Party Report: 'Eastbound & Down' Fiesta Heads to Mexico

HBO Entertainment president Sue Naegle, executive producer Jody Hill, and star Danny McBride welcomed about 500 guests to preview HBO’s “Eastbound & Down: Season Dos” on the Paramount lot Thursday night. “If there’s anything that’s racist, filthy, or homophobic (in the show), it’s all Jody,” said McBride.
 
After screening the season's first two episodes, the first since Season 1 concluded back in March 2009, fans like Seth Rogen, Rob Corddry, Ke$ha and Marilyn Manson emerged to a Mexican baseball wonderland. Blaring mariachis, a donkey and sombrero photo station, and a batting cage awaited. (“The Office”/ “Last Comic Standing’s” Craig Robinson was the first batter up.) Publicist turned DJ Michelle Pesce warmed up the crowd with “I Need a Dollar,” the theme song to fellow HBO show “How to Make it in America,” as that show’s star Bryan Greenberg hit a nearby churro station.
 
Every guest went home with a “Kenny Powers” curly mullet baseball cap (similar to the popular Manny Rodriguez wig caps during his Dodger stint) and a profanity laden gift certificate redeemable for a pair of K-Swiss sneakers.
 
Earlier Thursday, Maria Bello was the woman of the night at Rado’s Unlimited Spirit Awards. Camryn Manheim showed up to the intimate gathering 25 minutes before her friend, who rolled in with Maggie Grace. Vanity Fair partnered with the high end watch maker to recognize a trio of artists and philanthropists for their innovative and inspirational work.  Writer/director Paul Haggis caught up with his fellow honorees at an intimate cocktail gathering at honoree/architect David Hertz’s enviable Venice home. All three show off their awards (and new wrist jewelry) in this month’s Vanity Fair, the one with Lindsay Lohan on the cover.
 
Meanwhile, the parties continue in Toronto until Sunday. Earlier in the week, “Buried” (from Lionsgate) celebrated its TIFF screening with star Ryan Reynolds. At right, Reynolds (sans wife Scarlett Johansson) bear hugs his director Rodrigo Cortés on the way in to the film’s Blackberry hosted reception at Scarpetta inside the Thompson Hotel.

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