THE Los Angeles Confidential magazine party for Forest Whitaker at the Mondrian looked more pre-Grammy's than pre-Oscar. Naomi Campbell and Terrence Howard showed up hand-in-hand. Also hanging out with the guest-of-honor were Alice Cooper, Mary J. Blige, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Bow Wow, Deborah Gibson, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams and Russell Simmons. "My husband is bringing sexy back," Whitaker's wife, Keisha, announced. "He's hot, hot, hot!" Everyone else was on his or her best behavior, including Isaiah Washington, who chatted with Whitaker about, "doing the right thing."
Malibu Seen By Kim Devore / Entertainment Columnist
Thursday, October 04, 2007
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
Los Angeles Confidential seems to be everywhere on the party circuit these days. The fatter-than-a-phonebook glossy has been gathering Hollywood's A-list together for bash after stylish bash. LAC recently gave us all a chance to tour one of the city's newest hotspots, the hip, new watering hole called Bar Nineteen12 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Kerry Washington and pals pranced down the red carpet while the Nineteen12 kitchen pulled out all the stops. And this is one divine dive that makes food fun. Servers made the rounds with yummy heirloom tomato shooters and bacon and quail egg muffins, kobe beef siders and tasty spoonfuls of French bouillabaisse. You can't call them uncreative on the beverage front either. Revelers lined up for shocking pink prickly pear margaritas, which looked like something Barbie might drink on her 21st birthday. Another popular offering came in the form of Jell-O blueberry vodka shooters on a stick.
Tom Arnold, who broke out his best damn bowling shirt for the occasion, was busy yucking it up in one corner while manager Philip Spee directed tours. "This hotel has such a vast history," he said. "So many legends have come through here. We wanted to create something young and hip that would be complementary to the rest of the hotel and pay respect to its traditions." That being said, it seems they're off to a good start.
The Confidential folks were back in action a few days later when Liane Weintraub and Shiva Rose hosted an end-of-summer beach barbecue. They set up shop at French Connection on the beach to benefit Art of Elysium.
There was plenty of pomp and circumstance during Emmy week as well when the mag feted cover gal Ellen Pompeo and her posh looking pals at One Sunset in West Hollywood. The Emmy and El celebration featured Pom Pom specialty drinks like the Golden Emmy, made with a pour of pineapple juice as well as a Splash of Pompeo, a sweet combo of Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice. The sleek retreat was packed to the gills as Ellen's co-star Sandra Oh and locals like Linda Thompson partied into the night.
Eric Benet cozies up to Manula Testolini at the L.A. Confidential bash in BevHills.
Malibu Seen By Kim Devore / Entertainment Columnist
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Hail to the king! Hollywood's biggest, loudest and longest bash of the year came to and end on Sunday with honors for the king and queen, accolades for a former vice president and overdue recognition for one of the industry's most celebrated directors. The build up began back in January with the Golden Globe Awards, the SAG Awards, the DGA Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards and, finally, the Oscars. Then there were the parties-the kick-off parties, the pre-parties, the post-parties, the after-parties, the A parties and the B parties.
Coordinating these mega-events takes military precision and sometimes you feel like party planning should have an honor of its own. My winner for creativity and quick thinking goes to "L.A. Confidential," which hosted a wet and wild soiree for cover-king-turned-Oscar winner Forest Whitaker.
On any other night, the Skybar in Hollywood, with its cool pool and see-forever views would be the best place in town for an Oscar extravaganza, but a massive downpour threatened to turn the red carpet celebration into a soggy mess. "We are in emergency mode now," said one staffer, scrambling to sweep up as many puddles as possible. "What happened to the pool?" I asked. "You're standing on it," was the reply.
With all hands on-deck and no time to spare, party planners put down an expansive wood floor and tented the entire outdoor patio. In the end, even Mother Nature couldn't keep celluloid scenesters away from this fab fling. DJ Pesce got the party started with a little Donna Summer and was already mulling over the rest of her repertoire. The fact that the guest list included major music makers like Mary J. Blige, Ludacris and Natalie Cole only made the evening more exciting. "I'm not worried," she said. I'm really glad they're here. I'm going to give them some '80s and see how it goes."
With the area nice and dry, FOFs (Friends of Forest) started to roll in. Locals Jane Seymour and James Keach caught up with old pals like David Carradine, while servers made the rounds with Last King Cosmos and Whitaker Sours. Soon, the space was so cozy you completely forgot about the rain.
Sure, Academy week is all about movies, but DiCaprio underscored the importance of the really, really big picture saying, "It's urgent that we all take steps to reduce our impact on the environment."
Four days later, he was at the Oscars sharing the stage with "his hero" former Vice President Al Gore. Through his acclaimed documentary "An Inconvenient Truth," Gore brought the realities of global warming to millions. DiCaprio praised the ex VP as "an inspirational leader and a true champion of the cause."
Even though the "Blood Diamond" star lost to Whitaker as best actor, standing before a billion people as one of Al's best pals wasn't a bad consolation prize.
While the Emmys were on everyone's mind at the Los Angeles Confidential magazine party, we decided to have guests weigh in on some other hot topics as well:
Justin Guarini on Kelly Clarkson's career woes: "If anyone can find their way through something like that, I think it will be her. She's got a real thick skin, she's a tough girl who knows what she wants. And you know what? The record industry is about compromise, and so I think everyone has to learn that lesson. She's an amazing talent, and I think she'll win in the end."
