Hollywood luminaries welcome Beckhams

 

 

David Beckham attracted Hollywood stars Sunday the same way he draws defenders on the soccer field.

In large numbers.

A glittery array of Oscar winners and entertainment world luminaries turned out for what was billed as an official welcome-to-Los Angeles party for the international soccer icon and his wife, pop singer Victoria.

With Tom Cruise and Will Smith playing co-hosts for the invitation-only bash at the Museum of Contemporary Art's Geffen Contemporary gallery, the guest list was long and deep.

Director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer were among the first to arrive. Brooke Shields was there. "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria popped in, followed by "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller, who managed the Spice Girls pop group that made Victoria Beckham famous.

Wesley Snipes and Quincy Jones came to welcome the soccer star, as did Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Vivica Fox showed up too.

The Beckhams arrived with Cruise, accompanied by wife Katie Holmes, and Smith, with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Cruise flew in for the bash from Germany, where he is shooting his newest film.

For the British Beckhams, it was a taste of classic Hollywood. A red carpet was rolled out at the entrance. A small army of police patrolled streets for blocks. There were limousines and TV cameras by the dozen. Helicopters thumped overhead.

Inside, the warehouse-like venue was transformed with couches, elaborate lighting and floral arrangements into a glittery nightclub. Music blared.

If Beckham was embarrassed by deafening cheers from fans at his sold-out debut Saturday as a Los Angeles Galaxy player, he must have been dumbfounded by the profusion of celebrity sparkle at the party.

But he said nothing on his way in, only waving at TV cameras and reporters.