So here we are, crotch-deep in awards season.  Here’s something you guys probably don’t know – sometimes shows make up an award just to get a big star to attend.  But when Liza expressed interest in attending the GLAAD Awards, they created an award for her anyway – the Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award.  One can just imagine the phone call between the powers that be and a frantic Michael Feinstein.  But there was Liza – rolled out in a tall director’s chair looking like Edith Ann appearing in a touring production of Grey Gardens.  People were dancing and singing around her, and she was flaying her arms and legs to a rhythm only she could hear.  In case one didn’t recognize this was part of the pre-publicity for her autobiography (that Feinstein actually wrote), the image of the book cover was projected behind her.  It all seemed like a commercial in the middle of the GLAAD Awards.  But the gays loved it and squealed with delight.  Even Liza seemed to be excited to be there.  “You make me so proud, because you’re strong and you stand up for what you believe in.  You really do, and it’s so nice to be here with you.  I feel like a five-year-old.”  Feinstein led the audience in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” which must be seen and heard to be believed – especially when Liza attempted to join in.  You can see the video on BillyMasters.com.

Then there’s the Tony-winning Star of the Decade, Barbra Streisand.  She’s being courted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to appear at the Oscars in a tribute to Robert Redford.  The hope is she will speak about Redford and then sing “The Way We Were” for the always-controversial In Memoriam segment.