Alicia Shakes It, Wilmer Stakes It,

James Marsden Breaks It--Young

Hollywood Makes Its Move

by Lara Morgenson  |  May 6, 2004

As Movieline's Young Hollywood Awards start out, honorees like Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Duff and Josh Duhamel actually qualify as young. But by the end of the butt-numbingly long three-hour presentation, I can't help but wonder if the awards include honorary AARP memberships.

Finally, a sigh of relief ripples through Club Avalon as the last statue is handed to Dream Director Sam Raimi, and the weary and very thirsty crowd surges upstairs to the Spider Club for the real reason they're here: the after-party.

Once inside, I have to admit the dull ache in my glutes (does this count as exercise?) is a small price to pay to attend a fab bash packed with hot 'n' restless revelers. All smiles, Johansson is one of the first to arrive, and she immediately scooches into a booth with Wilmer Valderrama and a few pals. (No, one of the guys is not her rumored kissy-face partner of late, Jared Leto.)

Moving outside to the patio, Topher Grace, who unlike the rest of his '70s Show posse rarely parties hearty, wanders around looking lost, and a glowing Alicia Silverstone gushes over Exciting New Face Emile Hirsh. As the deejay starts spinning Sean Paul's "Get Busy," several squealing girls rush the dance floor to start shaking their thangs.

Celeb to Civilian Ratio: 1:15

Guest List: Tonight is all about under-30 power players like Mena Suvari, Silverstone, Duhamel, Samaire Armstrong, James Marsden and Kelly Hu. But the man with the mostest is Valderrama. He's everywhere, joking with Johansson, smothering Ginnifer Goodwin with bear hugs, catching up with Topher Grace and doing the dude thing with Seth Green.

Got Grub: Everyone devours fried spring rolls, chicken satay and veggie pizza from the trays being circulated through the crowd. There's also a small buffet of roast beef, asparagus and a few desserts. "That's all?" sniffs Kelly Hu. "If that's the case, I'm gonna have to leave and get something real to eat." Sure enough, she's out the door not 10 minutes later, entourage in tow.

Gossip 'n' Gab: Lest you thought all celebs have closets dripping with designer gowns, the adorably sweet Goodwin--stunning in a silver-sequined Collette Dinnigan minidress--sets the record straight. "The worst part is I don't get to keep it," she mourns. But wait, I stammer, doesn't she get tons of freebies now that she's somebody? "No! That's a myth! You don't get to keep the gowns--they have to go back. But I do have lots of jeans and T-shirts that some very nice people have given me."

Too Glam! "No way," says Valderrama, planting a big kiss on me as I tell him he looks delicious in a swanky black Costume National suit, with just the right amount of scruff on his puss. "I never get props for my style! You made my night!" I know what he means, that wet smacker on my cheek made mine.

Drinks: According to the bartender, Bacardi is sponsoring the bash, so they're freely pouring rum. "But really, anymore, it's all about vodka," he says while doing his thing, "with cranberry, tonic, Red Bull...the usuals." I opt for a thirst-quenching water--with a lime.

Music: It's a booty-shaking frat party, with vintage Michael Jackson ("Billie Jean," natch), Prince and Salt-N-Pepa. And it wouldn't be a dance floor without a little Usher and Beyoncé.

Scene Stealer: There's a bunch of people smashed on the dance floor, and working it dead center is sweaty fiend Silverstone. The girl is swinging her thick blond mane and rolling her hips like a Britney Spears backup dancer. I'm telling ya, this girl has moves.

Oops! Much less agile is Mr. Marsden, who's armed and dangerous with his goodie bag. Swinging it nonchalantly over his shoulder, he manages to knock a table loaded with glasses and sends them crashing. Completely oblivious, he switches the bag to his other shoulder for a second glass-breaking time. "Whoops!" he says with a chuckle. Luckily, the "you break it, you buy it" rule doesn't seem to be in effect tonight.

MIA: Teen queen Duff must've had a really early curfew, because the 16-year-old headed home long before this party even started. Looks like she's the only girl her age that actually has a bedtime.

All That Grab: While the regular peeps pick up a Polo bag filled with makeup, a Ben Jelen CD, Teaology tea and Altoids, the honorees and presenters (as in, anyone who is semi-famous) get to visit the exclusive Talent Gift Lounge, presented by On3 Productions. Busy stocking up is Suvari, who nabs a Polo jean jacket, a Hot Wheels car, teeny swimsuit by She She and a purse by Lauren Scherr. She even takes time to customize a pair of silver Earstring Earrings. Who needs a mall?

"It's been a fun party," Valderrama tells me as he rises to leave, "but I'm gonna head home. I'm tired." I'll bet he's not as wiped as boogie girl Silverstone, who's trailing out of the club, minus her shoes. Barefoot and exhausted, she climbs into her white stretch limo and peels out of Hollywood.

I think I'll follow that lead. (After all, next week is filled with a slew of parties, including PlayStation 2's fab bash, with performances by Iggy Pop and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs--too cool!)

Now, if I can just find me a limo...

Copyright 2004 E! Entertainment Television, Inc.

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