Academy Award-winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Matt Damon were among the stars at the UK premiere of their new film The Talented Mr Ripley.

Revealing a surprise return to her trademark blonde locks, Paltrow wore a metallic green Versace top and blue trousers to the opening at the Empire cinema in Leicester Square, London.

The pair, currently two of Hollywood's hottest actors, were joined by the film's director Anthony Minghella and co-stars Jack Davenport and Jude Law - who was accompanied by his wife Sadie Frost.

Paltrow, famed for her tearful acceptance speech at last year's Oscars, said of her latest role: "I felt very proud when I watched the film."

Commenting on her frequent portrayal of English characters, she said: "It's great. I almost forgot I was an American. It's nice to play an American."

Although the crowds were thinner than the throngs who turned out last week to see Leonardo DiCaprio at The Beach premiere last week, Matt Damon insisted he was still struck by all the attention.

He said: "It's amazing. I feel like I'm living somebody else's life, because my life is pretty normal most of the time."

In the film he plays Tom Ripley, a man who is sent from America to southern Italy to bring home a carefree playboy, but who eventually becomes willing to go to dangerous lengths to adopt his lifestyle.

He said: "I don't think I had to try and make him sympathetic. I think the screenplay was constructed in a certain way."

Jude Law - who takes the role of the errant playboy - said he relished the opportunity to explore a more flamboyant character.

Law, taking a break from filming the Stalingrad movie Enemy At The Gates in Berlin, said: "It was a chance to play somebody for the first time who is an extrovert rather than an introvert, someone who is enjoying his life."

Among other celebrities attending were actors John Hurt and Helena Bonham Carter. The film - heavily tipped for recognition in Tuesday's Oscar nominations - is released in the UK on 25 February.