The Hustlers star was picking up the Spotlight Award at the event for her role in the 2019 film.
"Doing this movie was a big deal for me," she told US publication Desert Sun.
"One of the things I want to do at my production company with my partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is to take the women from the background and put them at the forefront and tell their stories," she said. "I’m so happy that people responded to it the way they did. It tells Hollywood and the powers that be that there is a market for this."
A-Rod, meanwhile, stood dutifully at the sidelines snapping pics of his lady with his iPhone.
Charlize was at the event to pick up the International Star Award gong for her portrayal of Fox news anchor Megyn Kelly in the film Bombshell. The star has also been nominated for Best Actress gongs at the Golden Globe, AACTA International and Critics' Choice Awards, setting her up for a stellar season!
"The story of the women of Fox really kind of catapulted us into this moment where we’re having a real conversation about sexual harassment in a way where it’s not going away," she told Desert Sun.
"There’ve been real consequences for this kind behaviour and abuse of power."
Dressed in a sweet black-chiffon peplum Jason Wu jumpsuit, Renee Zellweger grabbed the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her performance as Judy Garland in Judy; while Marriage Story star Laura Dern picked up a Career Achievement Award.
"It felt like her story was unjustly blanketed with the notion of tragedy," Renee told Desert Sun on the red carpet.
"Making this film was a lovely opportunity to sort of suggest a different truth about her life."
Meanwhile, Little Women director Greta Gerwig was on hand to present Quentin Tarantino with the Director of the Year award for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.
Of course, it wouldn't be an awards show without an after party – and a costume change!
And JLo was more than happy to oblige, because, JLo.
Changing from her hyper-feminine floral flock into a super-sparkly, semi-sheer jumpsuit, the stunner was covered almost head to toe – yet was still showing off her incredible figure.
Go girl!
