Universal CityWalk is adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, also known as “The Entertainment Capital of L.A.” And CityWalk will celebrate the upcoming Academy Awards with a marathon of the movies nominated for Best Motion Picture at the AMC CityWalk Stadium. Beginning at 12 noon, March 1, screenings of “Nebraska,” “Captain Phillips,” “Her,” “American Hustle,” and “Gravity in 3D.” will be featured. For film buffs, a movie ticket for the whole day can be purchased, and CityWalk will offer $2 movie parking. To add to the movie-going experience a variety of dining and shopping options are available to round out an entertaining, fun-filled day. For more information on Universal CityWalk’s upcoming events is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. #
Pete Hammond, Meryl Streep and Margo Martindale, photo by Margie Barron
KCET Cinema Series’s spring edition of their movie screenings returns to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood for eight weeks starting Feb. 25 with The Face of Love starring Ed Harris and Annette Bening. Showbiz-insider, film expert and critic Pete Hammond hosts the Cinema Series and promises a stellar line-up of movies on Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, and April 1, 8, and 15, all on Tuesday nights with a reasonable 7 pm screen time. The movies are followed by a Q&A conducted by Hammond with the filmmakers and/or stars. Director/co-writer Arie Posin is scheduled to be the special guest after The Face of Love screening. Sometimes you never know who is going to show up for the always lively Q&As. Hammond closed the fall season with a screening of August: Osage County and had the stars of the incredible cast, Meryl Streep (Oscar nominated for her role), Margo Martindale and Abigail Breslin as surprise guests who answered questions from the audience. And everyone was delighted with a spontaneous song from Meryl and Margo! For the best of Hollywood and independent films tickets for the Spring Cinema Series are a must. Go to www.KCET.org to support the “very independent” community-based KCET public television station. #
The Hollywood Museum, in the historic Max Factor building at Hollywood and Highland, hosted a special celebrity-packed opening party to debut a unique new exhibit featuring the Best Motion Picture contenders, as well as television shows that were noteworthy during the 2013 awards season. The Hollywood Reporter sponsored exhibit that honors the magic of movies and television by showcasing costumes and props from the year’s most popular and critically acclaimed films and TV series. The exhibit runs Feb. 20 to April 30. Go to www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com. #
The Paley Center for Media announced the acclaimed writer, producer, and director Judd Apatow (Freaks & Geeks, Girls) will be the recipient of the 2014 PALEYFEST Icon Award. Apatow will receive the award at a celebration hosted by Pat Mitchell, president & CEO of The Paley Center for Media on Monday, March 10, 2014, at the Center’s Beverly Hills location, which will serve as the kickoff event for PALEYFEST. The celebration will kick off the 31st annual PALEYFEST, which will take place March 13-28, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The Festival will feature two reunion events: a 10th anniversary Lost reunion on March 16 and a Veronica Mars series reunion (the day prior to the March 14 nationwide release of the series-inspired movie), as well as honor standout series including Orange Is the New Black, How I Met Your Mother Farewell, Pretty Little Liars, Parks and Recreation, Sleepy Hollow, Mad Men, The Vampire Diaries & The Originals, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Masters of Sex, The Mindy Project, Community, Veep, and American Horror Story: Coven. For ticket info go to www.paleyfest.org. #
Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre is presenting the new Disney animated adventure The Pirate Fairy, Feb. 28 to March 19. The legendary movie theatre will also present a special live appearance by Tinker Bell at every show. And guests will have the opportunity to get up and dance along to favorite Disney Junior songs with the “Disney Junior DJ Shuffle Dance Party” before each showing of The Pirate Fairy. There’s also a “Breakfast with Tinker Bell” opportunity before the 10 am movie, but reservations are required. Go to www.elcapitantickets.com. #
The 22nd Annual Alzheimer’s Association “A Night at Sardi’s,” set for March 26 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, will feature stars from stage, music, television and film performing in “Broadway’s Best.” The show is always a sensational musical revue featuring legendary Broadway tunes and attended by Hollywood’s brightest stars. Last year the cast of The Big Bang Theory brought down the house performing “Time Warp” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. And this year the Big Bang stars will receive the Abe Burrows Entertainment Award for their support over the years. The inaugural Glen Campbell Courage Award will be presented to Glen Campbell and his family and be named in his honor. For info visit www.alz.org #
