A Divine Evening of Glamour, Chaos and Hugh--in the Flesh

The Scene: Tuesday’s premiere of 20th Century Fox’s “Nine Months” at the Cineplex Odeon in Century City. But this was infinitely more than just a screening and party. It was a media frenzy thanks to the appearance of star Hugh Grant, the current poster boy for Just Say No to Lewd Conduct.

The Frenzy: As one guest noted, “It’s amazing how much publicity you can get for $60.” On hand to record Grant’s arrival were 62 still photographers (all shouting “U-u-u-u-u-u!”) and 27 news crews (Spain, South Africa, Mexico and Australia were among the countries represented). “When the studio did the tracking polls, they were concerned because a lot of people didn’t know who Hugh was,” said co-star Tom Arnold. “Well, now they do.”

Response to Frenzy: So many microphones, so few words. The usually garrulous Grant, who’s known in England as the Charm Bomb, maintained a divine silence.

Who Was There: Grant with girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley, and co-stars Arnold and Julianne Moore; director/producer Chris Columbus; plus 1,300 guests, including Arnelle Simpson (who’s certainly no stranger to media frenzy), Pierce Brosnan, Jennifer Aniston, David Hasselhoff, Tia Carrere, Jessica Harper, Tom Rothman, John Davis, David Colden, and Fox’s Peter Chernin, Bill Mechanic and Tom Jacobson.

The Buzz: Hollywood loves a delinquency like Grant’s. People are so understanding. As one woman said of the famous Sunset Strip encounter, “At least it was goal oriented.”

Fashion Highlight: Hurley in a low-cut, short, white, tight, Herve Leger bandage wrap evening dress. The Estee Lauder beauty upheld the Code of the Model--even if you’re not thrilled about being there, look stunning.

Trends: The blown-out, neo-shag haircut sported by Jennifer Aniston of “Friends.” One woman said if you tell a hairdresser to “Give me the ‘Friends’ ‘do,” he or she will know what you mean. Hair dryers will be working overtime.

Details to Be Worked Out Later: Since the film is about pregnancy, Arnold was asked if he and fiancee Julie Champnella were going to have children immediately. “We’re going to wait a couple years,” said he. “Ten,” said she.

Hollywood Moment: In the ladies room, one guest said she observed a woman exiting a stall talking on her cell phone. “Some people have to communicate every accomplishment,” she noted dryly.