Paul Fenton/ZUMApress.comAs stars flood the carpet over at the Kodak Theatre, plenty more are packing into Elton John's annual Oscar viewing party in West Hollywood. I have the dubious honor of being the absolute last outlet on the endless press line, meaning I'm mere feet from the entrance where the waitstaff offer glasses of champagne. So close, yet so far. At least I can report on who makes a beeline for the booze...
Hosts Elton and David Furnish are not fashionably late to their own party. They hit the gold carpet at 4:10 p.m. and are the first boldfaced names to navigate the press line. This year's surprise performer, besides Sir Elton himself, is Mary J. Blige.
Since Vanity Fair canceled its big bash, this has become the main event, and the guest list is tight. Oscar nominee Marion Cotillard is hoping to hit this party after the awards, but she might not be allowed. "She wants to bring 11 friends," her publicist tells me, "so they're not sure if they can accommodate her, because this is the only big party now. If she shows up with an Oscar, we figure they'll make it work."
—Filed by Cristina Gibson