Oscars to Toronto: Washington Post’s Take

I thought you might enjoy some of these tidbits from Jan Chaney’s highlights column, like this:

Meanwhile, I have to give top film festival honesty points to Gabourey Sidibe, the young actress who plays Precious in the Oprah Winfrey-endorsed film of the same name. During a cocktail reception for the movie on Sunday night, I asked Sidibe if she was having fun at the festival. “No,” she said, sounding a little panic-stricken. I asked if she felt overwhelmed by all the attention. She said yes. “I did six hours of interviews today,” she added. I didn’t want to tell her things will only get more intense if she gets an Oscar nomination. So I said things will probably get better. Yeah, I had to tell a little white lie in the face of Sidibe’s truthfulness. But what I really wanted to say was: Precious, it’s all right to admit that this Hollywood thing can sometimes be a total pain in the rear.

And this:

I actually spent a few minutes that night chatting with the affable Clooney. What did we discuss? I know we talked about his performance in the movie “Up in the Air.” I also know that he had a few drinks and gave a big ‘ol kiss on the cheek to a waitress when she brought him another glass of champagne. (To her credit, she accepted the kiss without dropping her tray.) (And apparently without becoming his latest girlfriend. — Liz) Beyond that, all I can tell you is that I opened my mouth and words tumbled out. Exactly what I said remains a mystery.