On the eve of her final day at the CIA, Valerie Plame (sans disguise) and her husband, former Ambassador Joe Wilson, showed up at Loews Georgetown. Last Thursday evening was the premiere of “Syriana” hosted by former Ambassador Martin Indyk and the Brookings Project on U.S. Policy Towards the Islamic World in a “Hollywood meets Mass. Ave.” event.
More serious than ‘Syriana’
When the boldface couple first arrived in the main lobby, they didn’t draw any special attention. They were dressed casually and looked like normal, everyday moviegoers. However, as they made their way down “the red carpet” toward theater 8, where the private screening was held, people were certainly whispering! It was as if the paparazzi had suddenly appeared. They generated more buzz than “Syriana” director Stephen Gaghan, who also wrote and directed “Traffic” and spoke after the movie.
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ lease in Georgetown
Speaking of the cinema, Georgetown residents will have new neighbors who also happen to be movie stars. Word is that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have rented a $4.5 million home on N street, one of Georgetown’s power blocks – once home to Ambassador Pamela Harriman and Jackie Kennedy – listed by Washington Fine Properties. No word as to how much time they’ll actually spend in the nation’s capital. Not surprising that the agent wouldn’t comment. While house hunting for a top Georgetown or Kalorama property, the fun couple sneaked in through back doors so as not to be spotted by snooping neighbors. If they need a cup of sugar, Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn live down the street.
Life according to Sharon
“I want things in my life to slow down long enough so I can take a bath and pee,” said Sharon Stone at the VIP reception prior to the Spirit of Liberty Celebration at the Kennedy Center the other evening. We in Washington understand that, Sharon. She said the greatest moment for her was “driving in the car with her [5-year-old Roan Joseph Bronstein] son listening to her CD she put in the radio thingie. … ” Not surprising, she’s just a regular mom, who happens to be playing her own CD.
Dubya sticks with Dr. Phil
Are you wondering why Dr. Phil McGraw hosted Sunday evening’s annual TV taping of “Christmas in Washington” at the National Building Museum with the president and Mrs. Bush? The self-promoter called producer Michael Stevens last July and asked to do the show again. “He’s the TV glue that binds it together,” Stevens said. We don’t know if Dr. Phil offers any advice to the president but “I know they speak and are big fans,” Stevens said. “Christmas in Washington” is an annual benefit for the National Children’s Hospital; it can be seen tomorrow night on Turner Network Television.
Crafty, artsy threads …
Those fashionistas who are fans of wearable art were impressed by a new artisan at the Washington Craft Show at the D.C. Convention Center during the weekend. Samantha Hodge-Williams, of Towson, Md., creates “Art Threads” – unusual and colorful limited edition knit fabric scarves, belts, flounces and matching dog collars. She was accompanied by her invaluable service dog, Aslan (named after the gentle lion in C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia”), who assists her with physical challenges. He was the inspiration for the dog mane-like accessories and the coordinated textile collages for their human companions. But this beautiful and talented gal is an inspiration to anyone with or without a disability.
Sightings
Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and his wife, Hadassah, enjoying dinner at La Perla in D.C.’s West End while Washington was purring about whether Lieberman will replace Donald Rumsfeld as Defense secretary … Neiman Marcus shoe shoppers in Mazza Gallery still buzzing about the governator’s shopping trip accompanied by three large bodyguards Thanksgiving weekend … Academy Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch at the Four Seasons in Georgetown on Friday … Joanna Breyer, Lynne Pace, Andrea Mitchell, Claire Shipman, Elsa Walsh, Sally Quinn, Kathy Kemper, Norah O’Donnell at Rima Al-Sabah‘s lunch for cabinet wives among her signature roses everywhere at the Kuwait Embassy on Friday afternoon.