After a Fashion: Buzzing

This unlikely pairing of Morgan Fairchild with ZZ Top could only happen at the Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards (2008).

Photo by Seabrook Jones

Stephen Macmillan Moser

It started as a bit of a fluke when Niyanta Spelman, wife of City Councilman Bill Spelman, corresponded with the Statesman's Michael Barnes about her nonprofit Rainforest Partnership (www.rainforestpartnership.org). She'd asked Michael to direct her to some of the other "buzzmakers" in town and he sent her a list, cc'd to everyone on it. Matt Swinney of Launch787 and Austin Fashion Week (who was on the list) immediately arranged a dinner at Shawn Cirkiel's divine restaurant, Olive & June, for us all to get together ... and presumably congratulate ourselves while scoping out our competit ... er, peers. Though Mr. Barnes, who started the whole thing, was not there, those of us who were had a faaabulous time gossiping and networking.

STARS ON PARADE

It's hard to believe that the Austin Film Society's Texas Film Hall of Fame is celebrating its 13th anniversary, Thursday, March 7, at the newly expanded Austin Studios. TFHOF is honoring Houston-born Annette O'Toole, best known for her leading role in Smallville, the longest running sci-fi series ever on American television. Her lengthy career includes television, theatre, and film, featuring starring roles in 48 Hrs., Cat People, Stephen King's It, and Superman III. But my personal favorite performance from this Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actress is the telefilm Stand by Your Man, in which she played country music legend Tammy Wynette. Can't wait to see her! In addition, TFHOF is also inducting San Antonio-born Henry Thomas, most noted for his 1982 role in E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, but I especially loved him in 1981's Raggedy Man, starring another Texas acting legend and TFHOF award-winner, Sissy Spacek. Also inducted this year will be Dallas-born Stephen Tobolowsky. Don't know his name? He's one of America's leading character actors, and once you see the clips of his career, you'll realize you've seen him a thousand times in one great movie and TV show after another. Appearing in more than 100 films and 200 television series, he was anointed by USA Today as the ninth most frequently seen actor in film today. Incredible career. He will be inducted by the brilliant Julie Hagerty, who may be best known for her role in the hysterical 1980 film Airplane!. Also on the awards docket is the former Mrs. Sean Penn, Dallas-born beauty Robin Wright, whose performances in White Oleander, Forrest Gump, and The Princess Bride were spellbinding. The film being honored with the Star of Texas award is the legendary Dazed and Confused by the Houston-born director Richard Linklater. Both Linklater and Parker Posey will be on hand to accept the award. "Aside from being one of the most fun nights of the year in Austin," said AFS Executive Director Rebecca Campbell, "the Hall of Fame Awards sustain the Austin Film Society's year-round work to support filmmakers, enabling us to shepherd the next generation of exceptional Texas artists."

SHOPPING AT JAVELINA?

You bet. Friday, Feb. 1, from 6-9pm, Javelina (the hip hangout at 69 Rainey) presents Get It Right This Time, One Stop Shop for Valentine's Day Happy Hour. Co-owner Craig Primozich and his partners have put together a bazaar of Valentine treats and goodies for men and women. Have a cocktail or two while shopping for (or with) your sweetheart. Services and products available are all from local, women-owned businesses, and include jewelry by Catherine Nicole, boudoir and pinup photography packages by Peekaboo Boudoir, chocolate from Arte Y Chocolate, florals by Rosehip Flora, and cards and stationery from Anibella Ink & Paper.