Scarlett Johansson led the way on Sunday evening as the 8th Annual Rome Film Festival continued with the first official screening of her new movie.

The 28-year-old actress was on hand to promote Her – the latest offering from director Spike Jonze in which she features, albeit in voice only.

Scarlett arrived at the ancient city’s Sala Santa Cecilia in a distinctive mini-dress that appeared to reflect her historic surrounding courtesy of Roman imagery sewn into its fabric.

Distinctive: Scarlett Johansson wore a striking mini-dress to the Rome Film Festival screening of Her on Sunday evening

The sleeveless outfit also featured a floral pattern that provided its eye-catching printed design with an added splash of colour.

Scarlett completed her look with a pair of gold strappy sandals – and she put the4m to good use by sashaying across the red carpet to join her co-star Joaquin Phoenix, who she warmly embraced ahead of an obligatory photo-call.

While the actress looked appropriately stunning, Joaquin looked a little ruffled in an ill-fitting black suit.

Co-stars: Scarlett was joined on the red carpet by the film’s leading man, Joaquin Phoenix

Appropriate: The actress’s dress came with an intricate design comprised of distinctive Roman imagery

Photo call: Joaquin and Scarlett pose for photos at the film’s launch on Sunday evening

The actor had opted to match his two-piece with a pair of two-tone baseball boots that jarred with his elegant surrounding as he posed alongside his glamorous co-star.

While Scarlett lends her voice to the forthcoming film, Joaquin takes the lead as Theodore Twombly, a man who develops a relationship with a voice produced courtesy of a computer operating system.

The science-fiction romance also stars Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde and Rooney Mara – who was also present for the film’s launch on Sunday evening.

Plenty to smile about: The two friends warmly embrace on the red carpet in Rome

Special guests: Joaquin Phoenix (L) and Rooney Mara (R) were on hand for the film’s screening at at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on Sunday evening

Happy to be here: Scarlett and Joaquin were in high spirits on Sunday night

The actress stood out in a semi-sheer white dress that she matched with a pair of strappy white shoes for her night on the red carpet.

This year’s Rome Film Festival will also include a screening of the latest Hunger Games instalment, Catching Fire, starring Liam Hemsworth and Jennifer Lawrence.

The event, which launched on Friday, will draw to a close on November 17.

Here we go: The actress makes her way into the screening on Sunday evening