The parties are back-to-back and the nominees pretty much go to them all. Richard and I go to the ones that feature the films, actors and directors we especially admire.
Yesterday, just about every major film star and major director, well, 125 of us, who has worked for Paramount Pictures, gathered on a sound stage to have our group photo taken for the studios 100th anniversary. Let me tell you, it was very thrilling. I was in the 90th anniversary photo and many of the same people were assembled. Some, obviously, have passed. I think especially of Jane Russell who was there with us 10 years ago.
I wish I could have taken pictures of everyone there but it wasn’t possible. Here are the ones I did get:
Melanie Griffith with George Clooney behind her.
Eva Marie Saint. She has known my family for many decades. She was at my father’s home where we all gathered the day he died. They were extremely close. She is the nicest, kindest, most lively woman...still. I loved seeing her again
Marlee Matlin and her long-time associate, who signs for her. They’ve worked together for as long as I’ve known her—which is a long time.
Mark Wahlberg and Leonardo DiCaprio. Tyrese is behind them. They’re clearly not happy that I asked them to pose for me. Tough!
Don Cheadle, Jennifer Beals and George Clooney
Josh Brolin, making a face. We seem to run into each other at these events and I always find him warm and loveable.
Paula Patton, was placed close to me so I had the chance to get to know her a little. She’s gorgeous, wonderful in Mission Impossible (not usually my favorite genre but it was a perfect action movie and my heart was in my throat when Tom Cruise ran down the building in Dubai—I saw it being built). Paula was so warm and sweet to everyone. I was impressed. Darn! I don’t have a picture!
Jack Black
The stage with the white platforms we will soon inhabit, with Paramount's logo behind. Everyone was assigned a place and some of us were told how to pose. Justin Bieber was at the very back and top of the stairs sitting. Demi Moore (looked terrific!) was lying down on the stairs right behind me.
Billy Bob Thornton
Justin Beiber talking to Antonio Banderas
Martin Scorsese. His film, “Hugo”, is one of my favorites...and I haven’t even seen it in 3-D yet. Even so, I was transported into a fantasy that was picture perfect in every way.
By the way, my primary Paramount film was “Barefoot In The Park.”
Cameron Diaz
John Travolta talking to (I think) my old pal, Bruce Dern and J.J. Abrams. I first met John right after he’d made Saturday Night Fever, introduced by our mutual friend, the writer/director (Urban Cowboy & The China Syndrome), James Bridges. Bruce made “ They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” with me.
Barbra Streisand. Sorry my flash didn’t work on this.
Mickey Rooney. He was at the last Paramount shoot 10 years ago and he’s still effervescent and endearing.
So, those who were there but I didn’t photograph (and it’s not a full list!) were Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Robert Downey Jr., Morgan Freeman, Sumner Redstone, DeNiro, Jerry Lewis (!), Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, William Shatner, Steven Spielberg, Jaimie Lee Curtis, Brad Pitt, Kevin Costner, Olivia Newton John, Dustin Hoffman…I can’t go on. It was awesome.
We also attended a luncheon honoring Marty Scorsese and his film “Hugo.”
Brad Grey, President of Paramount Pictures, is standing, talking abut Marty. He was co-host of the luncheon with Robert DeNiro.
That's Sharon Stone turning to listen to Brad Grey
DeNiro's turn to talk about Marty. He was very funny
Richard and I were at a table with Mike Medavoy (who was my agent ions ago before he became a successful producer) and his wife, Irena, and, shown here, Julian Fellowes and his wife. Julian is the creator and main writer of “Downtown Abbey,” the amazing TV series which is nominated for a Golden Globe tomorrow night.
Sir Ben Kingsley
Marty speaking
Here are this year’s films I think are “must-see:” “The Descendents“, “Money Ball“, “Hugo“, “The Artist“, “Midnight in Paris“, “The Help” and “Bridesmaids“. There is also the Iranian film, “A Separation“, which I found important and profound. Angelina Jolie’s movie, “Land of Blood and Honey“, is also a really well done, moving film about the war in former Yugoslavia. Performances that are amazing though not in these pictures include, in my opinion, Meryl’s, Glenn Close’s, and Michelle Williams.
Later this evening I will present the Golden Globe to the Best Picture in the Musical/Comedy category. Stay tuned!
Becky O.
These are great! We don’t have YOU in the pics, though. Even though I worked a bridal show, skied 4 mountain resorts, sponsored a luncheon, put away Christmas and cleaned the entire house, feels like nothing happened last week. Actually, one of the highlights was watching 9to5 with my daughter. Ever notice your “ballerina run” during the housesitting scene? So graceful and elegant! Daughter’s so excited- one of 3 freshmen to get cast in school musical. So now I’m officially stagemom.
Sandro
Wow! Now that’s a lot of concentrated star power… many would love to be a fly in that room.
