Quick Cuts

A Good (Leading) Man ...

It’s hard to believe Jennifer Lopez is having a hard time lining up leading men for her next couple of projects. Destination Films is preparing for a January shoot for the romantic comedy “The Wedding Planner,” but leading man Brendan Fraser jilted the production when he announced he would star instead in the remake of the Faustian British comedy “Bedazzled” (for a reported $10 million, his largest paycheck to date). And after months of negotiations Lopez has also signed to star in Warner Bros.’ drama “Angel Eyes,” with shooting scheduled to begin in April. But alas, still no leading man.

Pryor Commitment

When up-and-coming comedian-actor Eddie Griffin asked his mentor Richard Pryor what he wanted for his birthday Dec. 1, Pryor answered without missing a beat: “Dec. 2.” Pryor, whose body is ravaged by multiple sclerosis but whose mind and spirit are still strong, was moved to tears at the turnout for his 59th birthday party, hosted by former wife Jennifer Lee and Griffin at the Bel Age Hotel. Guests included Pryor’s daughter Rain, actor Isaac Hayes, comedian Pauly Shore (on behalf of his mom, Comedy Store maven Mitzi Shore), Bill Maher and “Bustin’ Loose” co-star Paul Mooney. Guests roasted the oft-married Pryor about the women in his life and his much-publicized drug habits of yore. To crown the evening, a drag queen dressed as Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday.”

Man Behaving Badly

Women in Film recently bestowed its Martini Shot Award to five men--George Lucas, Danny DeVito, Steven Bochco, Forest Whitaker and 20th Century Fox Chairman Bill Mechanic--who have mentored women in the entertainment industry. Lucas brought along a dozen female executives from LucasFilm, and DeVito brought what he called his “Jersey broads” from his Jersey Films. Mechanic praised his presenters, actress Jennifer Aniston and outgoing Fox 2000 chief Laura Ziskin; and Bochco called for more women and minorities in TV and film. One male guest, however, might have been a little more circumspect. While Kim Delaney was onstage introducing Bochco, a high-profile literary agent made a comment about her anatomy loudly enough for a table of female producers, executives and reporters to hear. Don’t expect to see that guy accepting awards from Women in Film any time soon.