Red carpet glamour was at its finest on March 31 at the World Premiere of Universal Pictures' LEATHERHEADS, benefiting the American Film Institute.

Starring Oscar® winners George Clooney and Renée Zellweger, LEATHERHEADS is a quick-witted romantic comedy set against the backdrop of America's nascent pro-football league in 1925.

Many from the film attended the premiere, including director and star George Clooney, along with the film's talent Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce, Wayne Duvall, Stephen Root and producers Grant Heslov and Casey Silver.

Other premiere guests included Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber, Fran Drescher, Jenna Fischer, Rashida Jones, Angela Kinsey, Kid Rock, Rick Schroeder, David Schwimmer, Phyllis Smith and Goran Visnjic, among others.

LEATHERHEADS was screened at Grauman's Chinese, and, immediately following the screening, a gala reception was held in the Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom.

LEATHERHEADS' director and star George Clooney with AFI trustees Ron Meyer and Jon Avnet, and AFI President and CEO, Bob Gazzale.

George Clooney and Sarah Lawson

Renée Zellweger and John Krasinski

History

For more than 20 years, the AFI Associates has hosted world premiere fundraising events for AFI. Beginning with THE RIVER in 1984, recent premieres have included THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (2003), MEET THE FOCKERS (2004), THE NEW WORLD (2005) and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006). A very glamorous, very Hollywood, gala reception follows each premiere.

Look to AFI.com for more information on the 2009 benefit premiere event.

For more information on tickets or to be included on invitation mailings, please call 323.856.7633.

Will Smith and Jaden Syre Christopher Smith with Benefit co-chairs Gaye Nelson, Kathryn Daley and Harriet Stuart and 2006 AFI Associates President Carole Mitchell.

2005 Benefit co-chairs Harriet Stuart, Lois Saffian and Gaye Nelson with THE NEW WORLD star Christian Bale.