Dominick Dunne

On Wednesday evening, a small and somewhat exhausted crowd gathered at the newly refurbished Oak Room to celebrate a screening of After the Party, Australian filmmakers Kirsty de Garis and Timothy Jolley's documentary about the life of the novelist, crime reporter, and Vanity Fair columnist Dominick Dunne. Mr. Dunne, who is currently battling cancer, was unable to make the screening because of a scheduled surgery. His presence was distinctly felt, however, with friends like Nora Ephron and MSNBC's Dan Abrams complimenting the film and eagerly sharing stories about the legendary writer.

We also spoke with editor Harry Evans and author Ian McEwan, who were seated across from each other and deep in conversation when we approached.  read more »

One day after he was profiled in The New York Times 'Style' section by Steve Friess, Vanity Fair's celebrity crime writer Dominick Dunne has been hospitalized, according to the Associated Press.

AP is reporting that Mr. Dunne, age 82, "has been taken to a Las Vegas hospital after he says he was stricken by pain while watching testimony in the O.J. Simpson armed robbery-kidnapping trial."  read more »

In her New York Post column today, Liz Smith points us toward a new Web site. (How's that for a phrase we never thought we would type?)

Dominick's Diary is a site devoted to sending good wishes to Vanity Fair's special correspondent Dominick Dunne. The site, which Ms. Smith says was co-created by TMZ's Harvey Levin (who should really get someone to fix its header tag), consists of some intro copy that reads:

Dominick Dunne, the iconic writer and world's most charming yet democratic dinner companion is having a serious operation. He’s been generous with words that have entertained and educated us.  read more »

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The New York Social Diary reports today that Michael's had a good day yesterday. It was “hopping” with the likes of Joe Armstrong, who ate with a freshly-shorn Paula Zahn; Dominick Dunne, who was sitting with Chuck Pfeiffer and Taki Theodoracopulos; West-Coasters Mike Medavoy and Nikki Haskell; and Diana Taylor and Barbara Walters. Deep breath! And that’s not the half of it; more bold-faced names and a few pictures after clicking on the link below.

David Patrick Columbia also writes today that the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 14th annual “Living Landmarks Gala,” emceed by Liz Smith, was “a great show.” The event honored John Whitehead, Jessye Norman, Gerry Schoenfeld, Mica Ertegun, Oscar de la Renta and Lauren Bacall. Of Ms. Smith’s hosting prowess, Mr. Columbia explains: “It’s her party and she conducts it in her brilliant citified down-home manner so that everyone feels welcome, has a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.” The New York Post writer co-hosted the event with Barry Diller, Diane von Furstenberg and Howard Rubenstein, while Peter Duchin entertained the guests with his music. With some 550 people at Tuesday’s fete, the Landmarks Conservancy raked in a reported $750,000.

Landmarks Remembered [NYSD]