Hollywood's Walk of Shame

These guys are why women watch reruns of "Grey's Anatomy."

I'm so gullible that, until recently, I thought the Oscars went to the best people in each category, in the opinion of their fellow actors, directors, producers, film editors and other voting members of the American Motion Picture Academy. But then this week a new rule starting with next year's awards was announced: Voters must see all the movies nominated. Uh, excuse me -- what the heck have they been doing until now? I guess voting for their friends and those who promised them something in return. Now I've come to find out that having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is basically the same sort of scam.

After reading that Ellen Pompeo, that middling actress in Grey's Anatomy who's been playing doctor for 21 seasons (after all the talented people left) just got a star, I slapped my forehead in disbelief and went digging. The process goes like this: You have to be nominated, and then fill out an application form, and then pay $85,000* not counting the application fee. Each year there are between 200 and 300 candidates and 30 are chosen. 

Ms. Pompeo never did it for me. I was an on-and-off fan of the soap opera, in which she plays the "Grey" of the title, for four or five years, tuning in for Sandra Oh's outstanding performances and all the really good-looking male actors. (See photo.) I wonder if any of them have stars.

*The fee shouldn't be much of a problem for Ms. Pompeo, currently the world's highest-paid actress. I guess it pays to show up on time.