Singer-actor Mariah Carey was honored with GLAAD's Ally Award at Saturday's 27th GLAAD Media Awards in New York City.

In introducing Carey, out director Lee Daniels (Empire) said that he thought that she did her best work in his 2009 film Precious.

“You were very nervous, and I said, 'No makeup!' And you said, 'Please, Lee!' And I said, 'No makeup. If there's a strip of makeup on you, I'll kill you, and not only that, throw a mustache on her ass!” Daniels told the audience. “I think you did your best work because you were free.”

“I can't believe you just told that story, because I thought we had an understanding, darling,” Carey joked. “You changed my life, and I love you, Lee. Forever.”

“Thank you for the unconditional love,” she said in accepting her award, “because it's very difficult for me to have that. I haven't experienced much of it. … I wish all of you love, peace, harmony and, as my five-year-old son likes to say, boobies and butts!”

GLAAD also honored Robert De Niro at Saturday's event.