Malibuites will give the world something to smile about as Operation Smile kicks off its annual gala on Friday at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Longtime locals Roma Downey and Mark Burnett will serve as event chairs, along with locals Brooke Burke-Charvet and hubby David Charvet.
The organization, which changes lives around the world, has no shortage of support from the Hollywood community, as well as an army of medical volunteers. Together they travel the world to repair facial deformations for children who live in some of the most underserved places on earth.
Brooke will take over this year’s duties as master of ceremonies at the Operation Smile event. The gala kicks off with a cozy cocktail party and silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner, the awards presentation and live entertainment. This year’s honorees include Kevin Beggs, who will receive the John Connor Humanitarian Award; Randy Sherman, who is to be presented with the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award; and Kate Walsh, who goes home with the Universal Smile Award.
Over the years, Operation Smile has changed thousands of little faces and remains one very rewarding experience.
Care for a cuppa?
Now that the award season is ramping up, there is plenty of celebration to go around. The British Academy of Film and Television recently hosted its annual TV tea at the SLS Hotel.
The red carpet was a thrill for “Downton Abbey” fans. The guest list included actors Hugh Bonneville and Jim Carter, as well as the show’s behind-the-scenes creative team, with executive producer Gareth Neame leading the way.
There were also representatives from “30 Rock,” “Modern Family” and “Game of Thrones,” as well as Harry Hamlin from “Mad Men” and “Scandal’s” Kerry Washington.
Proceeds from the event go to raise funds for BAFTA’s Los Angeles Community Outreach and Education programs. There was no better excuse to indulge in some Devon cream and a fluffy scone. Cheers!
And the Emmy goes to…
Congrats to Malibu’s mega TV titan Mark Burnett for a win on his hit show “The Voice.” The breakthrough show “Breaking Bad” got the biggest win of the night for Best Drama. Other outstanding performers like Michael Douglas were honored, as well as Stephen Colbert, who goes back to New York with not one, but two golden statuettes.
On the prowl
Local Leonardo DiCaprio is bringing the world of finance to the silver screen in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Based on the book by Jordan Belfort, it captures a world of sex, drugs and money. Leo teams up once again with pal Martin Scorsese, who directs the film.
If you can’t get enough of Leo, you can always catch him at home. Some of the reviews may have been underwhelming, but Leo’s take on “The Great Gatsby” could be worth a peek. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, its lavish scenes are sure to provide plenty of eye candy. The flick is just out on DVD.