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We are pleased to announce that Marci Weiner, internationally known columnist and TV personality will be writing a regular column for www.KNBSTV.com. Marci's syndicated column is in many local and national publications, and she has appeared on such TV shows as Joan Rivers, USA Network, Soap Talk, and Hollywood Style. She is currently taping a series "Hollywood Marci" which originates in Houston, Texas.
Marci's Hollywood Hotline will be a regular feature on www.KNBSTV.com and you can submit info and invitations to her at hlbt@earthlink.net
Marci’s Hollywood Hotline By Marci Weiner
PALM SPRINGS FILM FESTIVAL
Palm Springs has always been a refuge for Hollywood Royalty, and a luxurious retreat for the rich and famous. Now they have earned a reputation as one of the leading Film Festival venues in the world. This year, the 20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival announced a roster of 209 films, culled from 73 countries, and included a total of 83 premieres. Festival Director, Daryl MacDonald was delighted that they have reached a new generation of filmmaking talent making its debut on the world stage, and that this year’s lineup brought the promise of new voices to infuse the cinema with a renewal of creative energy.
Festival Honorees included Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Anne Hathaway, Amy Adams and Dakota Fanning. Sounds like there were more stars there than at the Oscars! Eastwood, who received his Lifetime Achievement Award from Donald Sutherland, is getting rave reviews for Gran Torino, and the 78 year old thespian shows no signs of stopping. His Mom, Ruth, passed away just two years ago at age 97, so he does have longevity in his designer genes.
Speaking of Designers, Awardee Anne Hathaway was decked out in a Cartier Tradition pear- shape diamond bracelet, valued at $92,000; while Amy Adams wore Cartier floral drop earrings worth $160,000. But the most glittering of stars was first time actress, Freida Pinto, who received the Breakthrough Award for her work in Slumdog Millionaire. This extraordinary Indian beauty needs no adornment for her exotic beauty.
This year’s event drew the largest amount of celebrities ever, and as Mayor Steve Pougnet stated: “This Film Festival provides a shot in the arm for Palm Spring’s economy in the midst of the recession.”
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Songwriter Carol Connors, who has attended and supported the Festival for 20 years |
SUPER SUPERBOWL SOIREE AT SPAGO
Football has never been a priority in the life of Society Columnist – but I never miss the Annual Superbowl Soiree at Spago, hosted by Publisher, Michael Viner (Phoenix Books). Wolfgang Puck prepares a delicious array of typical “game” food – hotdogs, hamburgers, chili, fries, and even knishes that his fortunate guests can chow down on. Some of the celebs in attendance this year included Larry King and his wife, Shawn, Football legend Rosey Grier, diminutive actor Robert Blake (Baretta) looking lost in his black cowboy hat, and producer, Robert Evans, posing prettily with a pretty young lady.
Evans newest tome, “The Kid Stays in the Picture – 11 – The Fat Lady Sings” is a sequel to his best-selling memoir, addressing his rise, fall and rise again in show business,
Another author in attendance – Omarosa, just published her book – “The Bitch Switch” – which details how every woman can be successful by being assertive and making demands for what she wants. Well, it worked for her.
Didn’t get a chance to watch the game, with all the people watching in the room – but did notice the alluring ad for Victoria’s Secret. How could you not – when Supermodel, Alessandra Ambrosia was on Michael’s arm?
As a party favor, received an advance copy of “Catastrophe – the Story of Bernard Madoff, The Man Who Swindled the World” – a must read for us all. By the way, brava to the Pittsburgh Steelers who won the game!
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Wolfgang Puck at work |
Satellite Awards
As a member of the International Press Association, we are always interested in their annual Satellite Awards. When Angelina Jolie (Changeling) was named Best Actress at the Satellite Awards, her status as a leading lady was unquestioned. But when Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) was selected as Best Actor, the packed audience at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Century City, California, knew they were in for a night of surprises.
No surprise that Slumdog Millionaire, beat out all challengers for Best Motion Picture, but Tracey Ullman was delightfully shocked when she topped Tina Fey (3rd Rock) as best actress in a comedy series.
A Special Achievement Award was presented to Producer, Baz Luhrmann, best remembered for his stunning flick, Moulin Rouge. His latest film Australia, starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman may not have achieved box office success, but we understand that tourism to Australia has doubled since it’s release.
Lou Gossett, Jr. accepted the Mary Pickford Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Entertainment Industry. Currently appearing in the TV series, Stargate SG-1, Gossett is the Founder of the Eracism Foundation, to bring awareness and education to racism, ignorance and social apathy.
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Director Ron Howard (who received Lifetime Achievement Award) from actor Frank Langella |
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Clint Eastwood with his wife, Dina |
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LeonardoDi Caprio signing autographs for adoring fans |
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Darryl Macdonald (Festival Director) with actress Amy Adams (Spotlight Award Winner) |
Producer Robert Evans & Friend |
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Host, Michael Viner & SuperModel Alessandra Ambrosia |
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Barbara Lazaroff (co-owner of Spago) with son Byron and beau, John Hanwell |
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Tracy Ullman (State of the Union) won for Best Actress in a Series |
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Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) Best Actor at the International Press Awards |
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Baz Luhrmann - Received their Auteur Award (Australia) |
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