After the Vanity Fair dinner, we moved into the area where the party was to start once the people who had been at the Oscars (including the winners) began to arrive. There were a few friends who were fun to talk with—George Hamilton, George Schaefer who produced “Laugh-In” back in the day, Roger Freidman. Then the place really filled up and I got to see Kathryn Bigelow. Two Oscars in tow like a weight lifter. She seemed to be in a total daze and couldn’t wipe the grin off her face. No wonder. I was able to greet Meryl Streep who looked fabulous and was her charming and laughing self. You may not know it but Meryl’s first film was in “Julia” with me and Vanessa Redgrave. I saw she was en extraordinary talent even then. Rosario Dawson and her really nice, french,  DJ boyfriend, Mathieu Schreyer. Spent time with John Singleton who is very smart about movies and full of integrity. He directed “Boyz in the Hood” and produced many others including the brave “Hussel and Flow.” Marisa Tomei had fun with us. Talked with Jamie Foxx and Tyler Perry who harks from Atlanta like I do. Got to hug Jennifer Lopez who, I have to say, looked smashing and had the best dress (though she wore a different one, black, at the party). Met Natalie Portman in the bathroom and that was a treat as I admire her work very much. Was able to congratulate and hug Sandra Bullock. My son Troy and Simone were there and I always have more fun at a party when they are there. Sat next to my brother Peter for awhile. Sorry I didn’t get to see Jeff Bridges or Jim Cameron. Nor did I take many pictures. I didn’t feel right. A few at the pre party dinner where we ate and watched the Oscars. I did a lot of tweeting then. Even more than Jackie Collins.

Joan Collins with Kirk Douglas and his wife Ann at the dinner, watching the Oscars

Jackie and Joan Collins

Richard and me at the Vanity Fair dinner

Hand of the director who won best documentary, "The Cove," grasping his Oscar at the Vanity Fair party

I’m tired today.
See you next time

Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe who played Precious—brilliantly!!

Queen Latifah, Me and Richard

Richard, Me and Lenny Kravitz

We saw “Precious“, the remarkable, powerful film directed by Lee Daniels. It opened the New York Film Festival. I read the book, “Push” —by Sapphire–more than a decade ago and felt it to be one of the most powerful, provocative books ever. The film is very good. I am grateful that it has been made and that Oprah and Tyler Perry have stepped up to help ensure it’s distribution. I wish everyone could see it. I’m thinking back over the years to the (white) men, usually business men, who asked me why my organization did “all these programs for those girls? You’re just rewarding them for their bad behavior.” It has taken time, patience and a great deal of faith to try and prove to them that most of the “girls” weren’t “bad.” They were victims who had been on the receiving end of so much dehumanizing, brutal, cruel behavior, then ignored, cast aside. They needed care and attention not more demonizing. The movie is wonderful in how it subtly shows that hope and confidence can bloom in someone when a little love and attention is sent their way. At least two Oscar worthy performances: Gabourey Sidibe is Precious and stand-up comedian, Mo’Nique, is jaw-dropping as her mother, Mary. Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz are excellent as well. Bravo to all!!!

The next night was went to the opening of Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking.” We had a big group—Troy, Simone, Harvey and Daphna Keitel, Pat Mitchell, Kenny Vance, Claudia Potempkin, Annette and Joe Allen, and more. I meant to take pictures but, as often happens when I’m having fun, I forgot to take any. Carrie was hysterical. I’ve seen an earlier version and was surprised to see how well she’s tightened it up and made it resonate for folks who aren’t of Hollywood. Given her uniquely dysfunctional childhood, one reviewer said it is amazing how she makes the audience feel she is just like them. It’s a must see. So is “Precious”.

Daphna, Harvey, Daphna’s mother, Richard, me and Eve Ensler

Daphna and Harvey Keitel

Then two more glorious days of great food and much fun with Richard’s friends and mine—we had a reunion party with the cast of “33 Variations” and Moises, the author and director. I’m very moved by the fact that Richard’s friends from childhood, High school and college still love him and stay in touch…same with old girlfriends.

33 Variations cast reunion

33 Variations cast reunion

Richard signing doo wop with Kenny Vance. Kenny had long been Richard’s friend. They both had singing groups back in the late fifties...Richard’s was The Escorts, Kenny’s was the Planetones...still is...still sounding like dream

Cannot believe that, except for the photo of Richard singing with Kenny Vance, I forgot to take any pictures. Shame on me.

See You Next TIme