BUZZ CLUBS

Cheers for the troops in Iraq

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was life during wartime, and Hollywood revelers showed their true colors: red, white and blue. What should have been Oscar’s biggest night -- after all, not everyone lives to see the 75th birthday -- was dampened by images broadcast early Sunday of American POWs looking scared and desperate. And whatever anyone thought of the war before Sunday, entertainers making the rounds at the post-Oscars party scene showed their support for U.S. soldiers. Looking pretty in pink in a head-to-toe rose ensemble, socialite Paris Hilton chatted at the Elton John-In Style bash at the Marquee on Robertson Boulevard. “It’s so sad, everything that’s going on,” said Hilton. “I want our soldiers to know that I respect them and wish them well. I really admire their bravery.” In light of the war, security at all the parties around town was tighter than tight, and fashion scribe Steven Cojocaru nearly flipped a gasket when he couldn’t get in to Elton’s party. In a moment of irony, the author of “Red Carpet Diaries: Confessions of a Glamour Boy,” was seeing red when he was held up on the red carpet for 40 minutes as he attempted to talk his way in. The AIDS fundraiser’s guests included Patty Hearst and Johnnie Knoxville, Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones and hubby Michael Douglas, Nicolas Cage, rapper Eve and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath. And by the by, Robertson Boulevard was the place to be. Not only was it gawking distance from the Vanity Fair party at Morton’s, around the corner on Melrose Avenue, but Robertson was hopping with events benefiting the gay community. It was transformed into an extended block party, including the Abbey’s AIDS Project Los Angeles gala and the Advocate’s banging bash at Kachina Grill. At the neighboring “here” lounge, we caught up with actress DeDee Pfeiffer, who was hosting a benefit for Gay & Lesbian Assn. Against Defamation. Pfeiffer, who lost her best friend to AIDS, says she feels fortunate to be an American. “We have to stand behind our POWs. It’s un-American to do anything else,” she said.

Parties step up to the rescue

In the heart of Hollywood, the new nightclub the White Lotus was christened by celebs fueled with Oscar fever. On Friday night, Leonardo DiCaprio, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake shimmied on the dance floor, while its Sunday night Oscars viewing party attracted the likes of the Backstreet Boys. But it was the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip that gave a deeper meaning to Sunday’s festivities. The nightclub hosted a joint fundraiser for Children Uniting Nations, the Creative Coalition and Rock the Vote. Among those who turned out for the benefit were ‘N Sync’s J.C. Chasez, Tara Lipinski and California first lady Sharon Davis. Actor Jeff Goldblum, who treated guests to a performance by his jazz band the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, said, “I was struck by everybody’s generosity and humbled by the overall loving spirit.” Daphne Edwards Ziman, the chairperson for Children Uniting Nations, a mentoring organization for foster care and homeless children, says the money raised Sunday is being earmarked for Iraqi children injured in the war. At evening’s end, Nicole Kidman’s words at the Oscar presentation proved relevant. Art is important, especially in times of war. Reporting from the trenches of Hollywood.

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Lights, camera, patio

In keeping with the season, Falcon is hosting “Movies with Oscar” on Monday nights.

The lively Sunset Boulevard restaurant and nightclub is screening Oscar winners in its outdoor patio.

And in more Falcon news, Wednesdays are being hosted by promoter BoJesse, fresh off the juice of his success with Tuesdays at Nacional and Saturdays at Ivar.

And speaking of award-winning performances, that famed domed dame the Derby celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 11.

As famous for the pair of divorcees who own it -- the debonair Tony Gower and his Harley-riding ex, Tammi Gower -- it’s a legend in its own time.

One of my favorite hangs, the Los Feliz nightclub put the schwing back in swing by showcasing such artists as the Royal Crown Revue, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. With Louis Prima sax-man Sam Butera headlining, the birthday bash is gonna be a really, really big shoo.

Hot time in the city: You can check out Kung Fu Records recording artist Ozma tonight at the El Rey Theatre or head to the King King for that super hot girl group Go Betty Go.

And speaking of the King King, we hear Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett is debuting his new band Jackson on April 3 at the Hollywood nightclub. Jackson includes his brother Scott Shiflett, the bassist from Face to Face. I guess those boys got an ax to grind.

We checked out the churros at Cobra Lily, the new spot at the old C-Bar, and my my my, they were finger-licking good. Co-owner Steven Arroyo, whose

tapas-style menu

includes sweet

potato fries, lentils and sardines, knows his way around

food.

The East L.A. native also owns Cobras & Matadors on Beverly Boulevard. Chow down when you go to his town.