Renee Zellweger stuns fans with unrecognizable face

Renee Zellweger's new look is generating a huge reaction from fans after her appearanceMonday night at the Elle Women in Hollywood Awardsin Beverly Hills, Calif.

The 45-year-old Bridget Jonesactress wasbarely recognizable as she posed for photographerson the red carpetwith her boyfriend, recording artist Doyle Bramhall II.

While nipping andtucking seems to comewith the territory in Hollywood, Texas-bornZellwegerlooks like a different person, prompting a startled reaction from fans.

• On mobile? Read fans reactions here, hereand here.

Zellweger, who won an Oscar for her role in the 2003 civil war epicCold Mountain, has been the centre of speculation over eating disorders and plastic surgery before.

"When you read reports that you are starving yourself or that you are anorexic, its very unfair and disappointing," she said in a 2013 interviewwith the U.K.'sDaily Express.

"It's not very pleasant to read reports which say youve gone too far or this or that."

• Bridget Jones 3 in the works

A third Bridget Jones movie is said to be in development, with Zellweger expected to reprise the title role.