Naomi Watts dines with the Dalai Lama

Naomi Watts, Sharon Stone and Eva Longoria were among a host of celebrities who enjoyed a lunch with the Dalai Lama in Los Angeles.

A host of celebrities including Australian actress Naomi Watts have enjoyed a meal with Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

Watts joined politicians and public figures for a luncheon with the Nobel Peace Prize winner at The California Science Centre in Los Angeles.

After being introduced by actress Sharon Stone, the 78-year-old Dalai Lama gave an hour-long talk, and then answered questions that had been submitted by the star-studded audience.

Other celebrities who attended the event held by the Lourdes Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged youths, included Amber Heard, Anna Kendrick, Jeremy Renner, Rosario Dawson, Christina Hendricks, Malin Akerman and Kathy Bates.

"I'm lucky to be here and I can't believe I'm here. I've followed the Tibetan people for years," Bates told Variety.com.

Actress Eva Longoria, who was also at the gathering, later tweeted: "There's nothing more contagious than the Dalai Lama's laugh! What an honour to be with His Holiness today!"