She may be the most photographed woman in the world. But even Angelina Jolie can fly under the radar. The actress – who recently returned from a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan – made a surprise appearance at Monday night’s Hollywood Film Festival Awards Gala, where she payed tribute to director Clint Eastwood. In fact, Jolie’s appearance was so unexpected, the A-list crowd gasped audibly when she was introduced. The mother-of-six took time out of her busy schedule to present Eastwood – who helmed her most recent move, The Changeling – with the director of the year award. “There are some people in this business that are icons, and we often wonder if, when we meet them, they’ll live up to what we imagine them to be,” she told the audience. “And Clint Eastwood in person is even better. Clint is what every great director should be,” she continued. “He is a great leader. And I certainly would follow him anywhere.” … As he accepted the honor, Eastwood noted, “Working with someone like Angelina Jolie is a great privilege, because you get to look on that gorgeous beauty every day. And she’s a great talent.” The two walked arm-in-arm from the stage. Then Jolie, wearing a floor-sweeping black gown and minimal makeup, slipped out of the event as stealthily as she’d arrived.

It’s unclear if Angelina flew to the States unaccompanied by any of her family members (who were last seen in Germany where daddy Brad Pitt is bizzy working on a new Tarantino film) but my guess is that she’s prolly already back with her family by now. Clint Eastwood wasn’t the only actor who was honored at last night’s gala event … Dustin Hoffman was presented with the Hollywood Career Achievement Award, Josh Brolin was presented with the Hollywood Actor of the Year Award and Kristin Scott Thomas took home the Hollywood Actress of the Year Award. I believe that Ryan Gosling was on hand to present Hoffman with his trophy but I, personally, would be much more excited about having Mr. Gosling doing the presenting rather than the award itself. Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson … the Hollywood Film Festival Gala brought out all the hotties. Sounds like it was a fun event.

[Photo credit: Wireimage, Bauer-Griffin; Source]

Try as he might, I don’t think that Oliver Stone is going to be able to explain away the fact that his portrayal of GWB isn’t tinged with just a touch of his political bias. That being said, I know that there are quite a few skeletons in GWB’s closet that are ripe for the exploiting. GWB has gone on the record about his past substance abuse and I understand that that part of his life features heavily in this new film. I think it’s safe to say that fans of GWB, the man and his administration, might want to take a pass on this film as I don’t really believe it is geared for their entertainment. When it comes to Oliver Stone films, it’s kind of hit or miss for me. Some of his films are amazing, others I didn’t really care for. But I am very intrigued by this one. I know I’ll be making my way out to the theater to see this movie once it opens on Friday. Josh Brolin was superb in the Academy Award winning No Country For Old Men so I’m confident he will deliver another amazing performance. Ellen Burstyn is, IMHO, one of those unsung actresses who deserves more credit than she receives (her performance in Requiem for a Dream is stunning). I’m not sure how many of y’all are looking forward to the release of this film but I deffo am. I’m curious to see what Stone will do with the story of GWB. The tagline for the film is “based on a true story”. I can’t wait to see this truth that Oliver Stone speaks of.

[Photo credit: Splash News]