In October, at her 34th-birthday bash in Malibu, Julia Roberts celebrated a banner year surrounded by glamorous men. George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, her Ocean's Eleven costars, were on hand, as was chef Wolfgang Puck with a wickedly rich chocolate cake. But Roberts's unofficial guest of honor was a low-key cameraman—her latest love, Danny Moder, 32. "They were very affectionate," said one attendee. "They looked very much the couple." Such is life for America's most sought-after actress. Another birthday. Another beau. And yet another hint that Roberts is one complicated equation. This year she added an Oscar plus eight more awards (for Erin Brockovich), subtracted a relationship (Benjamin Bratt) and increased her nest egg with three 2001 releases—The Mexican, America's Sweethearts and Ocean's Eleven.
"She's one of a kind," pronounced Italian designer Valentino when Roberts wore his vintage 1982 dress to the Oscars in March. Whether traveling the red carpet accepting honors or donating $2 million to Sept. 11 relief funds, the actress showed the world a new definition of movie star this year. "Julia is not manufactured," says producer Howard Rosenman, a friend since the 1980s. "She is authentic and warm and doesn't mask her foibles. She's a real gal." One who relishes the journey perhaps more than the destination. It's "too tedious," she told IN STYLE in March when pressed on why she hasn't settled down. "Where's the pizzazz?"
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