TINSELTOWN SPYWITNESS.

Byline: Elizabeth Snead and Joel Stratte-McClure

`LADDER' TO THE STARS: Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin gave John Travolta, the star of ``Ladder 49,'' a great big hug at the film's Hollywood premiere Monday.

The affectionate expression was a symbolic testimony to heroic firefighters all over the U.S. So were the red gowns worn by Travolta's wife Kelly Preston and actress Jacinda Barrett.

``The film is definitely a tribute to the heroes of 9-11 and firefighters everywhere,'' said ``X-Files'' alum Robert Patrick. ``The best way to pay tribute is to show what the firefighter does on a daily basis.''

The actors, including Joaquin Phoenix, didn't just pretend to be firemen. They went through a rigorous four-week training course with the Baltimore City Fire Department.

And those amazing fire sequences in the film? All too real. ``Every scene with flame involved is honest and technically correct,'' added Patrick.

He posed with real-life L.A. firemen at the after-party at L.A.'s historic Station 27, now the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum. ``I now not only understand a fireman's job better but also realize how willing they are to put their lives on the line and sacrifice themselves. And they'll do it for total strangers.''

Barrett, who plays Phoenix's wife, had a definite role model for her part. ``My dad was a firefighter in Australia for 33 years,'' said Barrett. ``I got to know more about firefighting and my parents by researching for the film.''

What did the real L.A. firefighters at the party think of ``Ladder''? ``We didn't see it!'' one said as he left early without a second glance at Natalie Cole, Jon Voight, Anne Archer, Traci Bingham, Diana Ross and that opinionated ex-supermodel Janice Dickinson, who has perfected the art of posing with her mouth open for every photo. ``We were working.'' Nuff said.

THE PERKS OF EMMYHOOD: Sarah Jessica Parker finally got her Emmy Sunday night. But Saturday she got the real star treatment at HBO's Luxury Suite at the Peninsula Hotel. That's where the network's stars are gifted with diamond jewelry, designer shades, sexy undies and cashmere sweaters.

Perky Parker grabbed a new Kooba brown crackle tote to add to her collection of Kooba totes. She's also a fan of Citizen of Humanity jeans and their new Henley shirts. ``I want more colors. They're soft and yummy!''

When you win an Emmy, you need some stylish eyewear. So Parker picked a pair of Diors (``These Diors are soooo `don't talk to me' '') as well as a pair of tortoise Kate Spade Libby shades and a black Ralph Lauren pair in a Jackie O style.

Then she helped hubby Matthew Broderick pick out a black aviator Diesel for his ``sexy'' pair and a tortoise-shell Alexander McQueen wrap-around for his ``fun'' pair.

SJP accepted new Cosabella undies to go under her black lace Chanel couture Emmy gown before stocking up on Lancome's Juicy Tubes. ``I only wear Juicy Tubes. I've used my sparkling Odile down to the nub!''

Parker couldn't say no to Leslie Green's chandelier earrings. ``I will wear them on special occasions and share them with my sisters,'' she promised.

And she raved over Raw 7's tattoo print cashmere sweaters. ``How pretty. I love it! It's like wearing a tattoo, but you don't have to get one.'' Unless its a tatt that looks like an Emmy!

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) TRAVOLTA, PHOENIX: Pick the stars out from the members of a fire department color guard

Jill Connelly/Associated

(2) BARRETT: Firefighting's in the family.

Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

(3) PARKER: She loves free stuff as much as the next Emmy winner.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer