at Beverly Hills Film FestivalNot surprising that The Aryan Couple won the Golden Palm Award at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. This feature tells the story of a perfect Aryan couple, who work as a valet and maid for an elderly Jewish couple in their opulent palace in Hungry in 1944. The patriarch of the family (Martin Landau) makes a deal with the devil (Himmler) to save their lives, in exchange for everything he owns.

Filmed in Poland and directed by John Daly (Platoon and The Last Emperor) this is a gripping tale of people surviving against all odds.

We were pleased to attend the opening night film, House of D, which marks David Duchovny's directorial debut. Anton Yelchin is superb as the young protagonist who becomes best pals with Robin Williams – who portrays a retarded janitor named "Pappass". The relationship between these two incongruous individuals is warm and fuzzy, and maybe a bit sugary sweet. However, the House of D, takes us back to a time and place when such things were possible.

at John Wayne Cancer Institute GalaKudos to Nino Simone, President of the Beverly Hills Film Festival for their dedication in showcasing and promoting non-studio films to the entertainment industry.

And speaking of films – "American Classics: the Music, Movies and People we Love" – was the theme of the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary's black tie event at the Beverly Hilton. Fabulous 690 morning DJ, Brad "Martini" Chambers, served as the evenings emcee, which featured dinner and dancing to the classic tunes of Art Deco and his Society Orchestra.

The "Duke" Award, in memory of John Wayne, who lost his life to cancer, was presented to, philanthropists Diana and Robert W. Thom, long time friends of the Wayne family.

at "Runway for Life" fundraiserHandsome Patrick Wayne, who has taken over as head of the family, since the untimely death of brother, Michael, was proud to announce that since its inception, the Auxiliary has raised more than $12 million.

In this regard, on May 1st, Cindy Crawford and Ashton Kutcher are scheduled to Walk the Catwalk with Marlo Thomas at the Runway for Life, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This event will feature dancers, top models and celebs strutting their stuff to raise more than $2 million for treatment of pediatric cancer and catastrophic childhood diseases. For further info, please call 320-996-1188. With supporters like these, maybe the war against cancer can be won on the Hollywood Beat.