TEMECULA - In a fitting end to the city's annual film and music festival, honors were bestowed and applause was aplenty Sunday evening as organizers put on an awards gala at Pechanga Resort & Casino that offered the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood production.

The event marked the close of the 13th annual Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival, which began Wednesday. More than 160 films were shown and at least a dozen bands performed during the five-day affair.

On Sunday evening, city leaders, arts patrons and festival organizers and volunteers mingled at the casino over dinner and drinks with many of the films' casts and production crews, as well as some of the featured musicians.

During the awards presentation, several recognitions were handed out, including a lifetime achievement award in music to Smokey Robinson, an outstanding achievement award in acting to Michael Madsen, and a humanitarian award to local resident Eve Craig.

Robinson, a rhythm and blues legend with a nearly five-decade career that has spawned a myriad of hits, said prior to receiving the award that he felt "totally honored" to be recognized in this fashion.

"They are honoring me for doing something that I absolutely love," he said, adding that his inspiration over the years has been "life itself and God."

Madsen, whose film career spans more than 25 years and includes hits such as "Reservoir Dogs," "Free Willy," "Species," "Kill Bill Vol. 2" and "Donnie Brasco," said prior to accepting his award that film festivals such as Temecula's are crucial.

"Everyone has to start somewhere," he said. "These young filmmakers are the eyes and ears of tomorrow. That's why it is so important to support them."

In the early 1990s, Madsen was cast in a small, independent film that went on to become a cult classic: "Reservoir Dogs." He said Sunday that it is these types of festivals that give similar films a chance to be screened, which is somewhat of a feat given the sometimes competitive and cutthroat nature of the motion picture industry. He also added that he felt flattered to be honored and is pleased to support such an event.

Prior to Craig receiving her award, a prerecorded video montage of local residents and city leaders that was shown praised her tireless local volunteerism efforts, and especially her contributions to the advancement of arts and culture in Temecula.

Phrases such as "hard worker," "giver, giver, giver," "selfless" and "dedicated" were used during her introduction.

Craig has chaired the Temecula Arts Festival for numerous years, has served as president of the Arts Council, and has led the effort to secure musical performances for each City Council meeting,among many other undertakings.

Prior to her efforts in Temecula, which began in the late 1980s, she was active in the Los Angeles cultural scene, including serving as president of the Hollywood Bowl Patroness Committee.

She has also contributed to the film festival since its inception, helping out in a variety of ways, from donating money to painting the walls of the event's hospitality suite.

"It's wonderful to be appreciated in this way," she said prior to accepting her award. "I am grateful to God that I have had the opportunity to do the things I've been able to do for the city."

Several films screened during the festival were also honored Sunday evening. An international jury selected "A Little Light" as the best short film, "Unsettled" as the best documentary, and "Billo, Le Grand Dakhaar" as the best picture.

Audience-voted favorites were "Itsy Bitsy" for best short film, "Journey to Palomar" for best documentary, and "Heber Holiday" as best picture.