Charlie goes to Hollywood: Hanks, Roberts among stars, but Wilson steals the show at premiere

I've seen plenty of red carpet events on television over the years, but I never thought I would have the chance to attend one in person.

Andy Adams/The Lufkin Daily News (enlarge photo) Actor Tom Hanks and former East Texas congressman Charlie Wilson visit during the world premiere of 'Charlie Wilson's War' in Universal City, Calif.

When I got word that Andy and I were approved to attend the Hollywood premiere of "Charlie Wilson's War," the book based on the former congressman's behind-the-scenes backing of the Afghan mujahadeen in their war against the Soviets, I was thrilled. Well, first I was shell-shocked, but "thrilled" followed soon after. After all, the movie stars two of my favorite actors — Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Julia Roberts, another big name, is also in the film, along with Ned Beatty, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and other supporting actors. Hoffman, Adams and Ned Beatty, were not expected at the premiere, but I was determined to interview Hanks, Charlie and Roberts.

The morning of the premiere we headed over to Universal Studios CityWalk to shop, have lunch and scope out the scene. Workers were laying out the red carpet and setting up barricades, lighting and other equipment.

We went back to the hotel for a couple of hours, to rest and mentally prepare for the big event.

The press was told to arrive at 5:30 p.m., with the celebrities scheduled to arrive an hour later. We got there a little after 4 p.m., and noticed some photographers headed in the opposite direction. It turns out Barack Obama was appearing at an amphitheater on the other side of the complex. Quite a few celebrities were also expected there.

We found the press table and waited. And waited. And waited. It was getting dark and the temperature was dropping fast. One hardcore grizzled photographer even stopped playing "tough guy" long enough to run into a nearby shop for a heavier jacket.

Finally, someone official showed up and called the photographers in to stake a spot along the carpet. Interviewers were to be positioned farther down the carpet, our spots marked with name tags. You can imagine how impressed interviewers at Entertainment Weekly and movies.com were to discover they had been placed next to The Lufkin Daily News!

While waiting for the talent to arrive, I tried to imprint the scene into my memory, knowing it may be the only premiere I would ever cover.

Lights were placed along the carpet, which encircled a huge lighted Christmas tree, before continuing into a tented area (Luckily my spot was inside the tented area, which cut down on the wind chill factor), ending at the door of the theater.

Four podiums were set up for the bigger television shows like, "Entertainment Tonight" and Access Hollywood."

Around me, television journalists filmed their introductions, "Where can you find three Oscar winners in one movie? The answer is "Charlie Wilson's War!"

Throats were cleared, notes ruffled, make-up retouched.

Finally, we heard the first celeb had made her way onto the carpet. I jumped up with my recorder at the ready until a more seasoned interviewer from Showtime Australia told me it would be at least 30 minutes before she got to us.

He was right.

But eventually they did come, with publicists two steps in front to scope out which journalists were there.

The supporting actors I interviewed included Navid Negahban, Shaun Toub and Jud Tylor, who all had complimentary things to say about Charlie.

Negahban, who plays an interpreter in the film, called him "charming" and "funny" and told about a meeting with Charlie in which he explained the way things were in real life, giving the actors a good foundation on which to build their characters.

The media were all extremely cooperative, passing down microphones and recorders so everyone could get part of each interview.

I was happy to see Buddy and Ellen Temple and meet Charlie's sister as they made their way into the theater.

Julia Roberts was the first big name celebrity to enter the theater, but she bypassed us after doing interviews on each of the podiums. She did manage a half-hearted wave on her way in. Bummer. To get our revenge, we made up new titles for her older movies. The only one I can print is "Pretty (Rude) Woman."

Director Mike Nichols and his wife, Diane Sawyer, also bypassed us, as did screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

There were a few celebrity surprises like Quincy Jones and former Secretary of State James Baker, whose daughter has a part in the movie.

I was getting worried about getting any of my "big three" interviews until Charlie's Universal representative came and asked me to follow her to where Charlie was standing.

The movie had started and Charlie was running late after being mobbed by media along his red carpet journey.

While I've seen Charlie and his wife, Barbara, at different events, I had never been introduced to him. He came over and we talked and I fell instantly in love despite the 32-year age difference (sorry, Barbara!) Charlie is indeed charming and has a way of talking to you as if you are the only one present.

Barbara, elegant, poised and graceful, looked at home on the red carpet. Even though she is petite, especially compared to her tall husband, she exudes a quiet strength. They seem a great match.

Hanks caught up to Charlie and the two engaged in some good-natured ribbing.

Hanks was friendly and accessible, answering a question from each of us. And he shook my hand! OK, I'm calm. His wife, Rita Wilson, was stunning.

Joanne Herring was the last into the theater, blowing by in a gorgeous emerald necklace. When one interviewer asked her what it was like being a socialite, she answered, "I never thought I was one." Spoken like a true socialite.

Almost immediately the barricades and ropes were removed, and in the blink of an eye that part of our night was over.