Stars also rise in the East

HERE, the stars arrived with snowflakes on their shoulders. Some of them walked in a little slower or spoke a little softer, but from the moment they checked their coats, everyone seemed equally ready to eat, to drink and to talk.

Although the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood drew the world’s attention Sunday night, the St. Regis Hotel in Midtown Manhattan drew the interest and appetites of some storied names from Hollywood’s past. Open to all East Coast-based members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the party drew six Oscar winners and plenty of past nominees, providing an excuse to dust off the tuxes and reminisce.

“It’s more civilized” than the actual Oscars, said actress Arlene Dahl, chairwoman of the annual party. “We get to sit down and eat and watch it all on big TV screens. It’s terrific, and we eat well ... we drink well.”

Early in the evening, Eli Wallach -- the “ugly” in 1966’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” -- said he came to root for his friend and costar from that movie, Clint Eastwood.

Patricia Neal, best actress winner for 1963’s “Hud,” sat nearby and gushed about seeing old friend Peter O’Toole nominated for best actor.

And then there was Sylvia Miles, who in pearls and shades still looked every bit the part of Movie Star. The two-time best supporting actress nominee whispered to a reporter, “I’m a real actor. I mean, I work on stage, I write, I’m involved in a lot of things. I would love to work more, and, somehow, I believe I will, in spite of everything. I think I will make a lot more movies and I’ll get my Academy Award, and I’m not leaving this earth until I do.”