Jessica Alba, photo by Margie Barron
The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce presented “Experience East Meets West” in February at the Crustacean foodie hot spot. The event tied in with Beverly Hills centennial year and the Chinese Year of the Horse. Stars and business leaders enjoyed the unique entertainment and the cusine of Master Chef Helene An. Beverly Hills’ Mayor John Mirisch praised the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, and celebrity guests Jessica Alba, Quincy Jones, Terrence Howard and Lisa Ling were seen having fun at the exceptional cultural experience that ignited the senses with food and performances celebrating the diversity of Asian cultures within Beverly Hills. #
At Saks in Beverly Hills last weekend, Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Couture made a splash with a trunk show of the luxury line that is a new player in the wedding field of fashion dreams. The bridal couture company headquartered in New York launched in October, offering detailed styles and fine lace and silk materials. The president of Isabelle Armstrong, Tara Nattini Fiore said, “As perfectly fitting for Beverly Hills, our collection received Red Carpet worthy praise with many referring to the gowns as ‘true works of art’. As the new girl on the block, we hung perfectly among seasoned designers and look forward to establishing our name as the one to be seen in in this special market.” #
Isabelle Armstrong bridal couture
The Get In Touch Foundation‘s March 16, 2014, “Pretty In Pink” Luncheon & Women of Strength Awards will be held hosted by Rob Lowe at the Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica. The benefit for the Get In Touch Foundation will honor Dr. Kristi Funk and Dr. Nalini Chilkov who have helped further the organization’s mission of providing breast health initiatives that educate gals and guys of all ages to “get in touch” with their bodies, and join the crusade against breast cancer. For info www.getintouchfoundation.org. #
At Hollywood’s Annual BeautyMaker Awards held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Charlie Bracknay, Hair Stylist, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Haus Salon in Minneapolis, MN was named BeautyMaker of the Year. At the February event 29 hair stylists coupled with 29 models, representing nine states around the country, vied for the coveted title BeautyMaker of the Year in a Model Showcase competition. Bracknay told audience and judges, “This is The New Hollywood Look. My hairstyle for my model references the classic look of Hollywood reimagined for a modern day woman.” Steven Casiola and Annie Casciola, publishers of BE! Beauty Entertainment magazine, were the Executive Producers of the event. The Casiolas said, “We were very excited to bring our annual awards show to Hollywood for the first time. Our event celebrates and honors hair salon people who are making a positive difference in society and recognizes role models from all segments of the beauty world.” To learn more, please visit the website www.beautyentertainment.com. #
LA’s Next Great Stage Star talent competition put the spotlight on some talented future stars who hope to glow bright in Hollywood. The winner at the 8th annual event was Jennifer Kranz, a Musical Theatre senior at the University of Southern California in LA. In February 20 talented young professionals sang their hearts out for the coveted title. Kranz won $1000, plus a paid headlining concert engagement at Sterling’s Upstairs; and many other career launching prizes. The 2014 competition was was successfully produced by Michael Sterling, of Michael Sterling & Associates and author, speaker, performer, business woman and arts philanthropist, Barbara Van Orden. “I am so very proud of the 2014 contestants on LA’S NEXT GREAT STAGE STAR. What a wonderful group of aspiring young performers,” Van Orden said. “I felt privileged to watch them hone their craft during the six week competition. I know that the judges, consisting of agents, casting directors, producers and musical theatre directors, were equally impressed. I expect to be hearing a lot more about these young men and ladies as they pursue their dreams. After all, eight past contestants have gone on to Broadway since the competition started.” Van Orden explained that the event had a special tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, “a perfect selection considering Mr. Hamlisch’s talents were recognized at such a ridiculously young age that he was accepted into the Juilliard School as a child. As composer, Hamlisch won virtually every major award that exists– three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards.” Introducing and inspiring each contestant was Hamlisch’s ode to performing– “What I Did for Love.” #
Michael Sterling, Jennifer Kranz, Barbara Van Orden, photo by Bill Dow
Recent Comments