Chapter 796: Chapter 796: Life of Pi Has No Hope
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Beverly Hills
In the dimly lit, intimate meeting room of the Executive Committee, a sense of urgency permeated the air. The Academy's president, Tom Sherak, sat at the head of the table, flanked by vice presidents Tom Hanks and Kathleen Kennedy. Across from them, the executive director, Clarebert, shuffled through a stack of papers. The topic at hand was delicate and potentially explosive: the "email gate" scandal.
Tom Sherak broke the silence, his tone measured but firm. "Clarebert, has the investigation into the email canvassing for 'Life of Pi' yielded any results?"
Clarebert sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Tracing anonymous emails is notoriously difficult. We have no concrete evidence linking them to the 'Life of Pi' crew, but we also can't rule out their involvement."
In this closed-door setting, Clarebert spoke more freely. "Over the past few years, anonymous canvassing by Oscar contenders has become somewhat of an open secret. The difference this time is that Ralph, ever the straight shooter, blew the whistle, and the media latched onto the story, amplifying it beyond control."
Tom Hanks and Kathleen Kennedy exchanged knowing glances. They had seen and perhaps participated in similar tactics during their own Oscar campaigns. Some actions, they both knew, were permissible as long as they remained unspoken.
Tom Sherak's brow furrowed. "So, we can't provide a definitive statement to the public? We can't quash the doubts surrounding 'Life of Pi'?"
"Exactly," Clarebert replied cautiously. "If we declare the 'Life of Pi' crew innocent and TMZ later uncovers damning evidence, the Academy will be caught in a very compromising position."
Kathleen Kennedy interjected, her voice calm and pragmatic. "It's prudent to refrain from making any definitive public statements for now. We should wait until we have a clearer picture."
Tom Hanks nodded in agreement. "We've assured the public that we are taking this matter seriously and will investigate thoroughly. We need to stick to that line until we have all the facts."
Clarebert concurred. "As long as we maintain a measured approach, we retain control over the narrative."
Tom Sherak turned back to Clarebert. "Continue the investigation. This email canvassing issue isn't new, and it won't be the last time we face it. We need a better strategy for handling future incidents."
Tom Hanks chimed in, "Given the current climate of Oscar public relations, similar issues are bound to arise again."
Kathleen Kennedy added, "It's also possible that other parties might deliberately send such emails to stir up controversy and then leak them."
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Tom Sherak wasn't overly concerned about the specific scandal involving 'Life of Pi.' Even if their crew was responsible, a scapegoat could easily be found to take the fall, distancing the production from the controversy. However, as the Academy's president, he couldn't ignore the broader implications.
"The real issue," Sherak reflected, "is the deteriorating atmosphere surrounding the Oscars. Public relations tactics are becoming more cutthroat, and our award criteria are under increasing scrutiny."
The meeting ended with a shared understanding of the challenges ahead. As they exited the room, each of them was acutely aware that the integrity of the Oscars, and their own reputations, hung in the balance.
"We have to find a way to block this road," Tom Sherak declared, his voice firm with determination. The notion of email canvassing becoming an accepted norm was unacceptable to him. "Do any of you have any good ideas?"
Kathleen Kennedy furrowed her brow, lost in thought, while Tom Hanks leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with an idea. "I have a proposal that might turn the Academy's position from passive to proactive," he began.
Despite his unassuming demeanor, Hanks was known for his sharp intellect in Hollywood circles. "We already have the email addresses of all Academy members," he continued. "Starting next year, we could inform all Oscar-contending crews that any electronic materials intended for Academy members must be sent through the Academy itself. We'll distribute these emails in batches. If anyone sends them privately, they automatically lose their eligibility to compete."
The room fell silent as the others mulled over the idea. It was a bold move, one that could reshape the landscape of Oscar campaigning.
Hanks wasn't done. "Additionally, the Academy could charge a fee for this service, generating funds for our activities."
Tom Sherak nodded, seeing the potential. "That's a good idea. We can draft this policy and gather feedback after this year's Oscars."
With that, the discussion shifted away from "Life of Pi" and the immediate scandal, focusing instead on long-term solutions.
