KUDOS FOR CAGE
Hollywood turned out in grand style to honor A-list actor Nicolas Cage at this year’s American Cinema-theque gala.
Security was tighter than Britney Spear’s behind as high-profile celebs like Cuba Gooding Jr., Jim Carrey, Elisabeth Shue and Samuel L. Jackson filed into the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Several dozen guards kept a close eye on the crowd along with their bomb-sniffing dogs. Metal detectors were in place as the black-tie clad guests were screened and searched.
Security precautions aside, the evening lived up to its reputation as one of Tinseltown’s more enjoyable fete affairs.
The highlight was a wide screen retrospective of Cage’s varied career from forgettable parts in low budget flicks like “Valley Girl” and the “Vampire’s Kiss” to acclaimed performances in “Moonstruck” and Oscar-winning work in “Leaving Las Vegas.”
Cage’s next on-screen role will be Sgt. Joe Enders in “Windtalkers”–the tale of two U.S. Marines assigned to protect a secret World War II radio code.
Off-screen, he’s expected to play another celebrated role as hubby to Lisa Marie Presley. The nephew of Francis Ford Coppola and offspring of the King announced they will tie the knot by the end of the year.
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
Jumpin’ Jerry Lee Lewis and the fabulous Four Tops will take the stage in Beverly Hills tomorrow night as the John Wayne Cancer Institute honors local songbird Olivia Newton-John.
Newton-John, a breast cancer survivor, will receive the Spirit of Hollywood Award for her work in raising money and awareness in the fight against the deadly disease.
Malibu’s Marissa Coughlan, meantime, was on hand at the Regent Beverly Wilshire to help the institute’s auxiliary observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Duke’s daughter, Marisa Wayne, beamed as the organization was presented with a check for $610,000 to go toward breast cancer treatment and the search for a cure.
SPECIAL DELIVERIES
Look for even more star power at local playgrounds. Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber welcomed their new bundle of joy, Kaya Jordan, on Sept. 3.
VIP bombshell Pamela Anderson and rocker Kid Rock are said to be expecting their first child together, and congrats to Kelsey Grammer and wife Camille.
The multi-million dollar “Fraiser” doc and the former playmate have announced the arrival of little Mason Olivia. The 8-pound, 5-ounce baby girl was born to a surrogate mother and made her debut in Malibu on Oct. 27. Now that’s something to cheer about!