Hollywood star Nicole Kidman denied rumours of an affair with Jude Law at the London premiere of her new film, The Hours.

The Australian actress has been linked with Law, whose marriage to Sadie Frost has hit problems.

But asked if she and her co-star from upcoming movie Cold Mountain were an item, she winced and said: "No we're not. It's not true."

Staying away: Law (right) with Frost

Shortly before the premi�re, which he did not attend, Law, 30, issued a statement asking for privacy.

It read: "As you may know, my family has gone through a difficult time over the past few weeks.

"While we truly appreciate the concern the media has shown towards us, we ask that you now please give us the privacy we eagerly need so that we can put our lives in order.

"If and when there is any news to report to you, we will make a statement in as timely manner as possible.

"Many thanks for your understanding."

Frost, 34, was admitted to hospital two weeks ago suffering from post-natal depression following the birth of the couple's son Rudy, who was born last September. She is now recovering at the couple's north London home.

Oscar tip

At the premi�re, Kidman declined to comment further on the matter, saying: "We need to respect their privacy."

But questioned further by reporters in Chelsea, west London, the 35-year-old insisted there was "no big love in my life at the moment", adding she had "nothing planned" for Valentine's Day.

The film is tipped to do well when this year's Oscar nominations are announced in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

It has already been nominated for 11 Baftas, including best film, best director and best actress for both Kidman and Streep, while it won best dramatic film at the Golden Globes last month.

Oscar hopefuls: Director Stephen Daldry and Kidman

In The Hours, directed by Stephen Daldry, Kidman, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore play three women whose lives are all connected by the work of Virginia Woolf.

Kidman is virtually unrecognisable as Woolf, having worn a prosthetic nose for the role.

Asked about her Oscar chances, she said: "I'm not even thinking about that. It would be lovely if the film got nominated, and my mum and dad said they would come with me if I got nominated this year, which would be lovely."

Other stars of the film at the screening included Ed Harris and Miranda Richardson.

The Hours is released in the UK on Friday.