There's a reason she's been nicknamed the Queen Bey by her adoring fans.

Beyonce was the picture of style royalty as she made a surprise appearance at the AFI Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night.  

The songstress, 37, worked her magic in a stunning, off-the-shoulder gold dress by Phuong My complete with a resplendent gold necklace as she honored her long-time collaborator, director Melina Matsoukas. 

Golden girl: Beyonce looked every inch the goddess as she made a surprise appearance a the AFI Awards in Hollywood on Thursday night

In photos posted to her Instagram account, the hit-maker could not hide her pride as she strode onto the stage with all eyes on her. 

The Formation songstress hit the stage with her light brunette tresses styled into long, loose waves, with a tint of shimmering makeup to bring out her natural radiance. 

A gold belt cinched into her waist, while a coordinating pair of strappy heels gave her some added height.   

Once she was behind the podium, the Crazy In Love singer was brimming with happiness as she introduced her friend. 

It's an honor: The songstress posted photos of herself presenting the award to Melina 

Praise: The Crazy In Love singer embraced her long-time collaborator 

Accomplished: Music videos Melina has worked on include Beyonce's songs Diva and Formation

Taking the stage: The songstress was the picture of pride and joy as she hit the podium

'After over a decade of collaborating with Melina, we've become family,' Beyonce said, according to the LA Times. 'In 2005 she managed to shoot five videos with me in three days, creating beautiful imagery with little to no budget. We've come a long way since those days. Now Melina's directing TV shows like Insecure, and the upcoming film, Queen And Slim.' 

Beyonce continued lavishing praise on Melina's work, calling her projects 'stories that are thought-provoking, dramatic, funny and real. She is holding up a mirror for people who look like you and me to see ourselves, saying, "You are beautiful and your stories matter.

'As a woman of color, conformity is not her thing. She stays authentic to her roots and femininity in an industry dominated by men. Her drive, vision, taste level and storytelling is boldly unapologetic.'  

Style royalty: The songstress channeled her inner goddess for the occasion 

Sparkle and shine! Julia Roberts wowed in a slimming black dress with glittering accents 

Round of applause! The actress clapped her hands behind the podium 

All that glitters: Roberts was the picture of style behind the podium 

Beyonce captured the moment she presented the award to her friend via Instagram, posting a photo of them on stage just before giving the honor. 

'Melina, I'm so proud of you my sister. Love you deep,' she captioned the photos.  

Thursday night's AFI Awards was held to honor Denzel Washington, and there was no shortage of stars in attendance celebrating the career of the critically-acclaimed actor.

She said what!? Julia could not hide her shock at something said during the conversation 

Having a blast! Roberts joyfully showed her support for the show 

The man of the hour! Thursday night's AFI Awards were held to honor Denzel Washington 

The stars came in style! Paula Patton and Issa Rae exuded glamour in flowing frocks 

Looking good! Jodie Foster rocked a black blazer, cropped trousers, and eye-catching shoes 

Julia Roberts was one of the many presenters appearing behind the podium in style. 

The actress rocked a head full of bouncy curls, along with a flawlessly made-up complexion highlighting her natural beauty.

Appearing behind the podium, Julia was the picture of happiness as she addressed the crowd with an air of confidence. 

It takes two! Cara Santana wowed in metallic as her fiance Jesse Metcalfe worked a sharp suit 

Simply stylish: Cicely Tyson wowed in a flowing blue frock with a coordinating tint in her hair 

Classic: Joy Bryant put on a head-turning display in a chic and sophisticated black dress

Man of style! Morgan Freeman kept it smart in a black tuxedo 

The actress was slightly more animated while relaxing in the crowd, giving an array of shocked expressions as she chatted with the guests. 

On the red carpet, the stars were dressed in their finest for their moment in the spotlight.

Paula Patton wowed in a stunning emerald green dress with bejeweled accents along the neck and torso. 

Bold in blue! Martin Lawrence and Roberta Moradfar coordinated in shades of blue 

Smart and sharp! W. Kamau Bell and his wife Melissa Bell were the picture of style 

Family affair! Michael B. Jordan was joined by his mother Donna Jordan and sister Jamila Jordan

Here he comes! The fans could not hide their delight at seeing Denzel, who arrived with his wife Pauletta 

Crowd pleaser! Denzel greeted the adoring fans 

Issa Rae stood out in a flowing hot pink dress with a plunging neckline.

Jodie Foster kept it simple yet stylish in a black blazer with eye-catching heels. 

Cara Santana cut a stylish figure in a metallic mini dress while slicking her raven black locks into a sophisticated bun.

She was joined by her fiance, Jesse Metcalfe, who exuded style in a smart suit. 

Having some fun: Jay Pharoah struck a pose alongside Ava DuVernay

Star-studded: Frances McDormand smiled from ear to ear at the event 

Standing ovation: The crowd rose and applauded for Cicely 

Sing it! Jennifer Hudson wowed the crowd with her impressive vocals 

Showstopper! Jamie Foxx addressed the crowd while rocking a black suit 

Center stage: Jodie raised her arms during her remarks 

Making some remarks: Freeman was among the many speakers that evening 

Mingling! Paula enjoyed a moment with Jerry Bruckheimer

Good times: Chadwick Boseman shared the spotlight with Stephen Henderson

The look of love: Pauletta gazed fondly at her other half 

Big night! The actor was clearly having the time of his life