Los Angeles, Jan. 16-18, 2006 – As if the ongoing awards show schedule wasn’t frantic enough, the Television Critics Association winter press tour has been going on for almost two weeks. The twice-yearly TCA tours bring journalists together with network executives and talent in a marathon of conferences and schmoozey parties.

Just like your numbing number of cable channels at home, we can’t cover them all, but we hit up as many as possible.

At the WB Network’s party at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena, we couldn’t help thinking about some of the stars’ recent movie roles. One Tree Hill regular Tyler Hilton played the young Elvis Presley in the critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-winning Walk the Line. Supernatural hunk Jared Padalecki had the distinct pleasure of watching Paris Hilton die, (over and over again while they shot the scene), in last summer’s horror flick, House of Wax. Will any acting experience ever thrill him again?

The Fox Network bash the next day in Hollywood was packed with hot stars, including young O.C.ers Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson, and Prison Break’s Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell. American Idol grouch Simon Cowell clowned around with costars Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest, but Paula Abdul couldn’t be there.

Tiny Ghost Whisperer star Jennifer Love Hewittt was practically engulfed by her billowing gown at CBS’ TCA do on Wednesday. And we had our eyes on the handsome Sleeper Cell star Michael Ealy, but his reputed betrothed, Halle Berry, didn’t show up.

Stay tuned for the rest of the TCA tour.