Scarlett Johansson turns heads in a stunning Roman inspired dress as she launches her new film at the Rome Film Festival

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.