HOLLYWOOD DOMINO

(21/02/2008)

With the Oscars this Sunday and time on their hands thanks to the only recently ended writer’s strike, A-list lovelies such as Penélope Cruz, Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek and Demi More are seeking alternative entertainment in the unlikely form of dominoes. Traditionally beloved of stout-sipping pub-goers, it seems that the humble game of dominoes is in danger of becoming the new poker. Tonight sees the first Hollywood Domino Tournament, a Forties-style black tie event at the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA, to be attended by the aforementioned glamorous ladies plus the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Olivier Martinez and Javier Bardem. The tournament is sponsored by Swiss luxury watch brand de Grisognono, which has designed a customised Instrumento No. Uno watch for the winner, who will also receive $50,000 dollars to donate to their chosen charity. Proceeds will go to the Art of Elysium, a non-profit organisation that runs arts workshops for seriously ill children. The glitzy tournament, inspired by A Night In Havana, is also the official launch of Hollywood Domino, a variation on the classic game in which players build “Blockbusters”, “Sequels” and “Trilogies” as they battle it out for the “Oscar” domino. Hollywood Domino will be available to buy in autumn this year, in time, no doubt, to be a Christmas bestseller. What next, GQ.COM wonders – a tuxedo-clad Bond facing off against a supervillain over a Guinness and a game of dominoes? Jamie Milla