WILDE ABOUT YOU
Actress Julia Roberts surprised 350 guests at the Ebell Theatre a few weeks back when she made an appearance at this year’s US-Ireland Alliance soiree. The event called “Oscar Wilde: Honoring the Irish in Film,” saluted actor Paul Rudd with the “Honorary Irishman” award. Julia and Paul not only share a fondness for each other, they also share a love of the stage. In 2006, the two performed on Broadway along with Bradley Cooper in Richard Greenberg’s play “Three Days of Rain.” Julia’s unexpected appearance at the Irish Oscar bash made a special evening even better.
She joked about Paul getting the award before she did, saying, “maybe I can become Irish, my middle name is Fiona, which is a step closer to being Irish than Paul Rudd was five minutes ago.” Still, the “Eat, Pray, Love” actress admitted that Paul finds himself in good company. “So Yeats, Fungi the Dolphin and U2 are not enough,” she told the crowd, “you want Paul Rudd too!”
The annual event is named after famed Irish writer Oscar Wilde and recognizes Irish excellence in Hollywood. In addition to the “Honorary Irishman” honor for Paul, casting agents Ros and John Hubbard received crystal statuettes. Sarah Bolger received the “Wilde Card” award, which is set aside for emerging talent in film.
After the ceremony, guests like Jon Hamm of “Mad Men,” Orlando Bloom and Molly Ringwald were treated to a taste of Ireland, and a few made their way over to the whiskey tasting bar. The evening ended on a musical note with a special performance by Maria Doyle Kennedy.
ARTISTS UNMASKED
Art lovers are gearing up for one of their favorite events of the year. It’s the Incognito exhibition and benefit for the Santa Monica Museum of Art. The event features original works from 500 contemporary artists, and it’s all for sale. From sophisticated collectors to first-time buyers, guests are encouraged to trust their instincts and watch what happens.
Each 8 x 10 creation is signed on the back, but the identities of the artists are only revealed after the purchase. Incognito is celebrating its seventh year. This year’s artists include famed names like John Baldessari, Billy Al Bengston and Ed Moses. There will even be an out-of-this-world image by “Trekkie” Leonard Nimoy. The eye-popping event takes place April 30.