Celebritology Live: Celebs at the Inauguration

You've Been Served... a Heaping Plate of Gossip

When stars shave their heads, marry (or divorce) inadvisedly, couch-jump, spend countless minutes in jail, commit a fashion faux pas and/or other random acts of ego-inspired inanity, washingtonpost.com Celebritology blogger Liz Kelly is on the job. Every weekday, Liz shares the buzz, offers perspective and provides crucial links to juicy alternate news sources and, of course, takes your reaction in her daily blog.

Join Liz LIVE every Thursday at 2 p.m. ET to gab about the latest celebrity pairings (and splittings), rising stars (and falling ones), and get the scoop on the latest gossip making waves across the Web.

In her pre-celeb obsessed days (as if!), Liz ran washingtonpost.com's Discussions section, where she enjoyed talking to really interesting people -- sometimes even Post reporters -- on the phone. She still produces Pulitzer-prize winner Gene Weingarten's weekly Chatological Humor discussion and serves as co-proprietress of post.com's "Lost" Central.

Celebritology Live Archive

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Liz Kelly: Afternoon -- a lot to get to today, so lets just jump right in to your questions. And, please hold all "Lost" questions for the full hour of "Lost" chatting coming up at 3 p.m. ET.

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Seein' Stahz!: Should Ben Affleck really be ditching Jen Garner with a newborn at home to hobnob with Jessica Alba and the like at Inaugural Balls?

Liz Kelly: I have a feeling Jen and Ben worked this one out just fine. Ben has been pretty outspoken about politics, so I wouldn't begrudge him wanting to be on hand for the most historic transition of power we've seen in a half a century.

And I'm sure Jen wasn't left to deal with Seraphina all by her lonesome.

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Ordway St., NW (Best Street in town!)- Creative Co Inaug Ball: It looks like you got a nice cross section of stars on the red carpet to talk to you. Any major snubs?

washingtonpost.com: Seeing Stars at the Creative Coalition Ball (Celebritology, Jan. 21)

Liz Kelly: Well, I was really hoping to talk to Marisa Tomei. She was at both Creative Coalition events I attended and both times she posed for the assembled photogs, but was rushed past the press scrum by a publicist uttering the mantra "no press, no press, no press" over and over again.

I get not being in the mood to self-promote every now and again, but given the circumstances -- the afore-mentioned history making inauguration -- I really had hoped to get a quote or two from her.

Obama was the candidate of choice for celebs, so most of them were more than happy to talk. And, on Wednesday night, it was slightly cool to note that even the celebs were as giddy and optimistic as everyone else who had witnessed the day's events.

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Psst, Kevin : Kevin Federline. Let me whisper something in your ear. That gynormous purple t-shirt ain't fooling anyone. But hey, if that's the worst we can complain about you, it's not so bad.

Liz Kelly: I had the same thought. I felt a little bad linking to the picture of the new pudgy K-Fed this morning. But my conscience was calmed when I realized that it somehow made me like him more. Somehow it is comforting to see that at least one parent to those kids is putting aside his ambitions to actually stick around.

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Dork, US: So, what was your biggest celebrity moment of the inauguration?

Liz Kelly: Biggest -- I'm not sure.

I was particularly happy to have gotten to talk to both Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon at length. Whether one agrees with them or not, they make sense when they talk.

Unlike Matthew Modine, who went on and on to me about the inaugural being like a heat ray concentrated on the mall. (You can see a bit of that in the video we posted yesterday. Maybe producer Paul can link.) Then, because I was smiling at him -- I'm told it is best to smile at lunatics -- he asked me if I ever get tired of smiling and then didn't stop for an answer before launching into another "interesting" theory -- this one about how smiles might possibly stop global warming.

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San Diego: As a "Sex and the City" fan, I cringed when I saw they had all signed on for a sequel. Why not go out on top and leave everyone with fond memories?

Liz Kelly: I am so with you. The moment I saw that story I just knew that this was not a good idea. Lightning doesn't often strike in the same place twice and I think this franchise is in serious danger of jumping the shark.

And I remember reading a story a couple of weeks back about SJP's desire to have Britney Spears play a supporting character.

Nope. Not buying it. No way.

