Foreign Press donates $1.2 million

At the annual Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. gives away gold-and-marble statuettes.

At its annual summer luncheon Tuesday, the group gave away $1.2 million in grants to arts organizations nationwide.

Warren Beatty, Rose McGowan, Eva Longoria Parker and Dylan McDermott were among the stars who joined association President Philip Berk at the Beverly Hills Hotel to present grants to 29 film schools and nonprofit groups.

The private, untelevised luncheon drew scads of celebrities and industry execs, who schmoozed over Champagne and fine food.

“I always behave badly at events for the Hollywood Foreign Press because they’re more fun than everything else,” Beatty said as he accepted a $350,000 grant to help the Film Foundation preserve and restore historic films.

Ignoring the teleprompter, Beatty told the crowd he won the “most promising newcomer” award at the first Golden Globes of his career, but he misplaced the trophy.

Berk promised the 72-year-old actor a replacement statuette would be in his office by next week.

Longoria Parker, who accepted a grant on behalf of the National Assn. of Latino Independent Producers, jokingly stuffed the $20,000 check into her dress.

Other groups awarded grants included the Lollipop Theatre Network, which provides movie screenings for hospitalized children; FilmAid International, which stages screenings and provides film education for refugees worldwide; Film Independent, which puts on the annual Spirit Awards; and the Sundance Institute. Nine film schools also received grants to support fellowships.