It was gala gridlock in Los Angeles Tuesday night, with three celebrations occurring throughout the city. East Coasters also had a chance to party at an industry holiday soiree in NYC. From food to decor to who was there, here are some highlights from the evening.
What: Paley Center Los Angeles’ Salute to Excellence Gala honoring Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart and sportscaster Al Michaels; Tim Allen hosted
Where: Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Attended
Les Moonves, Julie Chen, Mark Steines, Tom Selleck, Tim Allen, Dick Ebersol, Tommy Lasorda, Heidi Clements, Fred Gaudelli
Food
Following cocktails, guests enjoyed a dinner of arugula salad with candied walnuts and dates, with short ribs in a red wine reduction for the main course and a selection of delicate desserts
Atmosphere
The meal was followed by an acoustic performance from America’s Got Talent winner Michael Grimm, who dedicated a song to Hart.
Quotes from the Stage
Along with a two-part video retrospective, Hart’s award was preceded by words from ET Executive Producer Linda Bell Blue and Blue Bloods’ Tom Selleck, who said of Hart that, “Being interviewed by Mary Hart is a true sign of success, whether you’re a movie star or a head of state.”
Michaels received introductions from baseball giant Tommy Lasorda and NBC Universal Sports & Olympics Chairman Dick Ebersol, who described Michaels as “not just the best play-by-play announcer of his generation, but the best announcer of all time.”
After Michaels’ video career retrospective, Hart said “It’s reaffirming to see that Al Michaels maybe had more hair styles [over the years] than me.”
What: American Jewish Committee’s Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Human Relations Award Dinner honoring Marc Graboff (NBC Entertainment and NBC Universal Television Studio Chairman); Emcee: The Soup/Community’s Joel McHale and Keynote Speaker: Hardball’s Chris Matthews
Where: Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Attended
Howie Mandel, Angela Bromstad, Jeff Gaspin, Paul Telegdy, Chris Silbermann, Peter Roth, Bruce Rosenblum, Joel McHale, Chris Matthews
Food
Salad, fish dinner, and dessert trio (mini crème brulee, mini mouse and mini apple tart)
Atmosphere
Nice, full cocktail hour. Intimate room for show. Joel McHale was hilarious as emcee. Chris Matthews went on a bit too long as keynote speaker.
Quotes From The Stage
“I work with Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow and I’m the one on the right.” — Chris Matthews
“Waterboarding is not torture, but touching my balls is.” - Matthews on the public’s overreaction to airport scanning
“Put Community in a timeslot that doesn’t have to compete with American Idol” - Joel McHale asked of Marc Graboff
“Graboff — think what he was called in grade school” — McHale poking fun at his last name
“Names without ridicule — Zucker and Silverman to name a few.” – McHale joking about less funny names than Graboff
“It needs all the promotion in the world, believe me.” - Marc Graboff on NBC’s Community
“I looked at the list - Bob Hope, Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood - it was just a matter of time before I got the call.” - Graboff joked about his honor
What: Showtime Holiday Soiree
Where: The Quincy Estate in Hancock Park in Los Angeles
Attended
David Nevins, Kevin Nealon, Matt LeBlanc, William H Macy, Lisa Kudrow, John Corbett
Food
Turkey, yams and beef — basically a delicious Thanksgiving dinner served in the backyard and rooms around the Estate, where they hold this talent and exec party every year.
There was a toffee pudding on the pool table of desserts that guests said was “not to be missed” and a hot chocolate bar.
Atmosphere
Music in the front room. Party stayed full. The yard was comfortable with heat lamps
What: Discovery Communications holiday party
Where: The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal, NYC
Attended
David Zaslav, Mark Hollinger, Henry Schleiff, Christina Norman, Author James Ellroy, Carson Kressley, Clinton Kelly, Randy Fenoli, Nancy O’Dell
Food
Specialty cocktails with all spice liqueur and cranberry garnish were served. Guests also dined on hors d’oeuvres of sushi, sliders, mac n’ cheese, butternut squash soup, and more
Atmosphere
Large Christmas wreaths, space felt like an old library, very ornate
Andrea Morabito, Andrea Domanick, Stephanie Robbins and Melissa Grego contributed to this report
