Argo‘s L.A. premiere signaled the arrival of awards season in the City of Angels. Warner Bros. held the screening for the drama — centered on the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis — at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, followed by a lavish poolside bash at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Director and star Ben Affleck and producer George Clooney were hugged by well-wishers at the afterparty. Also getting attention was Tony Mendez, the real-life CIA operative behind the movie’s events. “It’s a celebratory movie that really focuses on humankind,” said co-star Bryan Cranston. “When you choose to do something that is selfless and for the betterment of mankind, there is no more noble endeavor than that.” — Borys Kit
THR Awards Kickoff Party | West Hollywood, Oct. 4
Blame the evening’s signature cocktail, The Race (Oscar’s version of a Moscow mule), but there was palpable buzz in the air at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual awards-kickoff event at Sunset Tower Hotel. About 100 of the season’s most influential publicists, studio execs and film reps mingled poolside with THR editors and Oscar gurus, including awards blogger Scott Feinberg and film editor Gregg Kilday. The crowd received a warm welcome from THR publisher and senior vp Lynne Segall and editorial director Janice Min. While noshing on sliders and tuna tartare, guests talked about President Obama‘s poor debate performance the night before and their favorite contenders for the season. What were the favorites? Sorry — the night, even in a room full of journalists, was off the record. — Stacey Wilson
