GIRL POWER
Some of the biggest names in Hollywood stepped out at the Beverly Hilton for this year’s Women in Film Awards.
Annette Bening was honored for her impressive career accomplishments along with Katie Holmes, Nina Tassler, Pamela Fryman and Reed Morano. The event also included a special tribute to the late, great Elizabeth Taylor.
Max Mara seemed to be the designer of the day with Geena Davis, Rose McGowan and Jenna Elfman turning heads in their latest eye-catching styles.
The gala may be called Women in Film, but it wasn’t just for the ladies. A few famous fellas also stepped into the spotlight, including Malibu’s Martin Sheen, Warren Beatty and Neil Patrick Harris.
Martin, who starred with Annette in “The American President,” presented the acclaimed actress with the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film. Geena Davis was on hand for Nina Tassler. Gracious Geena was a real sport. The towering, 6-foot tall Oscar winner even removed her heels to pose for pictures with the petite honoree.
For the past 35 years, WIF’s Crystal and Lucy Awards have celebrated the outstanding contributions of women in television and film. They recognize leaders and mentors who have helped elevate the profile of women in the entertainment industry.
The 2011 recipients join a prestigious roster of past honorees, including Malibu’s Halle Berry as well as Jennifer Aniston, Diane English, Renée Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diane Lane, Laura Ziskin and Meryl Streep.
Melissa McCarthy hosted the memorable do. Proceeds benefit WIF’s educational and philanthropic programs.
‘BU AT THE BOWL
If you’re a fan of local legend Dick Van Dyke (and who isn’t?) you might want to pack up your picnic basket and head for the Hollywood Bowl this weekend. Dick is going to take television lovers on a stroll down memory lane as he joins his old school pals for “Singing Stars of TV.”
The special performance stars song and dance man Michael Feinstein, along with Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson, Glee’s Cheyenne Jackson and multi-talented Wayne Brady. Together, they’re putting on a light-hearted evening featuring America’s favorite TV tunes.
It’s good to see Dick back in the spotlight especially since he was forced to cancel his one-man show, “Dick Van Dyke – a Step in Time!” The show was set to open at the Geffen Playhouse earlier this year, but the beloved actor was sidelined by an Achilles injury.
Fortunately, Dick’s back on his feet and ready to delight audiences July 29 and 30. The Los Angeles Philharmonic joins the stars on stage with conductor Jack Everly. Will the TV-themed show draw rave reviews? Stay tuned.