HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Monday might have been Bill Clinton's valedictory night at the Democratic National Convention, but it was Lew Wasserman's chance to shine at the DNC Finance Committee's Presidential Dinner hosted by Paramount brass on the lot's Studio 20.

The former chairman of MCA was presented with the party's Walter Shorenstein Award by Clinton, who praised him for his "astonishing generosity" and "being a good Democrat without being a negative partisan."

(Afterward, Wasserman was asked by Daily Variety if he'd ever gotten an award at Paramount before. He laughed and said, "No, but I did once have a free lunch with Charlie Bluhdorn when he owned the place.")

Clinton, who was accompanied by first lady Hillary and daughter Chelsea, joked he'd been to so many fund-raising events at Wasserman's home "I half expect him to pro-rate his property tax and send me a bill."

After he spoke, the president had come down off the stage to embrace Wasserman, who now uses a cane and would have had difficulty ascending the stairs. The 1,000 guests went silent as Clinton hugged Wasserman and then turned to the pressing crowd and said, "You guys sit down" as they chatted for a few moments.

The event followed Clinton's convention speech, which Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone said "was fantastic. He's a real star."

Hosting the event for Paramount were Redstone, Viacom Entertainment chief Jonathan Dolgen and studio boss Sherry Lansing (who's also a convention delegate). Guests included Jack Valenti, Joni Mitchell, Faith Ford, Noah Wyle and Alfre Woodard.