Patricia Clarkson to lead Muses parade

Actress Patricia Clarkson has walked red carpets and attended glamorous Hollywood parties. Now the New Orleans-born star of the 2010 thriller "Shutter Island" and the 2003 drama "Pieces of April," will step into a whimsical limelight as she leads the Carnival parade of the Krewe of Muses.

Clarkson will board a red fiber-optic-lit float shaped like a high-heeled shoe when the all-female organization parades through New Orleans on Feb. 16.

The krewe traditionally selects an honorary rider who exemplifies a single muse from Greek mythology, such as dance, poetry or music. For 2012, the club said it chose Clarkson as its honorary "EveryMuse" because she embodies the spirit of all muses.

"This is an honor for so many reasons," Clarkson said. "I'm thrilled that this year I'm their gal."

Clarkson lives in New York, but returns to her hometown often. This will be her second time riding in a parade during Carnival. In 2007, she rode with New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton in Orpheus, the krewe founded by singer-actor Harry Connick, Jr., another New Orleans native.

"Orpheus was great, one of the best nights of my life," Clarkson said. "There is something about riding on a float through this great city that is unparalleled. It was one of the highlights of my life, and I can't wait to do it again for Muses."

Muses formed in 2000, making it one of the younger of the Carnival krewes. Organizations such as Hermes and Toth have been around for more than 50 years. The Zulu krewe has been around for roughly a century and Rex for about 140 years.

Besides beads, Muses riders hand faux jewels, feathers and shoes decorated with glitter. The shoes were inspired by the coconuts Zulu dispenses during its parade on Fat Tuesday and have become one of the most sought-after of Carnival throws.

Many riders buy used shoes, ranging from high-heels to boots, and do the decorating themselves. Some are decorated by local artists.

This is the first year Muses has named an honorary celebrity rider. Other krewes have featured celebrity riders for years. It's already been announced that comedian Will Ferrell will ride in the Bacchus parade on Feb. 19, and rocker Bret Michaels will join Grammy-winning singer Cyndi Lauper in Orpheus on Feb. 20.

Bacchus started the modern era involvement of celebrities in Carnival in the late 1960s. The first Bacchus was actor-dancer Danny Kaye in 1969. Among others to ride the throne of the God of Wine were Bob Hope in 1973, Kirk Douglas in 1984, William Shatner in 1987, Nicolas Cage in 2002 and Val Kilmer in 2009.

Muses rolls the Thursday night before Fat Tuesday, which falls on Feb. 21, 2012.

This year Clarkson starred in the Lifetime TV movie, "Five," an anthology of five short films exploring the impact of breast cancer on people's lives. The short about Clarkson's character, Mia, was directed by Jennifer Aniston.