New rules of schmooze.(THE BACK LOT)(Emmy awards)

Hollywood loves nothing more than a schmooze-athon. The Emmy celebration (it was only last week if you can remember) has become a mirror of Oscar week--a veritable orgy of partying, self-promotion and (occasionally) self-immolation, with expansive new events added each year.

Observing these rituals, I have come to admire those select few who have mastered their schmooze-athon technique--their limitless talent to conquer a room full of outstretched hands and semi-friendly faces.

On the other hand, I empathize with the schmoozer-losers, those who are all but paralyzed by these confrontations. As they enter a crowded room, I can all but hear their inner voices asking, …