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Wheaton, Md.: I saw Val Kilmer in the Union Station Metro stop. He asked a Metro employee for help with the machine (the one I was using) and the employee helpfully leaned over and canceled my transaction so that he would help him out. Val Kilmer interceded and said that I should go before him because I was there first! Such a nice guy.

washingtonpost.com: Did he then say you could be his wingman anytime?

Liz Kelly: Nice one, Iceman.

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Atlanta: C'mon, Liz...get your hate on! Unfortunate dress, unfortunate manners, unfortunate hair/breath/footwear...give us the dish!

Liz Kelly: Who am I, Mr. Blackwell?

Let's see -- the person I thought was dressed the least appropriately for a red carpet was a minor enough celeb that I didn't think it merited even talking about. It was stylist Philip Block -- you see him turning up on E! fashion specials as a commentator. He was wearing what looked to be a '70s era maroonish sharkskin suit -- wide lapels, matching shirt, matching bow-tie. He definitely stood out, though, if that's what he was going for.

I will go so far as to say that Matthew Modine has seen better days. But then we all age, so who am I to smile at the sight of his papery neck skin?

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Arlington, Va.: Who gets custody of Suri if TomKat split up? Does Scientology have any canons covering these matters?

Liz Kelly: I believe Suri would be automatically ceded to Paramount Pictures to defray the cost of the money they lost on tanking Tom Cruise movies.

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washingtonpost.com:

Liz Kelly: Let's go to the video...

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Michael Cera needs a reality check...: Seriously? He's going to be the one holdout on the "Arrested Development" movie - he would have NO career without that show. Back to the frozen banana stand with you, young man!

Liz Kelly: Well George Michael is a much bigger star now than he was back in the banana stand days. He's practically a heart throb. He's got a rep -- and a pay scale to protect. I don't see how he could continue to hold out, though. There is something just right about us getting a movie. Finally.

I'm not too surprised that the rest of the cast would jump at the chance to re-convene. None of them have exactly gone on to bigger, better careers in the intervening years. And they all should have -- don't get me wrong.

Liz Kelly: Here's a link to a story about it. Not too many details, but it looks like they are prepared to move forward with or without Michael. George Michael.

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celeBS: So were you surprised by any? Anyone taller, shorter, fatter, thinner than you thought they'd be?

Liz Kelly: Well, honey, they are all mostly smaller than you'd expect. Hollywood is populated by a species of people grown at 7/8ths the size of the rest of us. Except for Tim Robbins -- he's kind of this hulking giant walking among the rest of them like some kind of Yeti.

I have to say I was surprised that Josh Lucas was way shorter than I'd figured. He's just as hot, don't get me wrong.

When I was leaving Monday night's event at Teatro Goldoni he and a few other celebs -- including Tamara Tunie" were huddled out front in the cold puffing away on cigs. If only I hadn't quit three years ago, I could've sidled up to them for some smoking and bonding.

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SATC: I'm addicted. Not only do I want a sequel, but I'd like another one after that. I loved the series and can't get enough... although I really don't believe the Britney Spears thing. SJP seems on a completely different planet with completely different life forms than the dark star Britney Spears is on.

Liz Kelly: It's time to move on. Surely you can scratch that itch with something else -- "Lipstick Jungle," "Gossip Girl," a Neiman's card...?

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Who am I, Mr. Blackwell? : The games that you and Mister Liz play in the privacy or your own home are none of our business.

Liz Kelly: Hey now...

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Nosy Parker: I was surprised to read that Rick Schroder was in DC for the inauguration. Didn't he support Bush in 2004?

Liz Kelly: I think he did, yes. But that doesn't mean he's forever barred from changing his mind or, even if he didn't, being on hand for the party anyhow.

Did everyone catch Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag -- formerly vocal McCain/Palin supporters -- decked out in full Obama regalia earlier this week? Now those two should be barred from the fun. Just cuz.

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Washington: "Why not go out on top and leave everyone with fond memories"

Hmmm, how many women their age are getting money thrown at them to be in a movie? How many more times in their life will they get that offer? Millions of dollars, versus respect in the eyes of strangers you'll never meet?

Liz Kelly: You've got a point there.

That still doesn't mean I have to go squirm through 90 minutes of a re-vivified corpse.

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M Street, Washington, D.C.: Did Val Kilmer need the Metro employee to lather him up with butter so he would fit through the faregate or was there some other problem?

Liz Kelly: Now now, don't be mean. Or, well, go ahead -- you're pretty funny.

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Creepy White House activites: Am I the only one who thinks it's weird/creepy that Sasha and Malia were greeted by the Jonas Brothers in a closet at the White House? Eew.

Liz Kelly: I don't know if you're the only one, but I'm not feeling it.

That may be because I have an eight-year-old niece who would be over the moon to find the Jonas Brothers in her house.

I would, however, be creeped out if I found them in my closet.

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Fairfax, Va.: Am I the only one seriously creeped out be the "Pledge" video produced by Kutcher and Moore? I know most celebs are classless, self-aggrandizing idiots, but this video really demonstrates it like no other.

Someone ought to edit the video to interpose pictures of those folks who have risked their lives upholding the ideals of our country -- regardless of which president is in power. The idiots who are in that video would do us all a service by jumping off the nearest bridge.

washingtonpost.com: Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's I Pledge Video (youtube.com)

Liz Kelly: I didn't get to watch the whole thing. My computer started vomiting when it got to Ashton Kutcher's promise to "serve the country with dignity and honesty."

Yes, they are all riding high right now and filled with every good intention. And the goal -- getting more Americans to volunteer -- is a noble one. But I would like to check back in on these people in a couple of months and find out how much volunteering they have done personally. Someone remind me of that in March, ok?

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Philadelphia: Hi Liz, I have searched and can't seem to find a pic of Oprah's inauguration dress. Can you provide me a link? Thank to you and all the reporters from The Washington Post for the coverage of the inauguration!

washingtonpost.com: I wasn't able to find anything, though I thought O skipped the balls and celebrated at the White House with the Obamas after.

Liz Kelly: Yep, I think Oprah bypassed the balls, but here's a pic of her at the actual inauguration ceremony.

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George: Did anyone see George Clooney during the inaugural and the other festivities? I've scoured the coverage and seen no mention of him, except that he was in DC. I guess I want to know what I missed, and whether I was once gain, so close, yet so far away...

Liz Kelly: There were Clooney rumors flying all over the place -- that he was expected at various spots. And it's kind of surprising that he didn't turn up anywhere given his involvement in politics and well-established fondness for a good party.

But remember, his dad is now living in D.C. -- so maybe he spent the day/evening with pops.

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Washington DC: Does that mean the Jonas Brothers are out of the closet now?

Liz Kelly: I was waiting for someone to make this joke.

Thank you for fulfilling your destiny.

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Celeb/Politico Pairing: What was the weirdest pairing of celeb/politician you saw ?

Liz Kelly: Hmmm. Personally I would have to say seeing Tim Daly and Sen. John Kerry posing for a series of pix with their arms around each other. They seemed to have a lot to talk about and a good rapport, so I'm guessing this was not their first meeting.

Both Daly's wife and Teresa Heinz were kind of shunted off to the side of the red carpet while this was going on. Teresa didn't look too well pleased.

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Teatro goldoni?: I work in that building, but was home warm that day, I am now holding you personally responsible that Josh Lucas was IN MY WORK BUILDING and I didn't know. Holy crap!

Liz Kelly: Oh -- there were a lot of folks in your work building... In case you missed the link above, read all about the attendees here.

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Nik,ON: I have a pledge for Ashton Kutcher: He should pledge to stop making those annoying Nikon commercials where he gets in everyone's face with a camera.

Liz Kelly: Oh come on -- would you begrudge him a job? It's not like he has anything else to do. Well, besides parenting Rumor and Scout, etc.

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how appropriate: Heh. You said "go out on top."

Liz Kelly: Thanks. How Michael Scott of you.

Would someone care to add, "That's what she said"?

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It's time to move on.: Can we trust you and Jen to say that in May 2010, after the finale of "Lost"?

Liz Kelly: Oh, trust me, I'll be more than ready to move on from "Lost" by then.

