Actress Angelina Jolie grew emotional last week (ends05Dec14) as she presented a special U.S. honour to the family of Olympic runner-turned-war hero Louis Zamperini, the subject of her new movie Unbroken.

The Wanted star, who struck up a close friendship with the veteran after picking up the rights to direct his biopic, joined his relatives, including his son Luke, at Porter House New York on Thursday (04Dec14) to hand over a proclamation "honoring the life, accomplishments and legacy of (Zamperini) and expressing condolences on his passing", reports the New York Post.

The resolution was introduced to the U.S. Senate by Senators Dianne Feinstein and former presidential candidate John MCCain in July (14) and passed last Wednesday (03Dec14).

The certificate was then brought to the Big Apple, where Jolie expressed her gratitude to Zamperini's family for supporting her film.

Fighting back tears at the event, where guests included actress Jodie Foster and filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, she said, "Thank you for allowing me to tell this story."

Castmembers from Unbroken, including Jack O'Connell, who portrays a young Zamperini, were also on hand to celebrate the honour.