It looks like much of Hollywood could feel the love last night at the world premiere of The Lion King at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Megawatt smile and glamorous gowns were the theme of the night, as stars of the screen and music industry attended the red-carpet screening of the live-action remake of the Disney classic.
Beyonce Knowles-Carter, who voices lioness Nala in the family friendly movie, glimmered in a custom Alexander McQueen tuxedo dress, covered in silver sequins and crystals, and finished with an ethereal sheer skirt.
The mother of four was joined on the red carpet by her eldest child, seven-year-old Blue Ivy Carter, who wore a mini replica of her mum's tulle-skirted ensemble. The hitmaker's Destiny's Child band mates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, also turned up to support the Grammy winner.
The star-studded remake of the 1994 original also features the voices of Donald Glover (as lead character Simba) and Seth Rogan (as warthog Pumbaa), both of whom also walked the red carpet.
Other members of The Lion King cast, such as Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Billy Eichner (Timon) and Alfre Woodard (Sarabi) also donned their finest for the occasion, and were joined on the night by stars such as Jamie Foxx, LeAnn Rimes, Yara Shahidi and Zooey Deschanel.
Directed by Jon Favreau, the film journeys to the African savannah after a future king is born and follows his journey towards claiming his spot in the animal kingdom. While we don’t want to give away too much of the plot for those who haven’t seen it, the film focuses on betrayal, tragedy, drama, friendship and some pretty catchy tunes.
Following the world premiere, an original song from the remake's soundtrack, performed by Beyonce was released. Spirit will appear on her forthcoming album, The Lion King: the Gift, as well as on the official soundtrack and in the film itself. Knowles-Carter acted as the executive producer and curator of The Gift, which features a number of artists, as of yet unnamed, and tracks "steeped in the sounds of Africa".
“This is sonic cinema,” Beyonce said in a statement announcing the album. “This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro beat."
The star added that it was "important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers".
"Authenticity and heart were important to me," she added.
The Lion King is scheduled to be released on July 19
