Conan O’Brien does Tom Hanks a favor at ‘An Unforgettable Evening’

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It’s a very Hollywood favor to ask, but still sweet that Tom Hanks got Conan O’Brien to do him a solid by hosting an annual charity event.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s ‘An Unforgettable Evening’ went down Thursday in Beverly Hills, where Hanks’ bride Rita Wilson, along with event chairs Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, welcomed guests to raise cash for EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

‘Thank you for doing this Conan, and giving our families some time off,’ Wilson said, noting that Hanks has hosted the bash for some five years.

Conan admitted he was hesitant to host anything in the last year after his NBC disaster, but was persuaded by Hanks and Wilson to take the gig. (Click here or click the pic for more photos from the event.)

More persuasion had been required when previously announced singer Rihanna, slated to perform five songs at the bash, dropped out due to the flu. ‘Forget You’ singer Cee Lo Green stepped up at the last minute for a few numbers at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Honorees included Annette Bening, nabbing the organization’s Nat King Cole Award, and comedian Martin Short, who took the courage award on behalf of his wife Nancy Dolman, who died in August.

In a collected but touching speech, he commended Nancy for her optimism and unending love.

‘As my hilarious wife always said, ‘It is better to have loved a Short than never to have loved a Tall.’’

Other attendees included Tobey Maguire and Jen Meyer, Leona Lewis, Kirk and Anne Douglas, Buzz Aldrin, Rosanna Arquette and Billy Crystal.

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-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Martin Short, left, and Conan O’Brien, who hosted ‘An Unforgettable Evening’ event benefiting women’s cancer research. Short accepted the 2011 courage award on behalf of his wife, who died of cancer in 2010. Credit: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press