The release date of Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson's new movie has been delayed for five months, in order to stand a better chance for next year's awards ceremonies.

The Nanny Diaries - an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus - stars Johansson alongside Laura Linney, and the comedy was originally due for release next month.

But production bosses have now pushed back the film's release to September, in the hope that it will benefit come awards time from better scheduling.

A source tells PageSix, "It's better for awards consideration. This is a better plan."