Theron: Hugs the key to working with Jones

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Charlize Theron admits she was initially nervous about working with Tommy Lee Jones on their new film, "In the Valley of Elah."

"I loved him. I loved working with him. I think he is incredibly talented," Theron said while promoting the film in Los Angeles, adding, "I was very intimidated."

The Oscar-winning actress said she received some sound advice from her "North Country" co-star Frances McDormand regarding how to work with Jones, a celebrated actor with a reputation for being grumpy.

"(McDormand) said: 'Just give him a big hug every time you see him. It just drops his guard,'" Theron recalled. "I did. The first time I saw him, I gave him a big hug. From that moment on, he just really kind of took me under his wing, and we had a great respect for each other. We worked really hard and well together. Yeah, I had a great time working with him, definitely. It is great to be in a ton of scenes with somebody that really keeps you on your toes."

"In the Valley of Elah" is screening at the Toronto International Film Festival this week and will open in the United States Friday.