Helen, Catherine Deneuve get lifetime achievement awards

Veteran actresses Helen and Catherine Deneuve were Tuesday conferred lifetime achievement award at the opening ceremony of 16th Mumbai Film Festival.

While actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan presented the award to Catherine, actor Akshay Kumar honoured Helen.

"Lifetime achievement sounds like a strong word. I am very touched with this award. It was nice for me to be here for the 16th Mumbai film festival. It's nice to see people who love cinema coming together... its a real pleasure to be here tonight," said Catherine.

Helen said she has come a long way.

"I have come a very long way. I started working when I was 13 so its been a long journey. I am happy to be here to get this life time achievement award. It feels great."

Aishwarya, Helen and Catherine were the guest of honours at the festival's opening ceremony.

The 16th MAMI film festival opened Tuesday night with a screening of "Serena" and will continue till Oct 21.