The Left Lane
'Made' for movies

The late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's music continues to be in demand for film.

Turns out that Jon Favreau, who directs and stars in the film with Vince Vaughn, is a big fan of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the late singer whose music has been remarkably popular for film soundtracks. Favreau, of "The Swingers," has assembled Vaughn ("Psycho," "The Swingers"), Famke Janssen ("X-Men," "Golden Eye") and Peter Falk ("Columbo") in the comedy that will be released nationally Friday. The soundtrack already is in stores.

By the way, here's a tip: A new Iz CD compilation is being readied by the Mountain Apple Co. for summer release.

A 'nation' of our own

Last we checked, Hawai'i was still a state. But for the upcoming Miss World International Pageant, Hawai'i will be designated as if it were a nation, with the local winner of the Miss World Hawai'i Pageant automatically advancing to the finals set for Nov. 16 in Sun City, South Africa.

"The Hawai'i winner will compete directly with the contestants from nearly 95 countries," said Bob Peyton, the local representative for the pageant. Normally, a Hawai'i contestant would advance to the Miss World USA competition, where one American winner would be selected to represent America alongside the other world-wide contestants. The format change is to help lure contestants to the Hawai'i contest.

Peyton and his wife, Marie, are working with Luana Alapa-Hee of LA Image in producing the Hawai'i contest, set for Sept. 22 at Mamiya Theatre, St. Louis School. Entrants must be women age 17 to 24 years old, single and never been married, and a Hawai'i resident for at least five years. The pageant includes interview, evening gown and swimwear segments; last year's finals drew a viewership of 2 billion worldwide. Information: 520-8119.

Fatboy Slim is the newest alter ego of deejay Norman Cook.

Fatboy Slim leads the field with nine MTV Video Music Award nominations for "Weapon of Choice" — a video in which he never appears. Its sole star: actor Christopher Walken, dressed as a businessman who dances wildly around an empty hotel lobby. Among the nods it received were for best video and best director.

"Lady Marmalade," a "Moulin Rouge"-inspired collaboration featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink, got six nominations, MTV said Monday. Also getting six nods were *NSYNC's special effects-laden "Pop" and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's dance-oriented "Get Ur Freak On."

The awards will be presented Sept. 6 in New York.