©Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.comThe post-Oscar party scene is already in full swing, especially at Elton John's viewing party and after-fete in West Hollywood. Sitting at Sir Elton's table are Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Josh Groban, Billy Joel, Sharon Stone, Mary J. Blige, Donna Karan and agent Ed Limato.
But the real couple getting attention here is Sean Penn and model Petra Nemcova. Penn has his arm around her and is whispering in her ear.
I'm told the two were a surprise even for organizers. Apparently, no one knew they'd be arm in arm at the bash. "They arrived together, and are definitely together together," an insider told me.
But when they made their way through the room at one point, more than one guest whispered, "Who is Sean Penn with?" Nemcova's blond hair rendered her unrecognizable, even to some of the fashionistas in this crowd.
Meanwhile, the sorbet dessert has just been served, the auction has begun and the auctioneer is having a little trouble getting people's attention.
More on the parties as the night goes on...
—Filed by Marc Malkin