WILDE ABOUT OSCAR
Tux? Check. Bling? Got it. Megawatt smile? Copy that. It’s awards season, which means a nonstop parade of red carpet walks, photo ops and statuettes. From SAG to the Globes, there are award celebrations all over town and the countdown to the Academy Awards is on.
Even the Irish community has a pre-Academy shindig. It’s the annual “Oscar Wilde: Honoring the Irish in Film” event at the Ebell Theater.
On Feb. 24, a starry crowd will gather to honor actress Sarah Bolger. “The Tudors” actress is set to receive this year’s “Wilde Card” award, which was inaugurated last year to honor Hollywood’s rising stars.
The young actress is already an acting vet. She started out on stage at the age of five, and just a few years later found herself starring alongside big screen names like Andie McDowell and Mickey Rourke. No stranger to the award circuit, she has received nominations for “Best Newcomer” at the Independent Spirit Awards and “Best Cast Ensemble” at the Screen Actors Guild.
Sarah joins a prestigious roster of previous honorees including Jim Brooks, Van Morrison, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terry George and Bill Monahan.
HEAVEN SENT
There were plenty of fashion statements at the California Science Center where the Art of Elysium held its annual “Heaven” soiree. Glamazons making the rounds included Eva Mendes, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson, Kirsten Dunst and Jennifer Love Hewitt who made her entrance in an eye-popping strapless multitiered gown.
Local media king Ryan Kavanaugh co-hosted the event, which honored James Franco with the organization’s “Spirit of Elysium Award.” For A-listers it was a piece of “heaven” that brought in $1.2 million to help critically ill kids.
AND THE BAND PLAYED ON
When it comes to retaining top talent, the Los Angeles Philharmonic likes to think long term. And when you’ve got someone like Gustavo “The Dude” Dudamel on board, why ask why? The Phil’s music director has been a hit from the start, delighting audiences with his high-octane style.
If you love him, you gotta love that his contract has been extended to 2019.
Chairman of the Orchestra Committee Peter Rofe couldn’t be more pleased. He is quick to recall the toast he made at Gustavo’s 30th birthday party not long ago, “I said the musicians want him to be our music director for at least another 30 years. So this is a very good start.” Bravo!