Jennifer Beals has got to be the most gorgeous woman ever! 48 years old and looks a lot better than she did back in 1983 when she filmed “Flashdance”
SusanK
Wow! To be in the room with so many greats, past and present, including yourself! Thanks for sharing these photos! I will be looking for the final 100th year photo! As for the movies, I absolutely LOVE the awards season! Way back at the beginning of November I made a list of must-see possible award season movies. It turns out there are 43 on my list! I’ve now seen 31 of them. Most of the others have not made it to our area yet!(Many of them are getting recognition somewhere along the way, but some have not. I can tell you I spent a lot of time and money at the movies these past few months, and loved every minute of it.) Yesterday I saw “Carnage”, which mentions your name in the dialog and today I saw “The Iron Lady”, which of course Meryl Streep was amazing in. I still say the ladies held the movies together this past year! Some incredible performances. I’m curious what you vote for with the Academy Awards, but I know you won’t share . . . . though some clues would be great. 🙂 I will be watching the Golden Globe Awards tonight, and be watching for you as a presenter. I think I can say ahead of time, you looked fantastic and were fabulous on stage!
Timothy Dougherty
Hello Jane,
I was hearing about that from the hands of Marlee Matlin, her tweets were very insightful. The 100 Paramount Pictures Anaversery. I recalled it was John Carradine told me years ago that he was, at the time the oldest contract player at Paramount. John Barrymore got him the job. I see that my old student Cameron Diaz was there, I was her teacher for a time, in Long Beach. I liked “Hugo” a lot, I think that Scorsese had fun making that film. After spending the years writing my script, I have learned much, like a master course in film writing. I understand the hard work it takes to make a film, the comitment, not just the mental hospital type of confinement but emotionally commitment to create.
Yes, award come and go, but Mickey Rooney keep a smile on his face.
once again, with love and care
Daniel P.
Oh, Jane, I’m going to be 100% honest. I think the Golden Globes were awful this year. So boring and no suspense at all. However, I was particularly happy with Claire Danes’ (you should DEFINITELY check out Homeland if you haven’t, she’s brilliant in it) and Jessica Lange’s wins in the Tv front + the wonderful Octavia’s victory. I was most happy about Meryl’s win, though. I hope this (and HOPEFULLY she will win SAG as well) will help her get her long overdue Oscar. She has only one Oscar for a leading role and frankly that’s a shame (though that was the second most deserving win in this category right after your astonishing, fantastic Klute performance; and guess what: both of you were directed by Alan J. Pakula 😀 ). So I’m rooting for her.
You were so darling to be cheering for her. You give her so much praise (like what you said about her in Rosie’s show that was lovely) and I firmly believe it means a lot to her. It must be great for you to see your instincts worked well when you discovered her talent while working on Julia. You might just always say “I told you so, guys”. 🙂 Your part was BTW the GREATEST moment of the show, by far, hands down and whatever. You were the shining light in that boring ceremony and the Oscar producers’d better get you present Best Picture there as well, or there will be blood, I promise (unless you want it). 🙂 Plus you looked damn hot as well. 😀 Seriously you looked AMAZING (you and Helen Mirren were the sexiest ladies for sure; and Sofía Vergara :D)!
And I’m very happy you mentioning Great Glenn’s (my nickname for her so if you meet her, tell her it was my idea) performance in Albert Nobbs. It was so beautifully subtle and poetic. Honestly, I wish both Meryl and Great Glenn won an Oscar (Great Glenn is still Oscarless though not in my book, I think she shoulda won for Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons).
Moreover, Michelle Williams: she’s fantastic. In many ways, she’s like Liv Ullmann, bringing the right amount of emotional intelligence to her performances. Her performance in Blue Valentine was unbelievable, IMO. Haven’t seen her Marilyn yet. I think in time, she will also become an Oscar winner.
My Oscar predictions (right now): The Artist/Meryl/Clooney/Octavia/Plummer/Scorsese or Hazanavicius (not sure)
I would add The Tree of Life to the must-see list. Brilliant filmmaking though very divisive piece.
Dan
Thankyou Jane for taking those great pictures! I so enjoy your blog and also getting to see the back stage view of the Awards Season! Dan
steve white
Jane,
great pictures. Thankyou. The Pic of Barbra is AMAZING. Funny how Camera’s can pick up a persons REAL charachter as well as a Persons un-real charachter. A really Good photo of a Beautiful Honest Person that just happens to be Real talent.Barbra Streisand.thank Goodness the Flash did’nt work. A great Real Pic
[email protected] West Yorks UK
Jana R.
Hello. Jane. I follow your site every chance I get. I enjoy your candid photos. I want you to know that I saw you speak at a college in San Mateo, CA when I was a young student. This was in the mid 70’s. Well, best be gettin back to work. Thank you again for your blog & pictures. Jana.
SusanK
I am very excited! I have seats for the SAG Award Red Carpet bleachers! Is there any chance you will be walking down the SAG Red Carpet??? Oh, and is there truly a trail worth hiking near the Hollywood sign? I’m looking forward to my weekend California adventures! (Any connections to get me good location bleacher seats for the SAGs . . . . or get me into the Oscars would be greatly appreciated. 😉 Hey, it never hurts to ask, right?)
Jane
Won’t be there this year, alas. Have fun Susan!