BILLION DOLLAR BABY
Tom was touching, Bruce reminisced, Brad and George pulled out the pranks and Julia Roberts beamed all night long flashing that famous mega-watt smile.
Some of the best-known names in the business turned out at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to help honor Hollywood’s favorite pretty woman. Every year the American Cinematheque pulls out all the stops at its dazzling all-star tribute. The event draws a mob of media outlets from around the world and Malibu Seen was feeling quite worldly on the red carpet sandwiched in between Russia’s Izvestia and China’s Daily News.
After a few celebratory sips of champagne, gala guests took their seats. Tom Hanks amused the crowd by spelling out what it’s like to appear alongside the illustrious Oscar winner. “A stands for asterisk,” he said, “as in actors’ credits will forever be punctuated by a ‘*worked with Julia Roberts.'” AC Chairman Rick Nicita described Julia as “a true movie star who has delighted audiences and critics in so many pictures from her first screen appearance in “Mystic Pizza” through mega-hits like “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride.” She also has a claim to fame that few can match-collectively her films have grossed more than $2.5 billion!
Many of Julia’s co-stars took the stage introducing various clips that showcased memorable moments from a storied career. We saw jumpy Julia in creepy flicks like “Sleeping With the Enemy,” serious Julia in dramatic films like “Erin Brockovich” and “The Pelican Brief,” and loveable Julia in light-hearted comedies like “Everybody Says I Love You,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Notting Hill.”
As a new mom, Julia has had a lighter workload in recent years, but she will return to light up the screen teaming up with Tom Hanks in “Charlie Wilson’s War.” She’ll also resurface in the upcoming “Fireflies in the Garden” and “Friday Night Knitting Club.”
Mike Nichols, who cast the star in “Charlie Wilson’s War,” said that “directing Julia is somewhere between falling in love, driving a Ferrari, reading a Yates poem and having a triple-decker ice cream cone.”
Brad Pitt and George Clooney sent a laugh-out-loud taped message from a public restroom where they did a foot-tapping Senator Larry Craig spoof worthy of the Letterman show.
The evening wrapped up with a few words by one of Julia’s favorite co-stars. Denzel Washington was on hand to present the prestigious award explaining how Julia is someone “who says yes to life.”
The acclaimed star stepped up in a sexy black gown and informed the audience that as a new mom it was past her bedtime. The actress had heart-felt praise for her husband and kids and thanks for those who turned out for the tribute. “For all of you to come tonight with the intention to be so kind to me is something I will never forget,” she said. “I am so grateful.”
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