There's been something about Cameron Diaz that's appealed to audiences ever since she first took Jim Carrey's breath away in The Mask. Since then, she's switched from spunky, high-profile roles in There's Something About Mary and Charlie's Angels, to more dramatic roles in critically acclaimed movies such as Being John Malkovich Gangs of New York and, most recently, In Her Shoes (2005). In between her busy film schedule, she also finds time to date pop heartthrob, Justin Timberlake - although she has yet to confirm any wedding plans. Here she talks about her romantic comedy drama The Holiday, working with Jude Law and why crying is to be recommended...

What was it about the character of Amanda that appealed to you?

First off, Nancy is a wonderful writer. She's so honest. She'll say that both Iris [Kate Winslet's character] and Amanda are her in some way. I also felt that Amanda was totally relatable because we've all been in that situation where relationships go wrong. But I loved the bravery that she displays. She's taken herself out of this incredibly secure situation and gone some place by herself with only herself to depend on. In doing that, she learns about who she is and opens herself up to possibilities she's never allowed herself to have before. I felt that was such a wonderful message to put out there.

How did you enjoy working with Jude Law?

It was wonderful. I think Jude himself is closer to Graham [his character in The Holiday] than any other character I'm sure he's ever played. He's funny, charismatic, charming, open, grounded and just a really lovely person. Of course, all the girls had a crush on him. But the great thing about Jude is that he treats everyone the same and engages everyone the same. Because of that I think there were a lot of man crushes as well. The guys were going: "God, we didn't realise we were going to like him so much!"

He has said that he learned a lot from working with you. Did you learn anything from him?

So much. Jude's done it all. He's wonderful on the stage and in each of the characters he's played [on film], sometimes with very little dialogue. I learned from how natural he was and how effortless and open he was in allowing himself to play a character that fell in love, cried and whose heart was open to these possibilities.

Director Nancy Meyers has said that you work as a kind of human anti-depressant when you're on set. Do you see it as your role to perk up the mood sometimes?

Well, we're all there for a minimum of 12 hours a day and we're all away from our families and friends. So, I feel that everyone is on the same team and you have to want to be there. You don't want to have to come to the set every day and spend 12 hours with a bunch of people who aren't getting along, who are grumpy and who don't want to be there. I feel that there's a spirit and a tone you can set that lets people know that they're appreciated for being there. I think every film should have it because we're so fortunate to be doing what we do. We should just go there and be happy to be doing it.

In the film your character finds it difficult to cry. Can you relate to that or are you an emotional person?

I love to cry. I want to cry today [laughs]. It's such a great release. I'm just tired today - jetlagged because I didn't get any sleep. I think it's important to cry.

Have you or will you ever experience a British Christmas first-hand?

No. I've been to London several times around the holidays but I've only spent Christmas in Los Angeles with my family. And that will be where I'll always spend Christmas unless my family ends up going some place else!

The Holiday is released in UK cinemas on Friday 8th December 2006.