LA Confidential's Pre-Oscar Bash @ The Mondrian Hotel

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2/26/2007

Man of the Hour

After getting sucked into a relaxing facial and glamtastic makeup application (okay, this Hollywood Party Girl doesn’t have it that tough), I brave the light rain (winter, L.A. style) and drive over to the Mondrian hotel for Los Angeles Confidential's Pre-Oscar Bash. “I love Forest Whitaker,” music honcho Russell Simmons says of tonight’s honoree. “He’s the man.” Unfortunately, "the man" is fashionably late, so I mingle with "the girls" and "the boys" under the tent in Skybar, where things are already under way.

While socialite Brittny Gastineau giggles in a corner, Fifth Avenue mommy Kathy Hilton takes hubby Rick to the VIP section. With Paris off celebrating her birthday again (the first honoring of her 26th annum was in Vegas), the parents finally hold the spotlight for a moment—until Mary J. Blige shows up in a look-at-me leopard coat. Seems like the Grammy winner took my advice and kept her curls from the GM show.

Downstairs, Vanessa Williams looks as stunning as ever, but the beauty star of the night is model Milla Jovovich. And as if her stunning looks aren’t enough, she draws more attention with her loud voice. “Who are we here for tonight?” the deejay asks. “Forest Whitaker!!!” Milla screams, causing guests to turn their heads toward her instead of the entering Oscar nom.

Bows and Wows

After accepting his applause with wife Keisha at his side, Whitaker remains modest, trying to keep his mind off of Sunday’s expected acceptance speech. “I was just so overwhelmed with emotion,” he tells me of last month’s Golden Globes win. “I feel that there’s a number of people I could have applauded.” As for the Oscars, if he wins (and we all know the outcome of that), Forest has one man to thank. “I definitely will remember God, and if that moment comes it will make me feel really special,” he says. Amen.

Whitaker should feel special tonight, though, because he’s already somebody’s idol. “He’s my inspiration,” Bow Wow says. “I respect him as an individual, and I’m praying one day I’ll get where he is.” And why not? Three 6 Mafia won an Oscar last year, so the li'l rapper has a chance.

Pit Stops and Exit Strategies

Just before things wind down, Terrence Howard strolls in with Naomi Campbell. Five minutes later, Naomi is stomping her mile-long legs outside. I don’t know what happened, but I’m thankful there’s no phone around for her to fling. Marcia Gay Harden also makes a short appearance, before exiting to grab a bite with one of Los Angeles Confidential’s editors. With so many people leaving, the alfresco space is getting cold, so I wait for my car behind Isaiah Washington and his wife, Jenisa. Gotta get my beauty rest for the big night.