Jennifer Hudson broke down in tears at Vh1's Do Something Awards on Wednesday (31Jul13) as she was honoured for setting up a foundation in memory of her slain nephew.

The singer/actress was one of the main honourees at the event at Los Angeles' Avalon venue, where celebrities and members of the public were feted for promoting social change.

Hudson picked up one of the prizes in recognition of the Julian D. King Gift Foundation, a charitable organisation she set up to help children following the death of her nephew, who was shot dead by his estranged stepfather William Balfour in 2008. Hudson's mother and brother were also killed by Balfour.

Ne-Yo stepped onstage to present the Oscar winner with her trophy, and a video montage featuring pictures of her late relatives left Hudson struggling to hold back her tears.

She then went on to perform with J. Cole and took to Twitter.com after the show to write, "Thank you DSAwards & Vh1 for the recognition. Performing with j cole was like performing with prince to me. He's such a good guy. So honored."

Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson was also presented with a Do Something accolade for his work with Tie The Knot, the group he set up to promote civil rights for the gay community. He walked the red carpet with his partner Justin Mikita for the first time since the pair married in New York last month (Jul13).

Other honourees included Kelly Osbourne, who was recognised for raising awareness of multiple sclerosis following her brother Jack's diagnosis with the condition last year (12), while LL Cool J picked up an accolade for his summer athletic camp scheme for underprivileged kids.