Cates said the “dopiest” rumor he’s heard was that the Bush administration had stepped in. “The White House has not called and asked us to cancel the show,” he said. “They have more important things to do.” Pierson echoed that. “American culture and values are under attack all over the world,” he said, “it is more important than ever that we honor those achievements that reflect us and America at our best.”
Their attitude mirrors that of most industry members in Los Angeles, who seem to universally want to see the awards go on–and say it will be a welcome diversion for America.
“You can’t forget what’s going on, so you might as well let the Oscars go ahead,” said Robert Duvall, who hosted a party for the Independent Spirit Awards on Thursday night. “Everybody lives for it, so why not?”
At the event, a poolside reception for the nominees for this Saturday’s Spirit Awards, almost everyone expressed the same sentiment.
“The Oscars should be respectful of our fighting men and women, but the war shouldn’t stop us from celebrating,” said Effie T. Brown, producer of 2002’s “Real Women Have Curves.” Producer Janet Yang agreed. “In a cosmic way, the climate will have a great leveling effect on the Oscars, and I don’t think they’ll be as frivolous,” said Yang, who helped make last year’s “High Crimes.” Producer Darren Goldberg felt it was simply just unfortunate timing for the Oscars. “Everyone’s got to continue with their lives. This is what we do here.”
There were a few dissenting voices. Those at the party were, after all, from the scrappy world of indie film. “They should postpone them a week,” said Eric Eason, director of the upcoming film, “Manito.” “What’s the point of having the Oscars if they’re going to be so staid?”
Despite all the talk about parties being scaled back, the town’s still had its share of over-the-top antics this week. A couple of miles away from Duvall’s gathering, dozens of charged-up young folks waited in line to get into … a book party? Last night, Armani hosted an affair for Steven Cojocaru, the ubiquitous fashion fanatic from People magazine and the “Today” show, who’s written a new tome, “Red Carpet Diaries,” a tongue-in-cheek autobiography. Inside the party, the enormous crowd mingled, appetizers were munched and empty martini glasses mounted. And if there was any talk of war with Iraq, you didn’t hear it. (Really, with the music that loud, who could hear anything?) ‘I’m not a person who’s boo-hooing and lamenting the loss of the red carpet like my spleen’s been removed,’ says ‘Today’ show fashion fanatic Steven Cojocaru
“I’m not a person who’s boo-hooing and lamenting the loss of the red carpet like my spleen’s been removed,” said Cojocaru. “The fashionistas need to put this in perspective. The reality is we’re at war. Fashion’s not the point any longer.” And what does he expect from Sunday night’s Oscars? “I’ve made a living out of mocking Hollywood. But I have to say that in bleak times, I’m proud to be part of this community. The show could have the potential to be uplifting, meaningful and patriotic, a wonderful escapist three hours.”
Make that three and a half hours, or four. Scaled back, somber and sympathetic, the Oscars are still certain to stretch on too long.
