My Pre-Oscars Party Diary: Jon Hamm Reveals an Insider Awards Show Secret Even I Didn't Know!

by Jessica Radloff


Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez stayed close at last night's unite4:good's first-ever unite4:humanity event in association with 'Variety.
Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez stayed close at last night's unite4:good's first-ever unite4:humanity event in association with 'Variety.


We have three more days left of awards season, and Hollywood isn't letting go too easily. That's the only explanation as to why there's no fewer than five events every night in a 15-mile square radius (and why it can take you up to an hour to drive five miles). Yes, the Oscars are here.

Wednesday night saw the Global Green pre-Oscar party at the Avalon Hollywood with Ashley Greene, Malin Ackerman, Joan Rivers, Luke Perry, Michelle Branch, and Moby. Later that night, The Wrap held an exclusive bash at the Four Seasons restaurant Culina to celebrate industry executives and Oscar nominees.

Last night, Jon Hamm, Kate Beckinsale, Vanessa Hudgens, Rumer Willis, Kellan Lutz, and others came out to support Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis at the seventh-annual Hollywood Domino Gala and Tournament at the Sunset Tower Hotel, sponsored by Bovet 1822. The event benefits Haggis' charity, Artists for Peace and Justice, a nonprofit organization that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty in communities in Haiti.

Getty Images
Getty Images

It wasn't my first time interviewing Jon Hamm, but I'll mention again how he is a class act. While some decided not to talk to the press at all (not even to promote the charity), Hamm arrived right on time (a Hollywood first!) and talked to everybody at length. When a fellow journalist thanked Hamm for his promptness, he graciously replied, "I'm from the Midwest. We have a certain politeness to us."

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So why are there so many events (some totally unrelated to the actual Academy Awards) during Oscars week? Hamm said it best: "Everyone comes in town for this weekend and because of that, it's a great time to support amazing causes. Paul [Haggis] has been a huge supporter of Haiti before it was cool, and this event raises a lot of money. Haiti still needs help, so it's nice that this community can come together and help."

And speaking of the event, they actually play dominoes. "My friend, Jay Ferguson, who plays Stan on Mad Men, taught me how to play. It's an easy game to pick up, but hard to get good at," Hamm revealed.

Kate Beckinsale was a bit press-shy, but you guys just need to see how stunning the star looked. By the way, what's the biggest trend that I've spotted on the red carpet this awards season? Metallic pointy heels, as evidenced on Beckinsale.

Getty Images
Getty Images


Maria Bello told me she's having a pajama party/pizza party on Sunday night, then heading over to the Vanity Fair party.

The cutest couple in attendance was Dave and Odette Annable, who are very involved in Artists for Peace and Justice. Another thing they are involved in? "We are SO into The Bachelor," Odette revealed. "I wish we were kidding, but we're not," Dave told me. This is the couple's first season watching the reality show, which I said wasn't even having a great season. Dave seemed please to hear that: "I know! That's what we've heard too, but I have nothing to compare it too! Although I read something today that said Andi might be the next Bachelorette, so that could be [fun to watch]!"

By the way, Dave and Annabelle decided to re-create their own Bachelor moment, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. But who cares 'cause they're so darn cute!

Jessica Radloff
Jessica Radloff


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Speaking of romance, I almost melted when Dave told me what brings him the most happiness: "When my wife is in a good mood, that's what makes me happy. When she's in a bad mood, that's not so good. When she's in a good mood, that's the best thing ever."

Also last night, Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskey joined Variety and unite4:good for the first ever unite4:humanity event at the Sony Pictures Lot, where Andy Samberg served as host, and President Bill Clinton, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Eva Longoria, Martin Scorsese, Katherine Heigl, and others were in attendance.

Jessica Radloff
Jessica Radloff


What's up next? This afternoon I'll be participating in a super-fun Google hangout with Martha Stewart Living for a pre-Oscar party, so be sure to join in the fun by clicking here at 7 P.M.ET/4 P.M.PT. I'll tell you guys who I think will win come Sunday night and who I hope scores an upset.

Tomorrow night I'll be at the swanky Women in Film pre-Oscar party at Fig and Olive on Melrose Place (with Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong'o, and others), and then the QVC Party at the Four Seasons. Check back Saturday for more of my Oscar Party Diary, and follow me on Twitter at @JRadloff for up-to-the-minute photos from the red carpet.

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