For celebrities, there’s perhaps no gig more plum than that of “party guest.” Just a few minutes spent posing at a step-and-repeat yields unlimited Champagne, a bag brimming with swag and, sometimes, a paycheck simply for showing up. The phenomenon might explain why, in this recession, some actresses seem to spend more time on the red carpet than on the film set. When a respected indie actress is at a launch party for a new cell phone, for example, chances are she isn’t going home empty-handed. But, hey, celebrities need cell phones, too.
And, really, who can begrudge them? Certainly not us.
In fact, we’d like to put the celebrate back in celebrity. So what if the cast of “Gossip Girl” seems like they’re competing for gold in a new version of the Celebrity Pro-Am Ironman Nightlife Decathlon? They’re spreading good cheer. Helping the economy. In the case of Brooke Shields, you might say she was simply trying to save her show and the jobs that depend on it.
Herewith, the Eye’s nominations for the year’s MVP (Most Visible Player).
THE CAST OF “GOSSIP GIRL”
The group of young hotties is thoroughly enjoying its newfound fame.
Total: 189 (combined)
Leighton Meester: 45
Chace Crawford: 34
Jessica Szohr: 33
Taylor Momsen: 22
Penn Badgley: 20
Ed Westwick: 18
Blake Lively: 17
Case of art imitating life: The Ray-Ban Remasters party.
>>Next Ubiquitor: Maggie Gyllenhaal
MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL The mom of toddler Ramona has kept her dance card full while longtime boyfriend Peter Sarsgaard is on Broadway.
Total parties attended*: 24
Most swag-tastic event: The BlackBerry Bold launch party.
*At least. Results were tallied from an unoffi cial Eye review of photo Web sites. In these celebs’ cases, additional appearances are likely.
Next Ubiquitor: Brooke Shields>>
BROOKE SHIELDS As rumors abounded that her NBC show, “Lipstick Jungle,” would be canceled, Shields went on offense at parties around town.
Total: 24
Most unexpected appearance: Longchamp’s 60th anniversary party.
Next Ubiquitors: The Olsen Twins and Agyness Deyn>>
MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY OLSEN While the sisters are no strangers to the party circuit, the former child stars were spotted flying solo more than ever this year.
Total: 30 (combined)
Mary-Kate: 16
Ashley: 10
Together: Four
AGYNESS DEYN
This eccentric model import is known as much for her carousing as her blonde locks and offbeat attire.
Total: 24
Next Ubiquitor: Becki Newton of Ugly Betty>>
BECKI NEWTON The “Ugly Betty” star is known for being perky, friendly and completely incapable of saying “no” to an invite.
Total: 34
Biggest p.r. gamble: The grand opening of Casino of the Wind at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Next Ubiquitor: Peaches Geldof>>
PEACHES GELDOF The wild child of singer Bob has brought her Brit-bred stamina to the States.
Total: 31
Maybe not next year: The 70th anniversary of Bowlmor Lanes, hosted by Michael Phelps.
Next Ubiquitor: Eva Mendes>>
EVA MENDES Calvin Klein’s latest spokesmodel often shows off the house’s designs at fetes.
Total: 31
Next Ubiquitor: Lucy Liu >>
LUCY LIU The star of the endangered “Dirty Sexy Money” kept working it even after taping ended.
Total: 24
Only worth it for a free apartment: Donald Trump and Nakheel fete the Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai.
Next Ubiquitors: Diane Kruger & Joshua Jackson>>
DIANE KRUGER & JOSHUA JACKSON
The actress might often go out solo, but she knows she’ll always have a plus-one for her main squeeze.
Total: 35 (combined)
Kruger: 28
Together: Seven
Next Ubiquitor: Rihanna
RIHANNA
The “Umbrella” chanteuse sings for her supper.
Total: 31
Oddest collaboration: The debut of her Totes Umbrella line at Macy’s (but it helped boost her single and she got her own umbrellas for rainy days).
LOGIN
* Required