Los Angeles Haute 100 Update: James Franco, Tom Hanks, Eva Longoria, Ben Affleck and more

James Franco to Shoot Gucci Documentary

James Franco never fails to inspire shock and awe with his wide range of projects, but what’s most impressive about his latest project is its lack of obscurity. The 34-year-old actor, filmmaker, artist, author, artist, teacher and Oscar host is teaming up with longtime cinematographer Christina Voros for a project that revolves around the haute fashion house of Gucci and, more specifically, its creative director, Frida Giannini. Franco, who was the face of Gucci’s fragrance line back in 2008, will also co-produce the feature-length film.

Tom Hanks Makes His Broadway Debut

Tom Hanks is a lucky guy, and not just for the obvious reasons, either. The two-time Oscar winner has, in fact, made his Broadway debut in a play called Lucky Guy, penned by the late Nora Ephron. The 56-year-old initially dismissed the idea of playing 80s-era New York Post columnist Mike McAlary because he found the character to be too unlikeable, but reconsidered after Ephron, who directed his hit films You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, adapted her original movie screenplay for the Great White Way. Previews started March 1 at the Broadhurst Theatre; ER actress Maura Tierney co-stars.

Eva Longoria Opens New Las Vegas Restaurant

With every ending comes a new beginning. Eva Longoria may have shuttered her Beso restaurant and Eve nightclub in Las Vegas, but she’s replaced them with SHe by Morton’s, a steakhouse with a female focus. SHe, located inside Crystals at CityCenter, was originally meant to be both a nightclub and restaurant, though the establishment’s team now tells Haute Living that “the upper level of SHe was always intended as a dual purpose special events and nightlife venue. Capital invested in that space was meant to make it appeal specifically for that. Our experienced team with its innovative entertainment saw a lot more demand in the special events category than for nightlife so it was strictly a business decision.”

Ben Affleck Takes Home Oscar Gold

Ben Affleck took home the biggest trophy of the evening at this year’s Academy Awards when his Iranian hostage film, Argo, won Best Picture. After accepting the award from Jack Nicholson and First Lady Michelle Obama, the 40-year-old gave an emotional speech that seemingly hinted at his snub in the Best Director category. He said: “It doesn’t matter how you get knocked down in life, because that is going to happen. All that matters is that you have to get up.” Affleck starred in, directed and co-produced the true-life story; George Clooney and Grant Heslov co-produced.

Farewell Jerry Buss: Lakers Owner Dies at Age 80

Jerry Buss, the enigmatic owner of the LA Lakers, passed away on February 18th at the age of 80 after a long battle with cancer. Buss’ family issued the following statement about his death: “We not only have lost our cherished father, but a beloved man of our community and a person respected by the world of basketball…The Lakers have been our lives…and we will honor his wish and do everything in our power to continue his unparalleled legacy.” He is survived by daughters Jeanie Buss and Janie Drexel as well as sons Johnny, Jim, Joey and Jesse. Under his leadership, the Lakers won 10 league championships between 1980 and 2010, the latter being the same year he was officially inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.