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Paul looking dapper at the BAFTA Tea Party (Associated Press)
It's about the work, too, as the star-studded assemblage was filled with British actors who have carved very successful careers here in Tinseltown. They were joined by their Australian and American cohorts, who all came to the fete to celebrate at the 7th Annual BAFTA (British Association of Film and Television Actors) Primetime Emmy TV Tea. Ironically, most chose Mumm champers or One Hope wine as their afternoon drink of choice. Forget tea, these are Brits and Aussies that know how to party!
Those hopeful of winning a golden statue on Emmy night were scattered all over the place, from Best Actor Drama nominee and "In Treatment" star Gabriel Byrne to Best Actress Drama nom Toni Collette, whose "United States of Tara" lets her play four different characters each episode, giving her a distinct advantage. There was Beau Bridges (Best Guest Actor, Comedy "Desperate Housewives"), adorable Aussie Rose Byrne (Best Supporting Actress Drama "Damages"), pretty Sharon Lawrence (Best Guest Actress, "Grey's Anatomy"), exotic Shohreh Aghdashloo (Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, "House of Saddam"), and even Gollum himself, Andy Serkis, who is up for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for "Little Dorrit."
"I don't know what I am doing here," laughed gorgeous Missi Pyle, who came arm-in-arm with her cute BFF Christina Moore, who's currently starring in "Hawthorne." "I don't have a job right now, but at least she does," Missi chuckled. No worries, she's going to be playing gigs around town soon with her rock band Smith & Pyle. Plus, with so many friends at the tea, she's sure to book another great gig soon. Remember her inspired performance as Mrs. Beauregard from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"?
Missi schmoozed with Ken Howard, who's nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for "Grey Gardens," and bussed "The Mentalist" star Owain Yeoman. And who knew the big guy was a Brit? Seems so American on that top-rated show!
Cute, tall guys like Owain were everywhere, from handsome Paul Bettany to sexy Steve Valentine, whose new comedy series "I'm in the Band" hits airwaves this January. We can't wait to see him as a rock star with a live python as a prop.
Pretty Michelle Forbes, whose career is going gangbusters via HBO, with key roles on both "In Treatment" and "True Blood," grimaced as she grabbed one of the few seats at the garden party. "My feet are killing me!" she admitted, showing off the sky-high short boots that were the culprit. In fact, high-heeled gals all over the party, including Amanda Righetti, Dana Delany, Indira Varma, Izabella Miko, Julie Benz, and Rachelle Lefevre were complaining about sinking into the grass and getting stuck, but that was a minor grievance. The major one (besides the valet, where suddenly the party's end turned into a train wreck as people waited 40 minutes for their cars), was one that the very British "Criss Angel Mindfreak" producer Beverley Ward found much more egregious. "There are no scones," she sniffed disappointedly. "What's a British tea without scones?"
Tons of fun, that's what.
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