Actress Charlize Theron arrives for the grand opening of Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai November 20, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 9 -- Charlize Theron thinks Tom Hanks has a sexy butt.

    The Oscar-winning actress - who was directed by Tom in her breakthrough movie 'That Thing You Do!' in 1996 - is impressed with the 52-year-old star's behind and can't stop gushing about it.

    She said: "He has a really good a*s. A really, really good butt."    

    Tom - who has been married to actress Rita Wilson since 1988 - admits he is flattered with the compliment and says Charlize will now always have a special place in his heart.

    He joked: "She's a dear. Any woman who compliments you're a*s is one to hold on to."

    Charlize paid tribute to Tom after he was honoured by the Film Society of Lincoln Center at their annual gala tribute evening last week, saying he had been an inspiration throughout her career.

    She gushed: "Besides the fact that I'm a massive fan I feel like I got interested in acting because of him and his work.

    "Getting the chance to work with him and getting to know him a little bit made me realise there's something about him that is really genuine and sweet. It shows the nice guy can end up on top."

    (Source: China Daily/Agencies)