's longtime husband, director Carlo Ponti died in 2007 at age 94. They had been married for 41 years and first met when Sophia was 15 and Ponti was a 37-year-old married man.
Sophia Walks an Hour Every Morning
Sophia, who lives mostly in Switzerland, has said she stays in shape by exercising every day and eating a healthy, portion-controlled diet.
Loren has said she does 45 minutes of stretching and abdominal crunches every morning, followed by a one-hour walk.
"I always wake up early and jump out of bed - sometimes not wanting to, because one can always find an alibi not to exercise - and then I take a walk for an hour," she has said.
"And as I walk round the park I always think, 'Maybe around the corner I am going to find something beautiful.' I always think positively. It is very rare that you find me in a mood that is sad or melancholic."
She typically eats a small breakfast of decaf and an English muffin, mid-morning sandwiches, a large lunch (usually pasta, chicken, salad and fruit) and a light dinner.
Another key to looking young is getting lots of rest and maintaining a positive attitude.
Loren, who denies she has ever had plastic surgery, usually wakes up every day at 5 a.m. and is in bed by 8 p.m. Surprisingly, Sophia colors her own hair and does her own makeup and manicures.
When asked whether she was happy with her career at her tribute, Loren was philosophical.
"You are never content," she said. "You always want to do more and find the right thing at the right time. I like my career, my life, so much. I was born for this. I am sick when I don't work for a year or two."
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