Same event (for 25 years), same producer and dinner chairman (Norby Walters), familiar sponsor (famed designer Peter Nygard), and similar cast (former Oscar winners and nominees) – but this year a different venue: The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
This event, Night of 100 Stars, was even bigger and better, and included more than 100 film and television stars, dressed to the nines, being interviewed by more than 100 media outlets, organized by PR wiz, Edward Lozzi.
Some of the VIP’s strolling down the 300 ft. red carpet included Daniel Baldwin, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Amy Smart, Steve Bauer, and the ubiquitous Gloria Allred, whose escort this year was supermodel Beverly Johnson. However, no sightings of Bill Cosby.
The Walters family was present in full force, celebrating sons Gary and Richard who were nominated for five Oscars and won three for executive producing “Whiplash” (Bold Pictures).
As TV late night host Jimmy Kimmel stated: “This party brings out the most beautiful girls in town;” and some of these have included Bo Derek, Estella Warren, Tia Carrere, and Xena herself (Lucy Lawless), who I had the pleasure of sitting next to last year.
Let’s hope that Norby and his fabulous cast of thousands, continue to be the number one Oscar viewing party forever. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather celebrate the Oscars than with the Walters and their hard-working crew!
Another event I have attended for many years is the 30th Annual Odyssey Ball, which supports the John Wayne Cancer Institute.
Last year, the Mandela Family were honored, and this year, actor Gary Sinise will receive their “True Grit” Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Maggie Dinome, Director of the Cancer Prevention Program at Saint John’s Health Center, will receive “The Duke” Special Service Award. The gala is being held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Saturday, April 11, and the entire Wayne family is always in attendance.
Master of Ceremonies is actor J.R. Martinez, and there is always a gaggle of glamorous guests. For further information, contact Grant Associates at 323.904.4400. The event is a great way to help defeat this dreaded disease.
