Oscar gets the parties started
Post-awards parties draw celebrities
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'No Country For Old Men' producer Scott Rudin is flanked by directors Ethan and Joel Coen at the Governors Ball on Sunday. |
"The 'Once' songwriters provided the best moment of the evening and spontaneity," declared Fox's Tom Rothman. "It's what the Oscars are supposed to be about."
Sony's Howard Stringer admired the acceptance speeches, which were "devoid of cliches," he said, and "full of entertaining energy."
Sony Pictures Classics' Tom Bernard agreed: "The speeches were about the movies," he said, "not kissing the ass of studios and agents. The Academy is trying to focus more attention on the movies and not the people outside the movies."
The Warners table -- complete with execs Jeff Bewkes, Barry Meyer and Alan Horn -- boasted "Michael Clayton" winner Tilda Swinton.
"Tilda kept us from getting skunked," said George Clooney, as he headed out into the night with girlfriend Sarah Larson.
Over at the 16th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party, which raised $5.1 million, revelers including Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Kate Beckinsale, Billy Joel, Faye Dunaway, Stevie Wonder, Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones and Tom Wilkinson poured into the Pacific Design Center to catch a duet between Elton John and special guest Mary J. Blige.
While waiting in line for one of the swanky swag bags, Jeremy Piven offered his thoughts on Jon Stewart's hosting duties: "Jon's an incredibly sharp guy, and I thought he did a great job. I don't think people realize how hard that gig is."
Tim Allen also praised Stewart. "I think he did a terrific job. I didn't have high hopes, because I thought he'd be too smart-assy, but instead the guy had elegance and class and the style of old Hollywood," he said.
Despite being 3,000 miles away, New Yorkers celebrated the big night throughout Gotham. The Academy hosted an upscale viewing party at the Carlyle Hotel, which drew vets including Jerry Stiller, Shirley Knight and Chevy Chase. Over at the W New York hotel, Variety hosted a lively viewing party, while New York magazine threw its third annual Oscar bash at the Spotted Pig restaurant, where guests such as Eddie Izzard, Alan Cumming and Phylicia Rashad were treated to Oscar nominee-inspired drinks, including the "Juno & Juice" gin cocktail.
(Jeff Sneider in Hollywood and Addie Morfoot in New York contributed to this report.)
