Over 800 fans lined the barriers between the Gresham Hotel and the Savoy Cinema on O'Connell Street in Dublin from 3 p.m.yesterday for the Irish premiere of Gangs of New York last night.
And they were finally rewarded when Leonardo DiCaprio, one of Hollywood's leading stars, made an appearance at 9 p.m. - three hours after the movie had started.
Dressed in a smart evening suit, his hair greased back with a goatee style, he looked every bit the film star as he stepped into the limelight.
Having walked the walk, DiCaprio stood blinking in the flashing lights and smiled shyly as his fans cheered wildly. And then he was gone.
Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays Bill the Butcher in the film, arrived tuxedo-clad and head-shaven to the delight of his fans.
He is tipped to win an Oscar for his performance in the film as an anti-Irish character.
Former boxer Barry McGuigan arrived with leading Irish film director Jim Sheridan.
Jim Broadbent, who won an Oscar last year for his role in Iris, was also at the Savoy. Other Irish film-makers at the event included John Boorman and Neil Jordan.
Bono and The Edge were there, representing U2 who provided music for the closing credits of the film.
Bono signed autographs and chatted with fans before disappearing inside.
The film's producer, Harvey Weinstein, left the function early, but not before posing for photographers outside.
Garda sources said pop band Westlife attended the screening but avoided fans by arriving at the back of the cinema.
Last night's show was in aid of the charity, Make A Wish Foundation.