TINSELTOWN SPYWITNESS.

Byline: Elizabeth Snead and Jenny Peters

SHOWER TIME: Where did Andy Garcia, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy and Helena Bonham Carter spend their Labor Day weekend? Trying to figure out what the heck the weather was going to do next at the 32nd Telluride Film Festival, high in the San Juan range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. All came to promote new films, and all got damp during their appearances at free outdoor chats in venues around the picturesque old mining town as the sun disappeared, the temperature plummeted, and the skies opened up every single afternoon of the four-day festival.

Damp and cold one minute, sunny and warm the next, Telluride and Mountain Village (its sister city connected by a gondola) made dressing a challenge for out-of-towners like Liev Schreiber, Daryl Hannah, Aaron Eckhart, Neil Jordan, Dan Futterman and Enrique Murciano. ``You have to layer and carry an umbrella during monsoon season,'' one local wisely advised. Who knew this festival was during monsoon season? We could have sworn it was still summer!

Supermodel Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp (yes, she's married to rocker John Mellencamp) figured it out by doing a shopping spree/photo shoot on Main Street for festival sponsor Almay. ``I can't get enough of the shopping here,'' laughed the model, laden with different-weight clothes from the extremely high-end boutiques that cater to this money-laden place where festival sponsor (but no-show this year) Tom Cruise keeps a sprawling mansion.

Hot movies on the weekend were Garcia's ``The Lost City.'' The actor stars, directs and co-wrote the film set in Cuba during th '50s. The lines were so long that many were turned away. Schreiber's directorial debut, ``Everything Is Illuminated,'' also got buzz, as did Macy's creepy ``Edmond,'' Ang Lee's ``Brokeback Mountain'' (despite its stars being in Venice, Italy, instead), and James Mangold's definite Oscar contender ``Walk the Line,'' the biopic of Johnny Cash and June Carter that unspooled to roaring ovations.

Also cheered on for their longevity in the business were Mickey Rooney and Charlotte Rampling, who were feted with tributes, and nonattendee Bob Dylan, whose four-hour biopic documentary ``No Direction Home,'' lensed by Martin Scorsese, drew a packed house despite its daunting length.

SUITING UP: Naveen Andrews, who plays Sayid on ABC's hit series ``Lost,'' is no acting newcomer.

The London-born son of Indian immigrants was educated at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama and got early raves in Mira Nair's racy ``Kama Sutra'' in 1996. But it was his touching portrayal of Kip Singh, the Sikh munitions expert in ``The English Patient'' the same year that earned him critical raves. Particularly the scene in which he hoists Hana (Juliette Binoche) via rope high into a dark chapel to view its beautifully frescoed walls and ceiling.

But his appearance at the 57th annual Emmy Awards (Sept. 18) will be uncharted territory for the actor.

``I was quite surprised by the nomination,'' admits Naveen of his nod for best actor in a drama series. Especially since his ``Lost'' co-star/pal Terry O'Quinn (who plays John Locke) is nominated in the same category. ``But to be honest, I'm getting a little nervous about it. I thought the Emmys was a very quiet thing. I didn't realize it was such a big televised deal like the Oscars.

Naveen, 36, plans to attend with his live-in lady lovely of six years, actress Barbara Hershey!off. ``I'll be dressed up and on my best behavior,'' he promises. ``And, thank heavens, Barbara, who has won an Emmy herself, will show me how to properly comport myself.''

Of Hershey, 20 years his senior, Naveen raves: ``She is fantastic and a great person, apart from her talent as an actress. She will definitely outshine me at the Emmys.''

Andrews has selected British Savile Row tailor extraordinaire Ozwald Boateng for his first Hollywood awards show appearance. Boateng also suits up stars Mick Jagger, Keanu Reeves, Jamie Foxx and Don Cheadle. Not shabby style company to keep.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) ECKHART and IRWIN-MELLENCAMP: One man, one model in Telluride.

(2) ANDREWS and HERSHEY: Headed to the Emmys.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images