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Robbins/Sarandon: I have a friend who has worked with both of them; thinks he's terrific; her, not so much.

Liz Kelly: She was pretty gracious both times I chatted with her this week. Maybe she was in a wildly optimistic mood.

But I meant to ask at the beginning of the chat -- what did you all do for the inaugural. Tell me about your own brushes with fame.

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Oprah...: Her rep said she attended the IL/HI ball, but no one saw her there, according to your own paper.

washingtonpost.com: Oprah Watch: Inauguration Edition (Post, Jan. 22)

Liz Kelly: Well then there you go.

If no one saw her, was she really there?

If a tree falls in the woods...

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Inexplicable taste: No. 1 at the box office this weekend -- "Paul Blart, Mall Cop." How does this sort of thing happen in a semi-educated nation?

Liz Kelly: It's a crazy, mixed up world we live in. The only possible explanation is that it is a kid-friendly movie that is neither animated nor about anthropomorphic animals. Meaning it would probably appeal to parents looking to take their kids to the movies.

But speaking of inexplicable taste, let's move on to this next question...

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Possum Island: Hi Liz! What do you think of the Oscar nominees, and tell me what is the best movie you have seen recently? (most of the newer movies haven't made it to Possum Ile yet.)

Liz Kelly: The best movie I've seen recently -- I think I mentioned it here last week -- is "The Wrestler." At least out of hte Oscar nominees.

But someone please 'splain to me how "Benjamin Button" managed to grab 13 nominations. Yes, the special effects were really well done -- and should be awarded -- but the movie was saccharin, way too long and -- I'm sorry, but Brad Pitt didn't act so much as look confused throughout the entire film.

Am I wrong?

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Creative Coalition Pix: Thanks for the pix, Liz. In those pix, it seems that Maura Tierney needs to have a fashionista apprise her of the value of wearing a dark brassiere under a dark sweater. And the expression on Kim Raver's face reminds me of why I think that her best work on "24" was when her character was in a coma.

Liz Kelly: Aww, come on -- Kim was caught at an odd moment. And I'm not sure Maura realized she'd be facing a red carpet that evening. It was a small, intimate (for only 100 guests) dinner.

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Marisa Tomei -- "no press, no press, no press" : er, what's she done lately?

Liz Kelly: "The Wrestler."

I need to look into Marisa's history of press access, but she was giving every indication that she considers herself back on the A-List -- actually, the A+ list -- that rarified group of people who make themselves very difficult to interview, thereby making them more sought after.

In fact, I'll have a fascinating Q&A tomorrow in the blog with E!'s Answer Bitch, who has a book coming out that explains -- among other things -- how celebs play the game to make that list.

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But that doesn't mean he's forever barred from changing his mind or, even if he didn't, being on hand for the party anyhow.: Well it should! Do these celebs think we're stupid and don't notice this stuff? He's an attention whore, that's all there is to it. I cannot see how someone who could support Bush - not just vote for him, but to actually publicly endorse him, in 2004 no less, after Bush had already been in office for 4 years - how that person could then go and jump on the bandwagon of Obama. Seems to me if you were that gung ho about Bush after seeing him action, you couldn't possibly do that much of a turn around in your ideals. All this tells me is Ricky does not have any ideals and doesn't know what he stands for, except for maybe himself and any publicity he can get.

Liz Kelly: I get what you're saying.

I guess I'd just rather live in a world where everyone has a right to learn and grow and change her mind. How on earth could we possibly evolve otherwise?

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Post-Arrested Development Careers: But Tony Hale was on "Chuck"! Jason Bateman was in "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium"!

Okay. Maybe Portia de Rossi has the best post-show career: talk show host arm candy.

Liz Kelly: Right. My point exactly.

Though Will Arnett was in "Blades of Glory," right?

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Clooney's dad: Any idea on where specifically he lives? I mean, if he's in my neighborhood I could look out for him. The dad. You know.

Liz Kelly: Nope. And I'm all for giving the guy a little privacy.

I was reading an article yesterday about how all of the paparazzi agencies are sending reinforcements to D.C. to cover the Obama years -- apparently the biggest price to be had right now is for a pic of the president smoking a cigarette.

