On March 28, 1995, it was almost 2 a.m., four hours after the end of the 67th Academy Awards. These awards were held at the Shrine Auditorium, and since many influential figures in the entertainment industry lived in Beverly Hills, the local traffic was a bit more active than usual on a Monday night.
Close to the eastern edge of the city on Doheny Drive, several lavish post-Oscar gatherings were winding down, such as Gramercy Pictures’ event for the Oscar-nominated movie “Four Weddings and a Funeral” at Maple Drive restaurant, and the yearly AIDS Foundation fundraiser held by Elton John at the Four Seasons Hotel, who that year was a four-time nominee for co-writing the original songs of “The Lion King.” However, further up Doheny Drive, there was a vast, black river of stretch limousines and town cars entering and exiting another larger, louder post-Oscar celebration that continued to thrive.
Against this setting, a series of petty crimes were unfolding. Beverly Hills police officer Jay Broyles, with 20 years of service under his belt, was patrolling the area in a classic black-and-white cruiser accompanied by his longtime K-9 partner, Boss, a German shepherd. Suddenly, a call about an armed robbery echoed through the radio: Pretending to ask for directions, a man brandishing a gun had approached a couple on the street and demanded their belongings. Less than half an hour ago, another report of a gunman stealing a watch from a victim in West Hollywood was followed by yet another crime, as two individuals near a car wash on Santa Monica Boulevard were robbed. The pattern of these three crimes mirrored that of the “Lost Bandit,” who had used the same tactic in five similar incidents over the previous three days.
At Doheny and Alden Drive, Detective Broyles spotted someone dashing quickly, having just left the recent crime scene. As he moved towards his target, the fleeing man was struggling to unlock the door of his escape vehicle, a stationary 1977 Plymouth Volare with a driver inside who took off promptly upon hearing Broyles’ siren. The officer instructed the running man to kneel down, but just as Broyles was about to cuff him, the thief managed to escape. Releasing his K-9 partner from the cruiser, Broyles and the dog chased after the suspect on foot.
Approximately a fourth of a mile down the road, spotlights turned, music echoed, limousines orbited, and cameras flashed. The iconic “Misirlou” surf-rock guitar riff from the soundtrack began to play, as it was the night when Pulp Fiction graced Beverly Hills. A local establishment since 1936, Chasen’s restaurant was about to close its doors permanently in just a few days. Despite the time being past 2 am, the exclusive party taking place within showed no signs of slowing down. At its height, it housed almost 1,000 guests, and those on the tightly controlled guest list were instantly recognizable to movie enthusiasts worldwide.
Following a substantial influx of funds from its acquisition by Disney, Miramax Films, established by brothers Harvey and Bob Weinstein, was eager to showcase their latest success – Quentin Tarantino’s narratively groundbreaking, highly unpredictable second film. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, including best picture, Pulp Fiction was poised for a potential Oscars clean sweep, with the popular movie Forrest Gump being its main contender.
Known for his tireless pursuit and sometimes aggressive persuasion of Academy voters, Harvey arranged an extravagant post-Oscars party that was intended to be his most impressive yet. He was confident that, given Miramax’s reputation for transforming the fortunes of Hollywood stars, if he hosted such an event, they would certainly attend.
However, Pulp Fiction faced numerous obstacles, particularly in the Best Picture category, by Forrest Gump. Only Tarantino and co-writer Roger Avary received recognition for Original Screenplay. With the tension now resolved, it was time for a grand celebration. As anticipated, it was the talk of the town, more exciting than the signature chili that the Chasen’s staff always served to guests.
The iconic Madonna caused a stir at the Oscar viewing party, vocally criticizing Forrest Gump from her table, making it an event not to be missed. On the red carpet, Quentin Tarantino expressed his satisfaction to multiple sources: “It’s wonderful; it’s like buying a lottery ticket and feeling let down if you don’t win.” At his table sat his award, gleaming alongside Courtney Love from Hole, Amanda de Cadenet the photographer, and a pair wearing dollar-store tiaras reminiscent of crowns and vintage slip dresses that collectively cost just $40.
John Travolta, who didn’t receive an Oscar during his comeback, was told by his wife, Kelly Preston, and his father, Salvatore, that he had already achieved the maximum success possible on his awards journey. Uma Thurman, in her famous lilac Prada dress, was seen in photos with Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other, standing beside a smiling Samuel L. Jackson.
