For the most part, it was a dazzling night at the Cinerama Dome.
A flurry of stars who ran the press gauntlet were gracious and usually stopped at perches along the way to chat up the media and pose for the frenzied paparazzi who jockeyed ferociously for their exclusive stills.
Actor Dustin Hoffman was in high spirits as he discussed his new feature film - "Last Chance Harvey" - in which he co-stars with Emma Thompson.
Essentially, the romantic comedy is about a jingle writer who falls for a no-nonsense British Civil Servant on a trip to London to attend his daughter's wedding.
At one point on the glittering star-studded carpet, the rascal turned the tables on the press, and snapped back!
Yes, he snatched up a camera and took candid shots of the press corps, who whole-heartedly laughed along with the merry prankster.
In one impromptu moment, a short while later - as he moseyed down the red carpet - Mr. Hoffman also revealed his down-to-earth side.
For example, when an AFI staff member chose to break down set-ups for the night before the ceremonies wrapped, a flurry of rude sounds erupted into the air just a few feet away.
Mr. Hoffman turned his head slightly towards the workers, jerked it back after assessing the outburst a tad, then proceeded to utter a hilarious spontaneous quip.
"Was that someone farting?"
I cracked up.
For some, it was a pregnant moment, difficult to broach.
That's what happens when your foils are stuffed shirts with no sense of humor.
Good on Dustin!
In contrast, Emma Thompson's "handlers" left a lot to be desired.
In fact, the inappropriate conduct of her publicist upset a few members of the press, and caused a few salacious tongues to wag.
When a reporter from "In Touch" Magazine asked the woman - Katherine - if he could pose a question or two to Ms. Thompson, she checked out his credentials first.
Then, as she wrinkled her nose in the air, she responded with an insult.
"I don't think much of your organization," she sniffed, as she turned away in a huff.
I was inclined to ask Ms. Thompson a couple of questions, as well.
So, I politely asked the lady (I use the term very loosely) if I could conduct a small interview.
"Who are you with?" she demanded.
"The Tattler," I responded politely.
"The Tattler from England?" she screeched, with a horrified look on her face.
"No, I am American-based."
Suddenly, without warning, she wailed like an old cow in heat.
"No!"
A pack of onlookers stared at her shocking diatribe in disbelief.
After "Katherine" literally dragged Ms. Thompson off the carpet - I noted to the other reporters in the Sushi Lounge at the Cinerama Dome - that the publicist's conduct was downright unprofessional and uncalled for.
The "In Touch" magazine newsie - who had just been insulted by her - meekly pitched in.
"She's with a big PR firm in town. Everyone knows she's a bit**. They put up with it."
No matter!
As far as I am concerned, a lack of good manners is inexcusable.
Was she born in an out-house?
"It doesn't matter who she is, she should treat people with respect," I calmly replied.
It hasn't escaped my attention that some publicists make a beeline for larger press outlets and seek out top publications that are capable of providing high-profile coverage at events like the AFI Fest.
I am a mature individual, keen to the nature of the beast.
I wasn't born yesterday.
In fact, I can smell a phony a mile off.
In my opinion, there is no justifiable reason to insult a member of the press on the red carpet, like "Katherine" did!
If Ms. Thompson is clueless about "Katherine's" behaviour, then the actress needs to wise up and clue in, fast.
On the other hand, if the star is aware of the rumors and gossip about her publicist - and has chosen to do nothing to alleviate or correct the problem - then shame!
Ms. Thompson - in the industry here in America - we endeavour to treat people with dignity and respect.
If you and your staff can not abide by those professional standards, then go home to England, please!
Who needs you!
Good riddance.
Actually, Michelle Williams (Heath Ledger's ex-wife) suffered from the same dilemma, of a lesser degree.
Her publicist - a gruff, truck-driver kind of classless woman - was short and impolite to the media present, too. For that reason, I have chosen not to give any detailed coverage on Williams' appearance on carpet last night - what she wore and what she said - and so forth and so on.
