L’Orangerie Continues a Tradition for Oscar

The Scene: It’s been held only once before, but, hey, no problem. L’Orangerie’s second annual champagne-drenched pre-Oscar fete on Friday night was proclaimed by all a “tradition.” In any case, it may be the only party held during Oscar-countdown week where there were no speeches, awards or honorees. Once again, Harry Winston jewelers and Relais & Chateaux, the international restaurant and hotel directory, underwrote the evening. (Everybody went home with a picture frame engraved across the bottom: HARRY WINSTON, and Relais & Chateau luggage tags.)

Who Was There: Oscar nominees Richard Harris (actor, “The Field”), Diane Ladd (supporting actress, “Wild at Heart”), Bruce Davison (supporting actor, “Longtime Companion”) and Vittorio Storaro (cinematography, “Dick Tracy”). Plus Oscar party lovers Swifty and Mary Lazar, L’Orangerie’s Gerard and Virginie Ferry, Sarah Brightman, JoBeth Williams, Elizabeth Montgomery and Robert Foxworth, Gianni Versace, Freddie and Corinna Fields, Sidney and Alexandra Sheldon, Roger and Luisa Moore, Gary Pudney, Maximilian Schell and Natasha Andreichenko, Larry Thompson, Charles Bronson, Marjoe Gortner, Talia Shire, Heidi Winston, Regis Bulot, Fred Hayman, Patricia Gentry, Jacques Camus and Jackie Collins.

Best Media-Happy New Couple: Jane Seymour and Peter Cetera.

Best Ploy for Grabbing a Waiter’s Attention: “I happen to be a king, and I would give my kingdom for a piece of toast, and I will put you in my will,” said Sidney Sheldon, who wanted something to put his duck foie gras on.

Original Tuxedo Interpretation: Peter Cetera’s tomato-red, asymmetrical Claude Montana jacket, tuxedo shirt and black trousers.

Most Popular Oscar-Related Sentiment: Said Bruce Davison: “I’m feeling exhaustion, fear, enjoyment, hysteria, fun, catatonia, all in major doses. But Richard Dreyfuss told me to enjoy the ride.”

Said Richard Harris: “I’m 60 years old. I know how to deal with it. I’m not expecting too much. Enjoying the ride--that’s it.”

Best Mood: Rowland Perkins of Creative Artists Agency, who explained that his agency represents every actor in the best actor category and every director in the directing category.

Best Informed Buzz: The refreshing lack of politics in this year’s Oscar choices.

Original Dish: Dessert of fresh pineapple with curry and lime sorbet, served under a giant cookie.

Best Plans for Watching Tonight’s Show: Producer Barry Krost, who is having Sarah Brightman, JoBeth Williams, Elizabeth Montgomery and Robert Foxworth over to his house and ordering Domino’s pizza.