Actress Charlize Theron said life has been "crazy" since her Oscar win

Crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the South African star ahead of the gala screening in Leicester Square.

Theron, 28, said her life has been "crazy" since winning the Academy Award for her performance in February.

"I finally get to go home in two days and hope things will get back to normal," added the actress.

Theron, who was brought up in a small town east of Johannesburg, is the first South African actress to win an Oscar.

The star recently went on a tour of her native country to celebrate her victory.

She said that she enjoyed visiting Britain, and appreciated the "warm welcome" in London's West End.

"I'm touched that so many people have taken the time to be here tonight," added Theron.

Love affair

She moved to the States following a troubled childhood when, at the age of 15, her mother shot her father in self-defence.

Previous film credits have seen the glamorous star cast in glossy, but often insubstantial roles in films like The Devil's Advocate and last year's The Italian Job.

But her role in Monster, which saw her transform her physical appearance, has won Theron worldwide admiration.

Co-star Christina Ricci, who came to public attention in the family comedy The Addams Family at the age of 11, plays Wuornos' lesbian lover, Selby Wall.

The film focuses on the love affair between the two women, and the desperate lengths to which Wuornos goes to sustain the relationship.

Charlize Theron will next be seen playing Britt Ekland in The Life and Death of Peter Sellers.