I'd rather throw the spotlight on decent professional people - who are free of the ugly trappings of Hollywood - than support an industry trend which is a disgrace to the business.
Jeff Goldblum was a gem in that regard - and a role model to emulate - in my estimation.
He stopped and ensured there was a meaningful exchange with the media, elucidated his thoughts - and quite generally - was an all-round good fellow on carpet.
By the way, Jeff was able to research his current role in - "Resurrecting Adam" - a year in advance.
For example, the tall handsome actor, took on the task of learning how to play the Violin since his character was known to be proficient with the stringed instrument.
In addition - since the subject matter pertained to the Holocast - he visited two concentration camps, spoke with survivors, and studied the language painstakingly so he could effect it fluently.
When I asked about the "Fly" - a favorite film of mine he starred in - Goldblum noted that the project was a tough one which required a lot of concentration and thought.
Two women who wowed me the most!
Mrs. Stanley Kramer & Kate Hepburn's God-daughter, Katherine Kramer.
Kat - as she is known to her friends - was wearing a stunning designer gown which was smartly complemented by an eye-catching gold necklace by BEBE and an exquisite antique gold clutch purse to match.
The articulate engaging young lady was coiffed to perfection, too.
Mrs. Kramer - the picture of High Society - was dressed-to-the-nines in an elegant dress (and eye-popping diamond necklace which just about blinded me as the facets caught the light) which flattered her svelte figure.
Mrs. Kramer was warm, charming, and delightful in every respect.
I asked Kat if she could give me a little scoop on Ms. Hepburn for my readers.
"She loved gossip," she noted with a delicious smile on her face.
Well, that took me by surprise.
After all, I was under the distinct impression that the legendary star of yesteryear was quite prim and proper in that regard.
"She never went out. So, she wanted to be privy to all the dish."
I made a comment about the pantsuits she was known to wear - and wondered aloud - was Ms. Hepburn manly?
"Oh no, on the contrary. She was quite feminine!"
Also, Kat fondly recalled snacking on vanilla ice-cream topped with rich chocolate sauce, a Hepburn favorite.
Joel Hopkins - the director of "Last Chance Harvey" - was pretty approachable, too.
Was this your dream cast, I asked?
"Yes."
"The project must have directed itself, then?"
He noted that Hoffman and Thompson gave tips on how dialogue should be crafted - tweaked, if you will - to make it more believable in a situation or true to the character.
"Right off-the-bat, I decided not to fight it."
Smart man!
The actress playing Hoffman's daughter - Lianne Babalan - was born in Toronto and is currently residing in Montreal.
I stayed in a neighborhood near the University - known as "The Plateau" - for about a year. So, Ms. Babalan and I chit-chatted a bit about Quebec and my home town, Toronto.
A casting director Lianee knew submitted an audition tape on her behalf, and subsequently, the young beauty was called in for a reading.
"Actually, I read the sides with my father.""Did that put you on ease?"
No, on the contrary, it made her more nervous.
Go figure!
Understandably - when my fellow Canuck landed the part - she couldn't believe her good fortune.
By the way, when Lianne was ushered into the room by Annie Jeeves - her charming press person (who was thoughtful enough to press a calling card into the palm of my hand with instructions to get in touch if I wanted to set up a personal one-on-one interview) - the paparazzi went crazy.
A stunning green designer gown and glittering earrings - that sparkled with great intensity when she turned this way 'n that - obviously took their breath away.
So, with great intensity, they scrambled to catch the dazzling images on film.
In addition to the star "presence" on the carpet last night - a handful of young filmmakers trotted by to tout their projects - as well.
Notwithstanding the rude encounter with Ms. Thompson's classless rude publicist - all-in-all - it was a thrilling night!
10 down 1 to go.
Tonight is the Gala Closing Party and a premiere of Daniel Craig's new flick, "Defiance".
Tell 'ya all about it tomorrow.
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