Wednesday

Caught in the Act!

Wednesday December 26, 2007 06:00 AM EST

Tom Cruise

Cousart-Ramirez-Rios/JFX

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• Tom Cruise dining with five friends (including his agent Rick Nicita and producing partner Paula Wagner) at Cut in Beverly Hills. Looking dapper in a black suit, the actor lit up the dining room during a festive business meeting when he presented a tablemate with a silver package tied up with a big red bow. Cruise then flashed his trademark smile when his pal jokingly turned suspicious, putting the present up to his ear and shaking it.

• Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, Idol-izing host Ryan Seacrest at his birthday celebration at L.A. hotspot Les Deux. The last to arrive, Abdul, clutching two gifts, made a B-line for Seacrest and Jackson as her '80s hit "Cold Hearted" blasted over the speakers. Despite the occasional blonde clubgoer stopping to say hello, Seacrest kept the celebration intimate, focusing on his gathered friends and family instead.

• Sex and the City's Jason Lewis, making a studly entrance with a mystery date at the Global Green 3rd Annual San Francisco Party. Caught up in the moment, the actor spontaneously grabbed the microphone, urging people to donate for the silent auction. His other eco-friendly contribution? Sipping a "green"-inspired VeeV cocktail. Michelle Branch did the same before taking the stage later.

Photo by: Adrian Varnedoe / Pacificcoastnews

• The Hills star Heidi Montag, spending quality time with her almost sister-in-law Stephanie Pratt. Dining together at Katsuya in Hollywood, the ladies left the restaurant laughing as Montag hugged Pratt from behind. Earlier in the week, the new BFFs had a run-in with Montag's ex-pal Lauren Conrad at new Hollywood lounge Goa. As the cameras rolled, the girls were on their best behavior, keeping to their separate tables the whole night.

• Vanessa Williams, treating her 7-year-old daughter Sasha to the L.A. premiere of the play The Color Purple. With a few more episodes of Ugly Betty left in the season, the actress remained coy about plot points but promised they "will be tasty."

• By SCOTT HUVER and LISA INGRASSIA

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