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On eve of Emmys, stars celebrate accomplishments
2008-09-21
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Sure, Sunday night's 60th Annual Emmy Awards show is the big event in Hollywood this weekend, but the Emmy eve parties are pretty swell too. An about-town sampling: ___ WORLDS COLLIDE: The Emmys get real this year with five reality show stars sharing hosting duties. And the sixth annual Entertainment Weekly pre-Emmy bash, there were plenty of reality stars on hand to mingle with their counterparts from traditionally scripted shows. There was comedian Jeffrey Ross, who will appear on this season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" arrived early at the historic Beverly Hills Post Office, right behind fellow comedian Sarah Silverman. Lauren Conrad of the "The Hills" mingled not far from where "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer held court on a couch. The courtyard of the party quickly filled up with castmates from shows such as "Heroes" and "90210" -- new and old. Ian Ziering represented the 90's show, while Tristan Wilds of the new series also made an appearance. Jennie Garth -- who appeared in both versions -- also made a cameo. But while the Emmys is a chance to reflect on the good work of the past, many stars came out Saturday with an eye toward upcoming series premieres. David Zayas of Showtime's "Dexter" was looking forward to series newcomer Jimmy Smits. "I'm looking forward to all the new twists and challenges that Dexter's going to face," Zayas said. Dania Ramirez of "Heroes" said one of the past year's dark spots, the writers' strike, helped the series focus for its third season. She said the show's creators took note of what fans were saying about the show and tried to incorporate that into the new season, which begins Monday night. That's not to say that Zayas and others who appear on Emmy-nominated shows weren't thinking about the potential accolades. Mark Moses of "Mad Men" said he was looking forward to the recognition the series would receive Sunday night for its freshman season. Conrad, who isn't nominated but is presenting an award, said she was hoping she wouldn't trip on her long gown while walking onstage Sunday night. For the most party, Saturday night was all about the party. Hors d'ourves. Martinis and lemon drop cocktails. And taking pictures -- as Wilds did -- at an interactive photo kiosk that broadcast the images on screens scattered around the party. Or if you're Brooke Shields, making a fashionably late entrance after midnight. ____ BEVERLY HILLS GOODIES: Jessica Lowndes can't get too far away from the famous 90210 zip code these days. The actress who plays drug-addicted high school drama student Adrianna on "90210" took a break from filming the Beverly Hills soap Saturday to pick up some swag in Beverly Hills. Lowndes landed such goodies as a gift certificate for a portrait by artist Anyes Galleani at the pre-Emmy DPA Gifting Lounge on the rooftop of the Luxe Hotel penthouse. "I've got a lot of emotional, confrontational scenes with Shannon Doherty coming up," teased Lowndes, who said the "90210" cast and crew is currently shooting the episode eight. She also said her character's addiction will become more intense and that Adrianna will become crazier, requiring a verbal smackdown from West Beverly alum Brenda Walsh. Earlier in the day, stars such as "30 Rock" actress Jane Krakowski and "'Til Death" co-star Joely Fisher were offered 24-karat gold facials, quartz crystal spa products and $45,000 gowns. "How I Met Your Mother" co-star Neil Patrick Harris picked up a chocolate silk throw for his bedroom. ____ GOING WITH THE CHAMPAGNE FLOW: Mary Louise Parker is not stressing about this year's Emmys. At Los Angeles Confidential's pre-Emmy party at Hollywood nightclub Les Deux Saturday night, the lead actress nominee for Showtime's "Weeds" said she'll prepare for Sunday's ceremony by lounging around with friends, drinking champagne and listening to music -- after a bevy of stylists arrive around 3 a.m. "Usually, you have vibe if you're going to win," the Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe winner said. "I don't really have a vibe." Parker, who won a supporting actress Emmy in 2004 for HBO's "Angels in America," said the most trying part of any awards show is when the cameras focus on nominees. She said she hopes friend Laura Linney will win the lead actress in a miniseries trophy for HBO's "John Adams." Parker also revealed her Emmy date: Her best friend's husband, "Raising the Bar" actor Currie Graham. ___ ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. ___ On the Net: http://abc.go.com/
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