Cars share stage at Oscars

Stars choose rides to make statements; Detroit seeks buzz

By Ann Job / Special to The Detroit News



HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — At 13, the youngest nominee ever for best female actor at the Academy Awards can’t drive. But she’s already choosy about the vehicle that will squire her to the red carpet tonight. She’ll be in a gasoline-electric Toyota Prius that gets 60 miles per gallon in city driving.

“I am old enough to know that the environment is in danger,” said Keisha Castle-Hughes, who’s nominated for her role in the movie, “Whale Rider.” “By taking a hybrid car to the Oscars, I can show my support for helping our planet.”

Hollywood’s biggest night ends a week filled with pre-Oscar bashes that draw some of Tinseltown’s most famous faces. And many of the stars share the spotlight with automakers — including General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. — who ply them with free rides and sponsor glittering events.

The efforts by Motown to go Hollywood illustrate how important the entertainment industry has become to the business of selling cars and trucks.

These days, automakers are competing to place the latest car or pickup in movies and television shows and giving extended test drives to actors, directors and other celebrities on the theory that a little star power goes a long way.

Certainly, the little Prius has benefitted from high-profile Hollywood owners. Along with Castle-Hughes, at least half a dozen stars will arrive at tonight’s awards ceremony in a Prius: singer Sting, comedians Robin Williams and Will Ferrell, rocker Jack Black and actors Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, best supporting actor nominee for his role in “Mystic River.”

“For celebrities, Prius is a great way to show commitment to the environment,” said Paul Daverio, of Toyota’s advanced technology group.

Ford Motor Co.’s gasoline-electric hybrid Escape sport utility vehicle isn’t on sale yet, but best female actor contender Diane Keaton had free use of one for Oscars week. Nominated for her role in “Something’s Gotta Give,” Keaton will arrive at the ceremony in it.

Automakers’ Oscar mania is not limited to playing chauffeur to celebrities.

Ford Chairman Bill Ford was expected to be in town rubbing elbows with Hollywood’s elite at Saturday’s “Night Before” charity party for the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Ford is the first automaker to sponsor the annual event, which benefits actors in need, elderly actors and others in the industry.

Today, a blue carpet — a la Ford’s blue oval — will be rolled out at a Beverly Hills restaurant owned by Bill Ford’s cousin, Alessandro Uzielli, to welcome entertainment notables. Invitees include actors Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Michael Douglas, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

A line of historic Mustangs made famous in the movies will be parked outside, joined by the “Red Tomato” 1976 Ford Gran Torino from the upcoming “Starsky and Hutch” movie.

General Motors Corp. paired custom GM vehicles with stars wearing the latest fashions at a pre-Oscar party Tuesday.

Kim Cattrall of HBO’s “Sex and the City” drew whistles as she sashayed down the runway in a shiny silver party dress, dragging a white fur stole. She was accompanied by a brilliant blue Cadillac SRX.

Socialite Paris Hilton was front-row for the soiree, which featured Molly Shannon, formerly of “Saturday Night Live,” dropping to the floor while modeling a black evening gown in front of a white custom Saturn Vue.

“Our cars are the ultimate fashion accessory,” said Mike Jackson, general manager for GM’s western regions.”

Celebrities attending GM’s event included actors Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher and Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith. Actor Dennis Hopper missed the fashion show. He was spotted outside, admiring the Buick Y-job concept car on display.

i>Ann Job is a California-based free-lance writer.