Jennifer Lawrence hosts screening party for pal Emma Stone's new film

Jennifer Lawrence gave pal Emma Stone's new movie a big boost on Tuesday night (18Oct16) when she hosted a star-studded screening and party.

The Oscar winner took over the Rainbow Room in Manhattan, New York for the La La Land bash, which was attended by Mark Ruffalo, Dakota Johnson, and Malin Akerman, among others.

And the Oscars buzz film's director Damien Chazelle was thrilled by Lawrence's interest in his dreamy movie musical, which also features Ryan Gosling.

"I literally met her tonight, but she's friends with Emma and I'm just so stoked that she's hosting the party," Damien said. "I didn't know her before, but I do now."

New dad Gosling wasn't in attendance, but he was there in spirit - and Chazelle gushed about his leading man and Stone, telling WWD.com, "They've worked together before so they have this chemistry built in. I just had to not get in the way and give them an environment that worked for them. But they rolled up their sleeves, they took a gamble. You know, a lot of people are scared of doing a movie like this, and they were willing to just jump in."

The film has been very well received by critics, with many suggesting it's a favorite to land the Best Picture Academy Award next year (17) - but the director won't be celebrating too early, adding, "It's been rewarding, but I'm a professional neurotic. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop so I'm never in full celebration mode."

After a successful run at international film festivals, La La Land will hit theaters on 16 December (16).