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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

Marci’s Hollywood Hotline (page 1)

As Tom Hanks stated, “Everybody loves Julia – everybody”. He was referring, of course, to the Pretty Woman herself, Julia Roberts who received the 22nd Cinematheque Award at the Beverly Hilton. She was lauded for her contributions to the art of the Moving Picture, by this organization, established in 1981, that celebrates film in all its forms. Prior recipients include Michael Douglas, Nicole Kidman, Al Pacino and Tom Cruise, so she certainly was in good company.

Some of her former co-stars who were on hand to congratulate her included Natalie Portman (Closer), Marcia Gay Harden (Mona Lisa Smile) Bruce Willis (Oceans Twelve) and Shirley Mac Laine, who worked with her on Steel Magnolias. Shirley sensed early on that there was something special about Julia, and was proud of her growth as an actress and a woman.

But the most moving (excuse the pun) tribute was delivered on video by George Clooney, who appeared in a bathroom stall, because he said, he was filming, and had to get away from his fans, to a private place to speak. In the middle of his speech, his shoe was taped by a foot in the stall next door…. and an embarrassed Brad Pitt was the culprit!

Julia, who just turned 40, said she is most proud to be a wife and Mom to the most amazing children. When she approached the stage at the end of the evening, the new Mom grabbed her chest joking, “Is there a hungry baby in the house? Come on up.”

Former honoree, Denzel Washington, presented the award to Julia. He co-starred with her in The Pelican Brief, and announced: “You do an extraordinary job, extraordinary well”. Guess that sums it up best. If you want to hear more from such luminaries as Mike Nichols, Garry Marshall, and Richard Gere, catch “An American Cinematheque Tribute” on AMC, December 5th at 8:00 PM

To get to a more poignant occasion, must comment on the Malibu fire, which ravaged the Castle Kashan, owned by our friend, Princess Lilly Lawrence. The beautiful humanitarian often lent her magnificent home to various charities, and we visited her just a few weeks ago to benefit The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation. Actor Michael Chiklis (The Shield) represents the organization, which provides housing and education to homeless at risk children and their families.

The entire City Council of Malibu was present, including Mayor Jeff Jennings, along with actress Frances Fisher, Melissa Watkins, Producer of the Golden Globes, Andrew Ettinger, Literary and Media Consultant, and Jeraldine Saunders, author of the Love Boat. Lilly stole the show with her spectacular shimmering gown designed by Tatyana Peter. And we all were impressed by her hospitality and graciousness.

Who would have believed this was the last soiree ever to be held in the Castle, which was in escrow at $17 million dollars? Despite the fact that she lost her home, and priceless collection of family heirlooms and memorabilia, the Princess reflected, “My possessions don’t posses me. My house does not posses me. I’m thinking about our boys in Iraq”. A truly royal response, don’t you think?

Our hearts and prayers go out to all families who have been affected by the horrendous fires in our great state.

The Young Musicians Foundation was Merv Griffin’s favorite charity. He didn’t just host their annual Gala at his own home (The Beverly Hilton Hotel, that is), but was involved in every aspect of the evening.. This year, unfortunately, Merv passed away a few months prior to the event; so appropriately the Gala paid tribute to their super star supporter.

Some of the many celebs at the black tie event included Ryan Seacrest (the host with the most)whose experience with classical music is admittedly limited (but he did try hard), and Clint Eastwood, a great friend of Merv, who shared his love of any type of music – particularly jazz. Clint presented the Honorary Lifetime Chairman Award to Merv’s son, Tony Griffin, who related several heart-warming stories about growing up with his famous father.

Gorgeous Katharine McPhee warbled her signature song , “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, and Singer/Pianist Michael Feinstein, also performed brilliantly. But the piece d’resistance, as usual, was the Young Musicians Debut Orchestra, who opened the program with Strauss’s Overture to Die Fledermaus. Sean Newhouse, Music Director & Conductor , and his orchestra composed of 70 talent musicians – ages 15 -25 – would have made Merv most proud

Kudos to Edye Rugolo, Executive Director, Donanne Kasikci, Chairperson, and all the hard working members of the YMF for a magical musical tribute to Merv Griffin, whose musical legacy will live on forever

The world-famous European-style cobblestone street Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills, turned pink, for Susan G .Komen Fashion for the Cure annual fashion show & gala hosted by McCormick & Schmick. Mariel Hemingway, Academy Award winning actress and author of her second book, “Healthy Living from the Inside Out” – Every Woman’s Guide to Beauty, Renewed Energy and Radiant Life - was mistress of ceremonies for this event, which brought awareness of the relationship between the environment and cancer.

The evening was highlighted by a fashion show featuring Uber’s models, and the new couture collection of celebrity eco designer, Deborah Lindquist. There was even a “Think Thin Pink Wrapper” dress designed by her, made from natural nutrition bar wrappers. Celebrity Stylist, Jose Eber, with whom we worked on the mega infomercial, “Secret Hair”, provided a makeover for 12 breast cancer survivors who made their debut on the runway. These gorgeous gals modeled attire from such designers as Sash, Eco Centric and Not your Daughter’s Jeans (don’t you love this brand?)

We were pleased to be seated with several young models from the VH1 - TV hit, America’s Most Smartest Models – Daniel Shuman, Rachel Murphy, Rachel Myers and Lisa Byrnes. We interviewed them the next day for our new “Hollywood Marci” TV show. Can’t reveal who was the winner of the contest - but can tell you that it is possible to combine beauty & brains in one pretty package.