Deborah Gibson on Britney Spears and other troubled young stars: "I can recall very specific moments of having meltdowns. But I had people around me that took that very seriously and said, `Let's pull the plug for a minute.' Sometimes, stopping the machinery for even three months feels like `Oh my God, will the people be there for me when I come back?' You learn that you have to pace yourself if you're going to be here for a long time. You can't be afraid to disappear awhile then re-emerge. That's when the best comebacks happen."
Marla Maples on ex-husband Donald Trump's feud with Rosie O'Donnell: "In the past, we've talked about it and how I really just wish they could create some peace. I'm a big believer in what you put out there can come back to you. I believe in the power of words, and I would love to see all that stuff calm down."
Henry Timmons on working with James Woods on CBS' "Shark": "He's an incredible actor, an incredible person. He's funny, he's witty. Look, I'll be honest with you: Everything you think he is, he is. He's neurotic, he's crazy, he's extremely intelligent, sophomoric in his humor sometimes, goes over the line sometimes, great friend, borderline genius as an actor. He's everything. He's a ball of energy."
Julie Benz on her "Dexter" co-star Michael C. Hall not getting an Emmy nod: "I think it's the biggest snub this season. I think his performance is brilliant, one of the most nuanced on television that you see. He is one of our most brilliant young actors today and an amazingly hard worker. We were all very disappointed by it."
And then there's this: On her way in, Kate Flannery said that if her show, "The Office," repeats as best comedy at the Emmys, "I won't be that drunk this time. I'm going to take it easy. I'm going to try and pace myself. It's a much longer night than I realized. And we have to work the next day!" >G.H.
Carmen Electra having an intimate dinner party at the Polaroid Malibu Beach House with family and friends.
Actress Mischa Barton spotted at the closing day of Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at JetOne Jets Field. Other stars that were spotted by our Hollyscoop snoopers included StarJones with her pooch.
Paris Hilton spotted sneaking into club Vice on its grand opening wearing a hoodie and trying to avoid any unwanted attention. Other stars spotted at this ultra exclusive lounge included Jesse Metcalfe and some members of E! Networks “Sunset Tan” reality show.
Shiva Rose, Liane Weintraub, Los Angeles Confidential Magazine's editors Isaac Joseph, Rebecca Bloom and Lara Morgenson hosted a special clambake at the French Connection beachouse in Malibu. Other stars spotted at the Los Angeles Confidential magazine bash included included “Entourage” star Rex Lee.
Robin Thicke taking a break from Beyonce’s tour to party at Club TAO in Las Vegas with his wife and pals.
Actress Kerry Washington hosted a summer bash forLos Angeles Confidential magazine for the Creative Coalition. Kerri hosted along with Tim Daly, Keisha Whitaker at Bar Nineteen 12 at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Actress Hayden Pannettiere celebrating her 18th birthday at the LG house in Malibu. Guests that made it to her big day included bff Rumer Willis, Stephen Colletti, Mario Lopez, and new Heroes cast member Kristen Bell.
Marcia Gay Harden stopped by the suite at the Four Seasons Hotel to browse the jewelry, according to a rep. While sipping red wine, she gushed over the pieces that were designed especially for the nominee’s personal style. Andrea Bowen from Desperate Housewives stopped by the suite with her mom and snacked on mini dessert items such as fruit tarts. TMG Suite Located on the Penthouse level of the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive, the TMG suite was offering teeth whitening, massages, manicures and facials. Other designers were also showcasing. Los Angeles Confidential Suite This small suite in the Mondrian Hotel offered amazing gift bags worth over $70,000 each. They include trips, jewelry and car service.
Los Angeles Confidential Party
From the very beginning, the March 2 party at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood was packed! The lobby was jammed in the Mondrian Hotel with guests trying to make their way into the Sky Bar. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was the guest of honor because he’s on the cover of Los Angeles Confidential magazine. He arrived late and stood by himself, just checking out the scene until the magazine’s editor, Jason Binn, came over to talk to him, says a rep.
Among the celebrities spotted there were: Matt Dillon, who showed up with an entourage, couldn’t get them all into the VIP area that was reserved for Hoffman. He stayed with his friends, making his way to the VIP area later.
Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom was there with an attractive blonde woman. When fellow Olympic skater Sasha Cohen saw him, her eyes lit up and she ran over to give him a huge hug. He remarked that he hadn’t seen her since Torino and he seemed really excited to bump into her.
Rick and Kathy Hilton were sitting at a table with Jason Davis, Kathy’s sister Kyle Richards and Elliot Mintz, Paris’s publicist. Elliot said that Paris wasn’t coming because she was busy filming The Simple Life.
Winner of last season’s America’s Next Top Model, Nicole Linkletter, got a big hug from music producer Joe Francis. They talked for a long time and she appeared flirtatious. She was drinking white wine and dressed in a very sexy long black dress with a slit on the side.
Eliza Dushku was dancing in the bathroom with a friend when she announced that she needed mascara. She was very thankful when someone offered her some.
Famke Janssen was sitting at a table for most of the night with three men. Other celebrities in attendance were Joey Fatone, PaulyShore, Bai Ling, Tom Arnold, Brandon Davis, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Jesse Metcalfe.
