In pictures: Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere

Fans, stars and droids gathered for the long-awaited world premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Los Angeles.

Star Wars creator George Lucas [L] said he had to step back from this film in order to allow JJ Abrams to direct "his vision"

The seventh instalment in the film franchise, set about 30 years after events in Return of the Jedi, was directed by JJ Abrams and featured much of the original cast as well as some new faces.

C-3PO and R2-D2 hit the red carpet along with one of the film's stars, Lupita Nyong'o

Carrie Fisher, who starred as Princess Leia in the original films, returns as a resistance leader General Organa

Where would the red carpet be without BB8?

... or Stormtroopers?

John Boyega, who plays Finn, was happy to pose for the world's press

Games of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie [L] plays a villain in Force Awakens while Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o plays alien Maz Kanata

Andy Serkis plays motion capture character Supreme Leader Snoke

Daisy Ridley and Domhnall Gleeson delighted fans who had gathered for a glimpse of the film's stars

Oscar Isaac is another newcomer to the films, playing an X-Wing resistance pilot

Steven Spielberg, a long-time friend of Lucas, and his wife Kate Capshaw, waved to the crowds