The American Film Institute gives its eighth Lifetime Achievment Award to James (Jimmy) Stewart in a ceremony hosted by his long-time friend Henry Fonda. The show includes testimonials from Stewart co-workers like Princess Grace of Monaco, Frank Capra, Richard Widmark, Beulah Bondi, etc. in addition to other iconic stars like Charlton Heston, Jack Lemmon, Dustin Hoffman, Walter Matthau, as well as other admirers of his work. Clips from such great Stewart classics as "Destry Rides Again," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Harvey," "It's a Wonderful Life," "The Philadelphia Story," "Winchester 73," and "Flight of the Phoenix" are shown as well as archival film from Stewart's days of army service.