BRIGHT LIGHTS
It was a family affair at the Beverly Hills Hotel as the Arquette clan came out to help celebrate the 2004 City Lights Awards. David, Rosanna, Patricia and Alexis accepted this year’s Spirit Award on behalf of their mom, Mardi, who made countless contributions as a therapist at the Southern California Counseling Center. Star Wars cutie-turned-celebrated scribe Carrie Fisher was also honored for her contributions in the field of mental health. She got the spotlight for sharing the story of her own ups and downs with honesty and humor. The benefit raised thousands of dollars for the SCCC, which provides high-quality, low-cost counseling for those in need.
PALTROW PALS
Speaking of family ties, the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow joined other kindred sprits at this year’s Women in Film Awards. More than 1,000 friends and fans gathered at the Century Plaza as Gwyneth received the 2004 Lucy Award while mom was presented with the Crystal Award. Among those paying tribute were mega-director Steven Spielberg, School of Rocker Jack Black, sitcom queen Bonnie Hunt, graceful Debra Messing and veteran actor Morgan Freeman.
But accolades weren’t just going to the ladies. WIF also offered a touching tribute to director Bruce Paltrow for his support of women in the entertainment industry. “He was a mentor to so many, not only actresses, but producers, directors and executives,” WIF President Iris Grossman said.
Heart-felt words came from BD, who called her late husband “A man of wit, grace and resilience who had a tremendous devotion to his family.”
There’s no question that talent runs in this family. In 1999, 27-year-old Gwyneth won an Academy Award for her performance in “Shakespeare in Love,” while mom picked up a 1970 Tony Award for “Butterflies are Free.” With Gwyneth now a mom herself, you can be sure the “Apple” won’t fall far from the tree.
VIVA ITALIA
The scene was magnifico at American Cinemateque as film lovers gathered on the red carpet for Cinema Italian Style. Producer Aurelio De Laurentis, actor Silvio Muccino, director Gabriele Muccino and Ciecitta capo Alessandro Usai were among the tri- colore VIPs in attendance. They gathered for vino and crostini in the courtyard to kick off a two-week showcase of Italian film.
Even the gift bags had an Italian theme, stuffed with Bulgari perfume, a stylish Fendi notebook, a nifty Scatola del Tempo tie, Acqua di Parma body butter, Missoni knickknacks and a swell pair of shades from Versace. Che Bello!