Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 22 > Entry
How a pre-Oscar bash connects to Tyler Perry’s next film in Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Los Angeles — I’ve been standing and waiting for two whole hours at Ebony’s pre-Oscar shindig at the posh and aptly named Boulevard on West Sunset Boulevard. Not on the passe red carpet, mind you, but inside the exclusive, tented courtyard where attendees mingle, mix and sip the first booze of the evening.
Where the heck is Taraji P. Henson? I need her talented self and I need it now.
She’ll be flying into Atlanta next week to join a cast of Oscar-connected stars and others for the March 2 start of filming of Tyler Perry’s comedy “The Family That Preys Together” at his Georgia studio.
Henson’s co-stars include Oscar-winner Kathy Bates, Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan, Cole Hauser, Rockmann Dunbar and the man himself, Perry.
At the Ebony soiree I finally run into Henson’s publicist, who says the star won’t be coming to the pre-Oscar party as expected because she “isn’t feeling well.”
I can only imagine that the current downpouring of rain and rush of cold winds have nothing to do with her state of health.
Alas, looks like Ms. Henson and I will have to settle for lunch in the ATL soon. And I can’t wait. After her more-than-fine performances in “Hustle & Flow” and “Talk to Me,” she’s on my A-list.
With Henson a no-show, I thought it best to just amuse myself.
I spotted Ruby Dee, the Oscar-nominated one whom I had visited with the previous night at the Black Enterprise party, and immediately ran up and accused her of stalking me.
She either loved the joke or is the best actress on the planet. No reader comments, please.
I witnessed a steadily moving Quincy Jones telling the celeb-frenzied Hothollywood.com reporter and photographer that he oh so couldn’t do an interview now but would be back momentarily.
Don’t hold your breath, I advised my young dotcommers.
Omarosa came by and, later, so did Star Jones.
I stared right past them.
Permalink | | Categories: Alan Smithee
