“Soldier’s Girl” at the 2004 Golden Globes

Troy Garity, Jane Fonda and Calpernia Addams at the 2004 Golden Globe Awards

* A voice over the sound system keep saying, “Please sit down! Dinner is served! Please take your seats!” and I got that ‘High-School Assembly’ feeling again that I remembered from the Emmys. Pretty much right when everyone finally sat down for good, someone popped up on stage and gave out an award. It was broadcast live, so I suppose it had to keep pace. During commercial breaks, everyone jumped up and ran around congratulating each other and saying hello and running to the restroom. In the women’s restroom, a cosmetics company had set up with two makeup artists offering free touch-ups to anyone who needed them. But once the show had started, I stayed in my seat the whole time.

* I can hardly remember all the celebrities I saw walk by or talk on stage… It would be safe to just say “every one of them.” Well, actually I didn’t see Julia Roberts…

* When the announcements for Soldier’s Girl’s categories came up, we all waited in tense anticipation. We pretty much knew we weren’t going to win against “Angels in America,” but the Golden Globes have a bit of a rep for acknowledging things off the beaten path, so we couldn’t be 100% sure. Unfortunately, the moment came and went… We all clapped loudly for Angels and raised a toast anyway. It was still good to be there.

* When everything was finally over, Leonardo DiCaprio hopped up on stage to wish everyone good night. We all started to stand and Jane took me by the hand and made sure I stayed close by. I hadn’t been sure what I was going to do afterwards, so I was very happy to go along with her and Troy. We slipped through the crowds and began a very interesting night of party-going.

* Of course Jane Fonda is a legend in Hollywood, which is something that is difficult to grasp in it’s full scope until you see it in action. To me, she is a kind, powerful motherly figure I met through Troy. But as we went through the hotel to the various parties, there was a wave of awe and excitement that preceeded her in the crowds and staff and media. People would stop in place and echoes of, “That was Jane Fonda!” “Jane!” “Jane Fonda!” bounced and clattered in our wake. We moved through barriers and security stops like ghosts, and there were no such things as lines.

* The first party was in an enormous room whose vaulted ceiling was draped in acres of fabric the color of black oil. Pink cubes of satin and down were scattered about to be used as cushions, and undulating curtains of crystal flowers and leaves glowed above the bar where gorgeous people served serious looking drinks. Lee was already seated with friends, and we went over to join them. We laughed and talked and I sat in Lee’s lap for a picture, kicking my heels up. Someone told me I had great legs, which made me laugh. If the lights had been up, they would have seen the varicose veins earned from a dozen years of making a living in combat boots and high heels.

* This party had an elegant, urban-LA feel to it, and a wonderful live soul band, but the night was young and we had to move on. We gathered up our things and headed out the door.

* Next was the Miramax party, where most of the cast and team from “Lord of the Rings” was hanging out. These rooms were also covered in fabric, a pale ivory white from floor to ceiling, and had a very cool and clean feel. I met Peter Jackson’s girlfriend, Elija Wood and dun dun DUN! Angelina Jolie’s dad! John Voight was really nice (probably one of the most engaged people I talked to) and even did a bit of his minister character for me when I told him about my Dad. We met LeeLee Soblieski, who was lovely, and many other people as well.

* From this party we went on to a larger party in “Trader Vic’s,” which is the famous restaurant area of the Beverly Hilton. It was outside under a clear tent. We met Nona Gaye, Katie Holmes, Alicia Silverstone, and tons of other cool people. This was kinda the final stop at the hotel, and Jane went ahead home to bed.

* Troy and I hopped in the limo and jetted over to the CAA party in West Hollywood. This was more dark and clubby feeling, being in a dark club as it was. Everyone was actually dancing in earnest here, so I got out on the dance floor next to Leonardo, Juliette Lewis, Woody Harrelson, Tyra Banks and others. Uma Thurman and Quentin Tarantino were towards the back, and Troy had introduced me to Quentin much earlier in the night before the show.

* We met some fun girls and just basically danced the rest of the night away. By the time the place closed down, it was just us, Woody and Juliette and a few other people. We said our goodbyes, got back into the limo, and I was soon curled up asleep on a soft leather seat awaiting drop off at my little house, ready for a hot shower and a long night of sleep.

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