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My best Joan Rivers' impression: Liz, who were you wearing on the big night?

Liz Kelly: Oh, I was wearing a fabulous two-piece gowny thing by Teri Jon. I've had it for five years and wear it to every fancy do I have to attend. I'm starting to think everyone will think "There's that woman in that dress AGAIN."

But it's hard to find an attractive formal that covers up the tattoos. I can't really do strapess and many of the sleeved numbers tend to look matronly.

I need Marisa Tomei's Tuesday night dress.

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How on earth could we possibly evolve otherwise? : Liz, my Queen, the day that celebrities evolve into intelligent, emotionally stable adults is the day that we'll have to close down the Tiki Bar on Lizard island.

Liz Kelly: Yes, yes -- but it's a larger issue. We, all of us, need to be given the latitude to change our minds and see the light from time to time.

Celebs, too. But, yes, I hear you on the emotionally stable thing. Though I might've gone for "intelligent, not self-absorbed."

You know who was utterly down to earth and not at all self-absorbed? Connie Britton. And let me tell you, that woman has got some serious ta-tas.

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Liz: Am I wrong? : NO! Nuff said.

Liz Kelly: Thank you.

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Oscar worthy? I think not: "Benjamin Button"?? You gotta be kiddin' me.

Liz Kelly: Thank you, thank you.

All I can figure is that the studio mounted a massive campaign. This is Brad's big chance.

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Above the Apple Store: I had a ticket to the inauguration and was in the Purple Gate of Madness crowd. I saw Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. She was very gracious as her body guard was moving her through the crowds outside of the Purple Gate. We were going in that direction too and walked about two blocks with her.

Liz Kelly: Hi Apple chick -- I thought of you yesterday when I went in to buy a new mouse for the mac.

I have to know -- was Mariah wearing heels?

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Silver Spring: Tattos? Do tell..... Regrets?

Liz Kelly: Nope, no regrets -- I just think they'd be distracting in a red carpet coverage situation. What if Angelina Jolie showed up? I wouldn't want to upstage her.

Two more tattoo-related items:

-- Susan Sarandon has one on her back, between her shoulder blades. I couldn't get a close enough look, but it appeared to be some kind of tribal, Asian-inspired piece.

-- Could Megan Fox be more blatant in her desire to be Angelina Jolie? Check out her very Jolie-like tattoo in this picture.

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Though Will Arnett was in "Blades of Glory," right? : If nothing else, he gets to be married to Amy Poehler. That can't be so bad, can it?

Liz Kelly: Agreed.

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Shirlington, Va.: Jason Bateman has been in a bunch! "Juno." "Hancock."

Liz Kelly: Yes, but hardly as a leading man.

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Rock City, Tenn.: Did you ask Maura Tierney about her hennaed hands or did she offer the information?

Liz Kelly: I did ask because they were so lovely. They were hennaed over the weekend because she was in "ER" castmate Parminder Nagra's wedding.

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sorcerer's_cat: Benjamin Button nabbed all those Oscar noms because it is an Oscar Bait movie--a personal story across epic time. Ho hum. But can we all give a shout out to Richard Jenkins for "The Visitor"?

Liz Kelly: I haven't seen "The Visitor" yet, but have heard good buzz.

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Quatch Cave: WHAT!? No pictures of Connie Britton and her bodacious ta-tas!?

washingtonpost.com: You must be new here.

Connie Britton

Liz Kelly: And here's the dress that thrust them to the forefront of my mind on Tuesday night.

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Lost, DC: Hey Liz, My boyfriend and I saw Adrian Grenier (of Entourage fame) with a handheld camera outside Potbellys at 17&L at 7:30am on inauguration day. He ran when he saw a bunch of people recognizing him towards the Mayflower but he waved to us (we were inside Potbellys). Now can we move on to Lost...

Liz Kelly: Nope, eight minutes until the "Lost" hour begins. I'm actually going to wrap things up a few minutes early so I can run to the loo and warm up my tea.

Talk to you here next week and see you in the morning on the blog.

Ciao!

(Okay Losties, decamp to the other chat room.)

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washingtonpost.com: Join Liz and Jen Chaney now in the Lost Hour discussion.

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.