Mr. Redcarpet's Dirt

   OK, the Oscars are over and badda bing badda boom I'm in the Governors Ball and drinking a cocktail!  I didn't have a ticket but with the help of two colleagues, we discovered a secret entryway.  That secret will go with me to the grave or until it doesn’t work any more.  We’ll see what happens in 2007. 

   Not having had anything to eat for about 8 hours, I was pretty hungry.  The Governors Ball is NOT buffet style.  We…uh…didn’t think it would be a good idea to grab an empty seat at a table and wait for dinner to be served.  The only thing available was hors d'oeuvres being passed around.  Since it was almost time for dinner to be served, if I were going to get some food it had to be quick.  The only thing I could get was salmon pizza (gourmet pizza is a Wolfgang Puck specialty–see photos).  It was positively awful!  I was still hungry but ready for a second drink and to move out into the main ballroom.

   People mingled in the center of the ballroom.  It seemed there were more guests there than seated at tables.  There was a dining area on each side of the dance floor.  The band was elevated about ten feet above and to the side (somewhat decipherable in the photos of George Clooney that are attached).  The first person of note I ran into was the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.  I introduced myself, told him I voted for him, and that it was an honor to meet him.  He said, “No, it is an honor to meet YOU.”  Ah, the power of the constituent.  After I spoke to the Mayor, I noticed George Clooney a chairs in, talking on his cell phone.  A few moments later he was off the phone and standing alone.  I couldn’t believe that no one was at his table….not even Oscar (he had just won it for Supporting Actor in Syriana – he was only paid $350,000 for the film).  I figured I would never get an opportunity like this so I ceased the moment.  I walked up and introduced myself and he started talking to me like we were old friends.  What a sweetheart of a guy.  We both lived in Cincinnati at the same time albeit he was just starting elementary school and I was in college so we had some things in common, the main one being his Dad, Nick.  I knew his Dad as a news anchor and local TV personality.  He talked about his Dad with me as if I knew him personally.  George told me that’s who he was talking to just a few minutes ago.  People were starting to gather around us yearning for George’s attention so I graciously made my exit.  WOW!  I could not believe that I, Mr. Hollywood, just had a drink and a one on one conversation with Academy Award winning actor George Clooney like we were at a friend’s house party!  When he was talking to me, looking me straight in the eyes, I was thinking what millions of people, especially women, would give to be standing in my shoes right now.

   Everything at the Governors Ball was anti climactic after that.  I wandered by Steven Spielberg a few moments later and thought…ha!...old news.  After hooking up with my friends, we made our way to the exit.  We passed Laren Bacall…ha!...VERY old news.  My friend, who is a big fan, asked for her autograph.  She said bluntly that she couldn’t be bothered.  There was a food server holding a tray of Chocolate Oscars on the way out (see photo, but the guy in photo was definitely NOT our server).  Finally, some food! 

   Since I teased this in my last report (remember way back in March?), I should tell you about the actress who appeared in The Show who I once kissed.  The kiss was no big deal…just a goodbye kiss when I saw her at the Oscar rehearsal.  I know her professionally outside of her career as an actress.  Her name is Jane Finstrom.  She was onstage for one of the production numbers toward the end of the show.  I remember Tom Hanks was in it but that’s all!  If I can’t remember, chances are you could care less.

   We attempted to get into one more party at the Pacific Design Center (lovingly known as the Blue Whale) but security was pretty tight and we were very tired.  The spirit was willing but the flesh was weak.  It was time to pack up the tux until the Emmys.

  Photos of the Chocolate Oscar, George Clooney, and canned photos of the Governors Ball are attached.

   Mr. Redcarpet