June 9, 2008:
CELEBRATING RODEO DRIVE’S STARRING ROLE
“Sex and the City” and “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” are among the most recent in a long tradition of famous films that call upon Rodeo Drive as quintessential symbol of luxury and glamour

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Rodeo Drive is perhaps the best recognized luxury destination in the world, and for decades film makers and directors of motion pictures, television and commercials have chosen this storied location to convey the very pinnacle of luxury and glamour to their audiences. Today at Bar NINETEEN12 at The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Rodeo Drive Committee honored the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and celebrated the Drive’s long career in Hollywood which spans blockbusters of yesteryear such as “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Pretty Woman” through highly anticipated films in 2008 including New Line Cinema’s “Sex and the City,” and Walt Disney Pictures “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.”

“Over the years, Rodeo Drive’s roles in motion pictures have helped cement its position as one of the most famous shopping districts on the planet, bringing millions of visitors to the city,” said Tom Blumenthal, President of the Rodeo Drive Committee. “The Rodeo Drive Committee is thankful to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for helping to telegraph that alluring image, and appreciative of the economic vitality, excitement and glamour that the Association’s Golden Globe Awards bring to Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills.”

In celebration of the Association’s 65th Anniversary and in recognition of its contribution to the city, Beverly Hills Mayor Barry Brucker proclaimed June 9 to be Hollywood Foreign Press Association Day at today’s reception.

Also at the reception, Chloe and Papi, the canine stars from Walt Disney Picture’s “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” made a special appearance. In this new comedy to be released in the fall, Chloe, a pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua voiced by Drew Barrymore, finds herself accidentally lost far from home in Mexico - without a day spa or Rodeo Drive boutique anywhere in sight.

On May 30, New Line Cinema’s “Sex and the City” opened in theaters nationwide, featuring two scenes shot on Rodeo Drive with Kim Cattrall in the role of “Samantha Jones.” In the first scene Samantha emerges from Gucci with her Yorkie while the sales staff loads the shopping bags in her car. A second scene takes place outside ESCADA and The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel.

Highlights of the many motion pictures that have been shot against this famous backdrop include “Shampoo” (1975), “American Gigolo” (1980), “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984), “Pretty Woman” (1990), “Clueless” (1995), “Hollywood Homicide” (2003), “Terminator 3” (2003), “Sex and the City” (2008) and “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (2008).

Recent television programs to prominently feature Rodeo Drive include ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Shark” on CBS and “Entourage” on HBO. Recent commercials shot on the Drive include a spot for Volkswagen starring Sylvester Stallone and supermodel Gisele Bündchen, and also a commercial for Lamborghini.

About Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive, internationally recognized as the intersection of fashion and entertainment, is a unique destination for both Southern California residents, as well as visitors from around the globe. The City of Beverly Hills’ beautification projects, the prestigious Rodeo Drive Walk of Style® Award and the distinguished retailers all help create an unparalleled atmosphere only found on this famed street.  Please visit the new web site at www.rodeodrive-bh.com.

About the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Currently celebrating its 65th Anniversary, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is comprised of 90 members representing some 55 countries with a combined readership of more than 250 million. Its annual Golden Globe Awards held in Beverly Hills annually recognize achievements in 25 motion picture and television categories and have enabled the non-profit organization to donate more than $7.7 million to a variety of causes over the past 13 years. The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards next January will be seen in more than 150 countries worldwide live from Beverly Hills.