Stars come to Aspen for the holidays – and so do the movies.
This marks the 16th year that Aspen Film has presented its annual Academy Screenings. The idea is that academy members are skiing in Glamour Gulch and this may be their only chance to see some of the celluloid contenders. Aspen Film has to line up the movies before the nominations in January, but what the heck. They make smart guesses.
This year they’re bringing in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “The Good German,” “The Painted Veil,” “Miss Potter,” “Breaking and Entering,” “Arthur and the Invisibles,” “Home of the Brave.”
The apres-ski line-up also includes “Bobby,” “Marie Antoinette,” “Golden Door,” “Volver,” and “Days of Glory.”
Actors get the attention in several movies: Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett in “Notes on a Scandal,” Peter O’Toole in “Venus,” Brad Pitt in “Babel,” Forest Whitaker in “The Last King of Scotland,” Kate Winslet in “Little Children,” Paul Giamatti in “The Illusionist” and Helen Mirren in “The Queen.”
Doesn’t look like any of the films have direct Aspen ties – but Will Smith, star of “The Pursuit of Happyness,” is a regular holiday visitor to Aspen and notorious party host.
No telling if some Hollywooders will show up for the screenings – but they have in years past.
Bank on it
The biggest stars at Starz Denver Film Fest this past week were moviegoers.
Will Ferrell came to town to support his wife, Viveca Paulin, at the screening of the movie she co-produced, “Nail Polish.”
And Tyra Banks was spotted twice at the fest – Saturday night at the closing film “Rescue Dawn” and Sunday at Gordon Parks salute screening of “The Learning Tree.”
Eats!
Mel and Janie Master say their new East Sixth Avenue eatery, Montecito, will be open before Christmas – maybe as early as Dec. 12. Their son, Charles Master, is subtly distancing himself from his two popular Brix operations (Cherry Creek and Downtown) as he helps mom and pop open Montecito. He still stops into each Brix for an hour each night, but he says he wants to go in and “shake hands and kiss babies” more than fill out schedules. “I want a life with my kids and I want to marry (long girlfriend) Ellie Bradrick.” Charles’ money man, Chuck Cattaneo, is the guy in charge.
Emogene is shuttered in Belmar, but still open in North Cherry Creek.
Rollie Wesen, married to TV cooker Claudine Pepin, now cooking at Altitude at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Convention Center.
City spirit
Mezcal lights the holiday nights 7 p.m. Wednesday, so get lit at the lighting … Late Night Party Dec. 2 at the Boca Room, 1509 Marion St. … “Hairspray” tix on sale Friday, at the Buell Jun. 9-14 … Sez who: “I think I’m a pretty good judge of people, which is why I hate most of them.” Roseanne Barr
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at denverpostbloghouse.com/husted
