A Blue Ribbon Benefit
"Grand Champion" Premiere
By Marjorie Baumgarten, Fri., April 12, 2002

Julia Roberts greeted fans outside the Paramount Theatre last Sunday night at the world premiere of filmmaker Barry Tubb's movie Grand Champion, a children's picture described by the director as his "love letter to Texas." Emma Roberts, niece of the Pretty Woman, is one of the child stars of the picture, and the film also features cameo appearances by her aunt, Bruce Willis, George Strait, Joe Ely, and a host of others. Lead actress Joey Lauren Adams was also on hand for the festivities, as were a number of stars from the rodeo circuit, the milieu in which the movie is set. The film, music, and rodeo stars gathered for a merry hoedown at the Hard Rock Cafe following the screening. All proceeds benefited the Austin Children's Museum.