Picture House "Prairie" soiree picture-perfect

But Picture House – the Bob Berney-run Time Warner specialized shingle that will soon release Garrison Keillor‘s “A Prarie Home Companion” – managed to throw one this cool California evening at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons.

Our spy – between bites of horseradish stuffed beef tenderloin and salmon sushi – reports that Robert Altman, (“Prairie’s” director) was graciously feted by much of his film’s cast, including Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, John C. Reilly and a rather disappointingly well-behaved Lindsay Lohan. (We’re dying to know: Who’s that guy with Li.Lo, wearing the weird earrings? Email FishbowlLA anonymously and tell us.)

Look, over there! It’s a very trim Roger Ebert, making a bee-line for Altman. And, of course, the ubiquitous ICM agent, Robert Newman, chatting with New Line exec VP Mark Ordesky nearby. Are they discussing “Love in the Time of Cholera?” We can’t make it out. Oh, look! It’s Charlize Theron! Gosh, now we really regret not sneaking in.

Says our spy: “It’s the anti-Oscar party. No gift bags, no check-in. No paparazzi bullshit. There’s just a small sign towards the back of that says ‘Private Party.'”

Should Oscar be handed over to the indies permanently?

Our scout’s response: “What a marvelous idea.”