Charlize Is Paul Haggis' Breath Of Fresh Air

Charlize Theron says smoking is the key to her success.

The Oscar-winning actress claims her bad habit was the main reason she landed a starring role in upcoming movie "In the Valley of Elah".

She said, "I still smoke, occasionally. But it led to a role in my new film, 'In the Valley of Elah'. I kept on running into writer and director Paul Haggis when we were at an awards event. He was there for his film 'Crash' and I was there for 'North Country'. We were the only two losers in an alley, smoking. He said, 'I'm going to write a film for you.' And he did."

In the movie, Theron plays detective Emily Sanders, who must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a soldier following his return from Iraq.

The film, which also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Jason Patric and Susan Sarandon, is due to hit cinemas later this month.