WATCH: Julianne Hough Isn't So Footloose In 'Safe Haven'

Safe Haven Julianne Hough

Two-time Dancing with the Stars champion Julianne Hough doesn't have to shimmy for her supper in her latest movie role. Her leading-lady role in the latest Nicholas Sparks movie, Safe Haven, represents her first straight acting gig - no dancing or singing required!

Hough was the guest of honor at the premiere that Self magazine hosted on Monday night in Manhattan. (The actress is also the magazine's March cover girl.) Co-star Josh Duhamel was also on hand and told me that men ain't afraid of no chick flicks:  "Guys are sensitive beings too who just want to see a good movie,"  he said. According to Gavin DeGraw, who performs on the Safe Haven soundtrack, stylish facial hair is also a plus.  He said it was Ryan Gosling's "really cool beard" that made him a fan of The Notebook.

I also got to ask director Lasse Hallstrom, who's recent Salmon Fishing in the Yemen was nominated for several Golden Globes, why the industry doesn't take romance more seriously.  He responded that "romantic movies tend to push it a bit too far into sentimentality...I try to counter that by trying to be real with those performances."

Check out my full red carpet interview below:

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