Jude Law and Norah Jones sent temperatures soaring at the official opening of the Cannes film festival last night.

Strolling down the red carpet the actor, dressed in black tie and sunglasses, draped his arm around co-star Jones, who was in a royal blue off-the-shoulder dress.

Jones, 28, makes her acting debut in director Wong Kar Wei's My Blueberry Nights as a waitress who sets off on an adventure across America after having her heart broken.

My Blueberry Nights was a return to Cannes for film-maker Wong, whose previous work includes 2046 and As Tears Go By.

A lingering on screen kiss between singer Jones, the daughter of renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar, and Law, 34, got tongues wagging.

Asked about the kiss, Jones said at a press conference: "The kiss was the moment that Kar Wai had the most direction about.

"He was so excited when we did that scene. He knew exactly what he wanted and we shot it for a long time."

Alfie star Law added: "He was very clear that this tiny moment in these two people's lives was also a turning point. It struck me that we tend to make films that are about huge moments, years, in everyone's lives.

"But lives change in a moment. It was clear that when we filmed the kiss it was a moment that was going to change their lives."

Liz Hurley, wearing a long red dress, was also at the premiere.

Others attending the world premiere included US actress Andie MacDowell, British star Kelly Brook and boyfriend Billy Zane, Victoria Silvstedt, Eva Herzigova, Minnie Driver, and The Queen director Stephen Frears.

Law has a northern accent for the role of a New York cafe owner originally from Manchester.

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