At the bustling party, Jessica Lange strolled in, proudly carrying her freshly won Best Actress Oscar for ‘Blue Sky’, while Martin Landau, winner of the Best Supporting Actor award for ‘Ed Wood’, was warmly greeted by Sigourney Weaver. Jodie Foster managed to squeeze herself between Don Johnson and Madonna, as Anthony Hopkins escorted his mother around. Fresh from the success of ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, Hugh Grant snuggled on a couch with his actress-model girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley among a crowd of stars that included his co-star Andie MacDowell, Kevin Spacey, Sharon Stone, Holly Hunter, Angela Bassett, Matt Dillon, Miranda Richardson, Jon Bon Jovi, Ellen Barkin, Jon Lovitz and Roger Ebert. Danny DeVito stealthily took picture after picture with a handheld camera. Jay Leno made jokes about the privileged guests: “This is like an evening of free food,” he jested. “It’s for the fat and wealthy.
The upcoming generation made a strong impression: Emerging actress Cameron Diaz attracted attention, while fresh television personality George Clooney exuded elegance; young Leonardo DiCaprio, aged 20, sported disheveled hair and an oversized suit for photos; and Jennifer Tilly, who gained A-list status following her Bullets Over Broadway nomination, expressed a tinge of sadness about the place’s farewell. “Everyone’s flocking to Chasen’s now that it’s shutting down,” she shared with reporters. “I believe it’s one of the last remnants of classic Hollywood.
At the event, Hollywood’s old and new generations came together in a harmonious blend, marking both an emotional farewell to a long-standing industry figure and a warm welcome for the rising stars. Harvey Weinstein, despite not receiving the coveted Oscars, still managed to throw the gathering he had desired. As the night grew wilder and approached dawn, a hint of his competitive, ruthless side emerged in a seemingly friendly remark to a journalist: “Tarantino, Travolta, Jackson, and I are heading over to Hanks’ and Zemeckis’ houses at 4 a.m.,” he said. “We’re taking the Oscars back. If they don’t hand them over willingly, we’ll take drastic measures.
At the party, it was clear from the start that Weinstein’s rough humor set an uneasy, almost ominous tone. The security team initially refused entry to Sharon Stone, accompanied by her bodyguard, due to their no-firearms policy. However, when she persisted, explaining recent threats against her safety, they eventually conceded with a hint of embarrassment. A guard confided in a reporter, “Apparently, she’s been receiving death threats. Now, we understand why.” (First person: “I could sense the tense atmosphere at the party from the start, and Sharon Stone faced resistance when she tried to enter with her bodyguard due to the no-firearms policy. But when she insisted, citing recent threats against her safety, they eventually let her in sheepishly. A guard shared with a reporter, ‘I guess now we know why she’s been receiving death threats.'”)
A heated argument between two journalists covering a red carpet event turned into a physical fight, leading Love to reprimand, “That’s not very in line with Buddhist principles.” Inside, the rocker lost her tranquility when she discovered herself seated next to Lynn Hirschberg from Vanity Fair, who had written an article years ago highlighting Love and her husband Kurt Cobain’s drug-filled, often volatile relationship. Love attributed Hirschberg for turning public opinion against her and partially blamed her for Cobain’s 1994 suicide. “You bear the responsibility for his death!” Love yelled at Hirschberg, grabbing Tarantino’s Oscar and lunging towards the journalist, apparently intending to use it as a weapon. The situation was not lost on Tarantino, who allegedly told Hirschberg, “If you had been killed with an Oscar, it would have been just like a scene from one of my films.
At Chasen’s, events became increasingly reminiscent of a Tarantino film: A man in casual attire unexpectedly sped across the red carpet, eluding security and darting into an extension tent in the parking lot, followed closely by two police officers from Beverly Hills while photographers’ flashbulbs flickered. Simultaneously, Broyles and Boss opted for a roundabout approach into the tent, navigating through a hazy scene of monochrome outfits, eventually emerging at the restaurant’s back door, intending to apprehend their target if he managed to escape from there.
The man on the run moved casually among the high-profile guests to stay inconspicuous, yet two police officers promptly identified him due to his distinct lack of formal attire. He then ducked into the kitchen looking for an exit strategy, but was eventually cornered and escorted out peacefully. Later, he would be arrested, tried, and found guilty for armed robbery.
Looking back, I can admit that as a regular patron at Chasen’s, I was among the vast majority who were oblivious to the unfolding events. The air was filled with the usual laughter and chatter, yet beneath the surface, something extraordinary was brewing.
