Diva and beloved Muppet Miss Piggy has been honoured for her contributions to society with a feminist award.

The glamorous, outspoken pig received the award at an evening ceremony from the Elizabeth A Sackler Center for Feminist Art. The presentation included a conversation with veteran women's rights campaigner Gloria Steinem and a 20-minute video retrospective of Miss Piggy's career.

"Today I have come to you as a tough woman, a proud feminist, an international star, a best-selling author, icon, diva... and now I have a Sackler Center First Award," Miss Piggy said at the ceremony.

Miss Piggy's long-time partner, Kermit the Frog, was in the audience for the ceremony.

The annual Sackler Center First Awards honour extraordinary women who are first in their fields. Elizabeth A Sackler, the president of the centre for feminist art, theory and advocacy for women's issues, said Miss Piggy embodies exceptional spirit, determination and grit and has taught important lessons about overcoming obstacles to generations of fans.

Miss Piggy starred in The Muppet Show, which ran from 1976 to 1981, and has appeared in numerous films, including 2014's Muppets Most Wanted.