Beyonce's character Deena is said to be based on Diana Ross

The temperature in London's Leicester Square was approaching zero, but the 25-year-old actress donned a strapless sequinned dress for the red carpet.

"I'm not wearing it for long and it's worth the pain," she told reporters.

Dreamgirls - which is loosely based on the story of the Supremes - won three Golden Globes last week and is a hotly tipped contender for the Oscars.

"I can't wait to hear what's going to happen with the Oscars. I'm happy already," Beyonce said.

Based on a 1980s Broadway musical, Dreamgirls follows the fortunes of an all-girl soul group who find mainstream success.

Effie White, played by former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson, is the most talented singer, but she is pushed out of the limelight by Beyonce's character, Deena Jones.

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In real life, it is Hudson who is outshining her more famous co-star, picking up the award for best supporting actress at the Golden Globes.

Asked how she had risen from reality TV runner-up to Oscar hopeful, she said: "I wish I could tell you. I'm just blessed".

Dreamgirls has proved a success at the US box office, taking $78m since it was released last month.

But Diana Ross, the former lead singer with the Supremes, was said to be unhappy with her depiction in the film.

Beyonce denied the rumours, saying: "I've met Diana Ross and she is one of the nicest women in the world.

"She came up to me and said if I ever needed anything, just to let her know."