Keira Knightley has been praised by British newspaper critics for her performance in her new film 'Atonement'.
The Joe Wright-directed adaptation of the best-selling Ian McEwan novel premiered at the Venice Film Festival last night, with Knightley tipped for an Oscar nomination for her performance as Cecilia Tallis.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, David Gritten said: "Knightley and [co-star James] McAvoy have surely clinched their place as world-class lead actors."
For images from the Venice Film Festival, visit our gallery here.
The Independent's Geoffrey McNab said: "The strength of the film lies in its extraordinary visual imagination and in the intensity the young actors bring to their roles."
James Christopher, in The Times, said: "Working with Wright has opened up Knightley's acting; the range of her performance here means that she has a tilt, at least, at an Oscar nomination."
When asked about awards at the premiere, Knightley said: "As far as awards go, that's neither here nor there. 'Atonement' was a complete gift. I read the script and I cried. Any script that makes you cry is worth pursuing."
Knightley was joined at the premiere by director Wright and co-stars McAvoy and Saoirse Ronan, the young Irish actress who plays her sister in the film.
'Atonement' opens in Irish cinemas on 7 September.
