Judi Dench, Best Actress nom for “Philomena,” will attend the Academy Awards. Not 100 percent healthwise, she’s working, but there are eyesight problems, memory problems. She did not join the big push for the movie’s opening but did attend this week’s BAFTA, London’s Brit version of the Oscars. Dame Judi definitely 100 percent will grace Hollywood.
The Holy See has requested a copy of the movie. High-ranking papal aides have seen it. A print is now at the Vatican. A screen’s been set up for His Holiness.
This true story of 60,000 illegitimate children wrested years ago from mothers then housed in Irish abbeys until adopted out — never to know their true families — may result in legislation to see such never happens again.
That’s Rome talk. Hollywood talk: Might “Philomena” be the spoiler? Might the Woody — or would he — thing taint his movie and thus Blanchett the great Cate? And maybe might the Best Actress crown fall to Dame Judi?
Enough already
Hey, no business like snow business. My opinion: Old Man Winter needs a retirement home. 1984 Best Actress winner Shirley MacLaine’s speech: “I deserve this” . . . Despite knee surgery and inability to compete, gold medalist Lindsey Vonn’s around town on crutches hosting her two sisters . . . “Blue Jasmine” people, since not everyone gets tickets to the awards, are hosting pre-Oscar Saturday dinner for nominees, kinfolk and whomevers . . . A quote I remembered that Philip Seymour Hoffman gave me: “I was a wrestler. But after some yutz cracked my spine, I became an actor.”
Times a-changin’
Charles Grodin, who’s got two films coming out, stopped acting 18 years ago to raise son Nick. Now this kid’s 6-foot-4, former all-state basketballer and becoming an actor . . . Friends asking Ann — not Mitt — Romney to consider her husband running again . . . Gorgeous Ellen Barkin the other night: “Had a wonderful time. Spent all day in bed, took four baths and ate a whole bowl of pasta.”
Temple sacred to us
My 1990 full column. Little Miss Marker, then US Ambassador, was to experience Czechoslovakia’s Shirleyka Templova Blackova Film Festival. She told me: “Before coming here I took a fast six-week course in the language and its ways. I’m never in the kitchen but, being calorie-conscious, I avoid the dumplings and heavy whipped cream . . . Listen, I’m 60. At my age, I’m prepared for everything. I have correct clothes, only really tired of my wardrobe. Be nice to buy a new suit. Shopping here’s mainly confined to the PX. I really have need to get something new someplace.
“Show business has helped me. The film industry for 19 years taught me polish. Early in my career, I did 50 one-hour live radio and TV programs so I learned to be punctual. I’m not shy. I’ve no fear of public speaking. And I’ve learned self-discipline. And I brought my Oscar with me.”
Goodnight, Twinkletoes.
Pay attention
Liv Tyler at Fish & Game in upstate Hudson . . . P.R.-crazed wristwatch makers sent notices that Bradley Cooper at the Golden Globes wore “an $8,000 alligator-strap IWC stainless steel Portuguese Chronograph.” Like we noticed, right?
Sunday night. Dinner party. Everyone chatting happily. Successful, wealthy, known civic gent suddenly stands up while the main dish is being served. Announces: “I love ‘Downton Abbey.’ Never miss it. I’m a fan of the show. If I don’t hurry, I’ll miss the opening.” He says bye-bye. Hands his wife cab fare. And marches out to his car.
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.