For Hollywood insiders, true Oscar fun begins after the awards are handed out. Here's the scoop on this year's hottest Oscar parties:
IRVING ''SWIFY'' LAZAR'S PARTY
Where: Spago, West Hollywood
Who Goes: An older crowd (Lazar pals like Don Rickles and Walter
Cronkite) during the telecast; the whippersnappers (Whoopi Goldberg,
Sharon Stone, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Kidman made the scene
in 1992) arrive after the show. Expect Billy Crystal, Barbra
Streisand, and Liz Taylor this year.
Inside Story: If you win an Oscar, this is where you want to show
it off. Lazar's wife, Mary, died in January, and there's speculation
that this might be the last Oscar bash the agent (who turns 86 the
day before the show) will throw.
Morning-After Factor: 9 (most likely to generate history-making
anecdotes)
THE GOVERNORS BALL
Where: Music Center's plaza, downtown
Who Goes: Almost everyone who doesn't have to slink off after the
ceremony.
Inside Story: This official Academy event used to be eclipsed by
Lazar's bash. A few years ago it was moved adjacent to the awards
show itself, and now all the stars at least put in an appearance.
Morning-After Factor: 7 (best star-spotting)
THE ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION FUND-RAISER
Where: Maple Drive eatery, Beverly Hills
Who Goes: Hosts include Richard Gere, Meg Ryan, and Herb Ritts.
Elton John is honorary chair. Expected guests: Michelle Pfeiffer,
Denzel Washington, Neil Jordan, Stephen Rea, and Marisa Tomei.
Inside Story: A first-time fund-raiser with the right names and
the right cause. If it does well, could be a mega-event in '94.
Morning-After Factor: 6 (high hipness quotient, especially for
those who aren't sure how much they like Hollywood glitz)
EL RESCATE BENEFIT
Where: Mondrian Hotel on the Sunset Strip, West Hollywood
Who Goes: 1992 drew Michael Bolton, Bonnie Raitt, and Oliver
Stone. Expected '93 supporters: Jackson Browne, Tim Robbins, and
Susan Sarandon.
Inside Story: This was the first ''young'' party. Established to aid
Central American refugees, now, in its sixth year, the benefit will
also help L.A. riot victims. It's still packed and the crowd is fun.
Morning-After Factor: 5 (less exclusive but has wild and woolly
rep)
WOMEN IN FILM
Where: The Biltmore Hotel, downtown
Who Goes: Christine Lahti and Betty Friedan showed in '92. Expect
Diane Ladd, Anthony Hopkins, Mercedes Ruehl, Martha Coolidge, and
Rita Moreno in '93.
Inside Story: Generating little buzz in its second year; may
feature more production execs and lawyers than stars.
Morning-After Factor: 4 (wins best support of actresses award, but
meaning well is not enough)
