EVA MENDES LEAVES REHAB FOR SPIRIT

Hollywood actress Eva Mendes left her rehab to present the Best Supporting Actress prize with Aaron Eckhart at the Film Independent Spirit Awards yesterday. The event was the stars first public appearance since she checked into rehab for an undisclosed issue last month. Looking fresh and happy, the actress, who refused to walk the red carpet at the event, made no mention of her personal problems. There also was a moving tribute to dead Hollywood star Heath Ledger by filmmaker Todd Haynes, who said he was "shattered" by Ledger's "inconceivable absence".