A French kiss
for Will Smith

The French love Will Smith — and the feeling seems mutual.

The “Hitch” star attended the Cesars — the French version of the Academy Awards — on Saturday where he received an honorary Cesar for his body of work. “He was funny, charming as usual, and he started his speech in French, saying that he was invited to two parties: the Oscars and the Cesars,” a source told the Scoop. “Then he kissed his award to show which was his choice.”

Smith, whose credits include “Men in Black” and “Independence Day,” also sounded somewhat political that evening, dedicating his Cesar to “my family and to my hero, Nelson Mandela” and apologizing that his films don’t have more of a political message.

But at one point, politics seemed to make Smith a tad uncomfortable. “Isabelle Adjani opened the ceremony with a rabid anti-war speech. Will Smith sat in the front row, beside his Mom, and the camera kept going to him with close-ups as Adjani would go on and on against what is going on in Iraq,” says the source. “He tried to smile. I don’t know if he was being polite or had no clue of what she was saying. What an awkward position to be in.”

Support for Scientology

Albert Ferreira / Reuters

Some high-profile Scientologists are donating some impressive celeb-related items to a charity auction, sometimes with the assistance of their corporate employers. And that has raised eyebrows among foes of the controversial group.

John Travolta has donated the chaps from "Urban Cowboy" and Beck gave a signed CD to raise funds for the Volunteer Ministers of the Churches of Scientology working with the victims of the tsunami. What’s more, Catherine Bell donated a walk-on part on “JAG,” Sofia Milos donated a walk-on role on “CSI: Miami,” and Danny Masterson pitched in with a walk-on role on “That 70’s Show.”

“Get out your wallet and bid on these hot items,” beckons the auction site at www.somethingcanbedone.com. “Soon you’ll be in Hollywood on the set of your favorite show schmoozing with the cast.”

“I find it interesting that networks would oblige their stars by supporting a single sectarian effort,” Rick Ross of Cultnews.com tells The Scoop. “What about the Catholics and Jews? Why is Scientology so special?”

Charity organizer Tracee Falkow tells The Scoop no corporations have had any problem with such issues. “We’ve made our purpose very clear, and so far, so good,” she says.

Notes from all over

Corrado Giambalvo / AP

Brit tabs are claiming that Gwyneth Paltrow and hubby Chris Martin have been arguing. “Big deal,” shrugs an acquaintance.  . . .  She’s baaaack. After a hiatus from writing chatty columns on her famous daughter’s web site, Britney’s mom has returned. “I am so happy to be able to write a letter once again,” Lynne Spears writes after informing fans about such matters as how her new son in law loves her cooking.  “I have really missed keeping in touch with all of you.” . . . Porn star Ron Jeremy is advocating sexual abstinence. Among animals. “Sometimes, Too Much Sex Can Be a Bad Thing,” declares the nude adult-film star in a new ad for PETA. The campaign is aimed at cutting back on the number of puppies and kittens born. In the racy ad, Jeremy, lying in bed — partially covered with a sheet and holding a pair of handcuffs — asks people to “help end overpopulation by spaying and neutering your cats and dogs.”

Jeannette Walls Delivers the Scoop Mondays through Thursdays on MSNBC.com

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