Despite the mugger being reported as armed, no weapon could be located, prompting Broyles and Boss to follow the suspect’s trail and search for the discarded firearm until dawn. The ’77 Volare, a car reminiscent of Tarantino’s getaway vehicles, was found abandoned in an alley a couple of blocks beyond Beverly Hills, but the driver, just like the gun, remained elusive.
Approximately 3:30 a.m., the final group of guests, which included famous actors De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Chazz Palminteri, reluctantly left Chasen’s following the fire marshal’s request.
Looking back, the 1995 Miramax post-Oscar party turned out to be a chilling premonition, revealing the gritty reality hiding beneath Hollywood’s shiny veneer. I, being part of the ultra-elite guest list that night, unwittingly mixed with a criminal figure. Little did we know, our lives would soon become entangled in a series of questionable situations, some so bizarre and unsettling that even Quentin Tarantino might find hard to script.
Courtney Love’s path has been marked by numerous troubles, as she was arrested on drug charges at the Peninsula Beverly Hills just a year before, following a chaotic week in which she was searching for a missing Kurt Cobain. Tragically, less than 24 hours later, his body was discovered in their Seattle home, a suicide. Before the Oscars, she made headlines for punching fans and verbally abusing a flight attendant. However, she attempted to revamp her image as an actress and fashion icon in 1996. Despite this, further arrests, overdoses, and physical altercations kept her a regular presence in courtrooms and tabloid news for years to come.
Hugh Grant’s charming yet unsteady persona took an unexpected turn three months following the Miramax party, as he was apprehended in his BMW during a Hollywood vice operation after asking for oral sex from street prostitute Divine Brown. He received a light sentence, but the potential damage to his flourishing career weighed heavily on him. Remaining committed to promotional duties for his newest film, Grant faced questions about his judgment on The Tonight Show. Host Jay Leno inquired bluntly, “What were you thinking?” With a remorseful expression, Grant admitted, “I think it’s clear that I did something wrong. And that’s all there is to it.” The audience’s chuckles and supportive claps suggested that Grant successfully restored his stardom with his self-effacing response.
Kevin Spacey’s acting career experienced a significant rise in the year following the Miramax incident. In 1996, he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in “The Usual Suspects”, and in 2000, he received another statuette, this time for Best Actor for “American Beauty”. His career thrived until 2017, when numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, assault, and battery against him surfaced over several decades. Despite avoiding both civil and criminal prosecution, these accusations effectively ended his acting career; as it turned out, he couldn’t even get arrested for acting roles afterward.
Sharon Stone faced more than justifiable concerns for personal safety. Over time, she encountered numerous obsessive fans, such as an Italian man who declared his intention to wed her in 2001, another who broke into her home claiming to be the son of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2010, and yet another who had corresponded with her from a mental health ward in prison in 2011, making strange demands that included $20 billion, a gun silencer, and bags full of diamonds.
The infamous and horrifying figure at the center of it all was Harvey Weinstein, a man who garnered two prestigious Best Picture Oscars and ventured into realms such as Broadway, TV, and politics. However, his seemingly impressive exterior masked a darker reality within the industry. He was known for intimidation, deceit, micro-management, and creative manipulation. In 2017, Weinstein’s appalling pattern of sexual misconduct, including rape, assault, and abuse, came to light. Over 80 women bravely shared their harrowing experiences of his brutal, coercive, and punishing behavior, from Mira Sorvino to Ashley Judd. He was also notorious for launching vicious, career-damaging smear campaigns against those who managed to evade him.
With the unveiling of the #MeToo truths, virtually everything that defined Weinstein – his marriage, his esteemed reputation, his company, the Academy membership, and even his liberty – dissolved away. In the years that followed, the film producer was found guilty of numerous sexual offenses in New York and California, receiving a sentence of almost four decades behind bars.
Thirty years back, the 1995 Miramax Oscar bash was an unforgettable extravaganza, teeming with a unique breed of Hollywood’s free spirits who, much like the unexpected party crasher, seemed as captivatingly enigmatic as any fictional character. To this day, it serves as a monumental reminder that in Tinseltown, life often surpasses the strangeness of any written fiction.
Longtime entertainment reporter Scott Huver penned the true-crime collection titled “Beverly Hills Noir: Sordid Tales from 90210.
You can find this article in the February 26th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To get future issues, consider subscribing.
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2025-02-28 20:56