When most people hear Oscars, they think awards, presenters and speeches. But in Hollywood, it’s all about the parties. In the days leading up to the big show, stars pile on borrowed bling for a new bash night after night. Tonight, Los Angeles Confidential magazine is toasting its cover man—and as we all now know, Best Actor winner—Forest Whitaker, but before I encounter the Oscar-worthy one, I feel the need to beautify.
Rockin' the Hair Chairmusic icon
Following the trail of Cheryl Hines, I step into Haven House, an Oscar suite in Beverly Hills. Different singers are performing throughout the day, and I have the luck of hearing Katherine Heigl’s fiancé Josh Kelley’s mesmerizing vocals when I walk in. What a voice! Staying on point for prettiness, I take it to the next level of the mansion, where Frances Fisher is getting a shagadellic haircut from the stylists of the Warren-Tricomi Salon. She looks supercute, so I slide into a chair next to Mrs. Sean Patrick Thomas, Aonika Laurent, to get my hair done, too.
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.
And...It's Showtime!
While Ellen hosts the 79th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater, I'm at West Hollywood’s East/West Lounge in a cozy VIP room for Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Jai Rodriguez's viewing party. He has invited a bunch of close friends, and it seems like everyone is rooting for Jennifer Hudson. "She’s the ultimate dream story," an adorable little man tells me. (And again, as we now know, she's a Dreamgirl come true.)
About halfway through the show, Sara Ramirez’s commercial as the new Dove spokeswoman plays, and the entire VIP bunch starts clapping for their fellow Oscars viewer. "It’s so embarrassing," the Grey’s Anatomy starlet says, as she turns away from the screen. Hey, there’s nothing to be shy about, considering she looks stunning. But she doesn’t have to worry for long, because Jai quickly grabs everyone’s attention. "Shhh!!! Celine’s on!" he exclaims. His gays sit and listen, and I take that as my cue to sneak over to the Abbey for The Envelope Please 6th Annual Oscar Party.
Acting Faves and Fashionistas
I arrive just as Haylie Duff is leaving with her new boyfriend, Jamie-Lynn Sigler ex A.J. DiScala. Boo. I didn’t get to tell her all about A.J.’s crazy Miami moves. Oh, well. I’d much prefer to talk to the Gucci'd out Lance Bass. "Beyoncé looked freakin’ good tonight," the new fashion vixen tells me of his Oscar style pick. "She worked it." Well, she had to make up for not getting nominated, right? A few tables over, Entourage cutie assistant Rex Lee is boasting about his scorecard. "This year, everyone I’m rooting for are the people who are favored to win," he says, referring to Whitaker, Hudson and Helen Mirren. Sure enough, the three take home gold. Forest even remembers to thank God, just like he said he would: "I want to thank my mom and my dad...and God, who believes in us all and who has given me this moment in this lifetime that I will hopefully carry to the end of my lifetime into the next lifetime." Amen again.
Marty's the Man, Party's the Plan
After seeing Martin Scorsese grab his first little gold man, revelers leave the tented tables to sip Little Miss Lemondrop martinis by the bar. Lauren Conrad prances in to say hi to Bass, while Niecy Nash raves about Best Actor Whitaker. "He has been turning in phenomenal work for such a long time," she tells me. I hear you, sister.
I bump into Girls Gone Wild honcho Joe Francis just as I'm about to change venues and then follow Ken Davitian to Us Weekly’s post-Oscar fete. The Borat star is quite the charmer, even complimenting me on my dress. "You better take care of this one," he tells my pal. "Or I will have to." I wonder how his wife would feel about adopting a Hollywood Party Girl?
Oops, Wrong Magazine
The Us Weekly gala is at an awesome mansion up in the hills. Unfortunately, most celebrities are toasting at Vanity Fair’s annual bash. After grabbing a cupcake and saying hello to Hills honey Heidi Montag, I decide not to even try to weasel my way in to talk to Tom Cruise at the VF fete. I'm almost always on this list—sadly, tonight is where that pesky almost comes in. Plus, with Al Gore added to the A-list throng, tried-and-true tricks like flirting up the bouncer or piggybacking with C-list pals just ain't gonna cut it tonight. But be sure you check out the Party Pics to see what my photog minions uncovered beyond the velvet ropes at all the post-Oscar festivities.