...
By the time the New Year of 2013 rolled around, the Oscar award season was in full swing, reaching its critical voting phase. Nearly 6,000 Academy members worldwide were busy filling out their Oscar ballots, which were due by the end of January.
Mid-January marked the peak period for returning ballots. Meanwhile, the email scandal surrounding "Life of Pi" lingered unresolved. During this tense period, Clarebert, the Academy's executive director, faced the media. He reassured them that the Academy was still investigating and promised that any clear findings would be promptly announced.
This ongoing uncertainty was detrimental to "Life of Pi," influencing the voting decisions of many judges. However, a new wave of media reports began to shift the narrative. These reports, overwhelmingly positive, highlighted the film's visual prowess and innovative use of CGI.
"Life of Pi's visual effects are a marvel, with CG production executed with sheer passion. The application of computer special effects in this film is unprecedented in recent years!" one review gushed.
"The scenes where the boy and the animals traverse the ocean, all completed in front of a green screen and brought to life by CGI, are nothing short of spectacular. Ang Lee has crafted a visual masterpiece akin to 'Avatar'!" another exclaimed.
"The new film by Ang Lee is a fantasy brought to life. No description can do justice to the light and shadow effects created by the director!"
"The movie offers stunning visuals and immersive sound effects, providing an unparalleled sensory experience," another critic raved.
The avalanche of praise began to overshadow the email scandal, particularly focusing on the film's groundbreaking special effects. As the accolades poured in, "Life of Pi" started to reclaim its standing, buoyed by its technical brilliance and the visionary direction of Ang Lee.
They almost compared Ang Lee's new film to the animated blockbuster "Avatar."
Ang Lee and his producer, Jill Netter, were bewildered by the sudden surge of glowing reviews. The lavish praise caught them off guard.
Ang turned to Jill, his brow furrowed. "Our publicity budget is nearly depleted. Did you manage to raise more funds?"
Jill looked equally puzzled. "I thought you had bought these promotional pieces with your own money."
Ang Lee quickly shook his head. "Absolutely not!"
Jill's eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't Ang's doing, but the realization dawned on her. "This isn't good. Someone is setting us up, trying to pigeonhole 'Life of Pi' as a CGI spectacle."
Ang's expression turned serious. "If 'Life of Pi' is perceived as just another special effects film, the Oscar judges won't take it seriously. Films heavy on CGI rarely win Best Director or Best Picture."
Jill stood up, determination in her eyes. "We need to counter this narrative immediately. Let's release statements emphasizing the film's artistic depth and philosophical themes."
The two scrambled to manage the situation, determined to redirect the conversation.
...
Meanwhile, at the Los Angeles branch of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the firm was deep in its annual Oscar business. For over two decades, PwC had been responsible for tallying the Oscar ballots for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Members mailed their ballots not to the Academy but to PwC's secure Los Angeles office.
Handling the Oscar ballots wasn't a major revenue stream for PwC, but the prestige and publicity it brought were invaluable. Each year during awards season, PwC set up a dedicated Oscar office, staffed with top talent, ensuring no unrelated personnel could enter.
Despite being early in the year, many ballots had already arrived. Several young accountants were busy with the daily task of counting and recording votes.
Among them was Southgate, who, while typing on his keyboard, couldn't help but gossip. "Have you noticed that since the email scandal broke, the number of votes for 'Life of Pi' has dropped significantly?"
"No way," replied Greenwood, responsible for tallying votes in smaller categories. "In categories like Best Visual Effects, Best Art Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, it's still getting a fair number of votes."
Southgate shrugged. "Maybe, but the scandal has definitely hurt its chances in the bigger categories. People are talking."
Greenwood nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, the timing of all this negativity seems too perfect. Almost like someone wanted to sabotage its chances."
The young accountants continued their work, the weight of Hollywood's most prestigious awards hanging in the balance. The intrigue and speculation surrounding "Life of Pi" only added to the mystique of the Oscars, an event where art, politics, and business collided in spectacular fashion.
Foden, seated across from Southgate, remarked, "There were virtually no votes for the acting awards."
Southgate nodded, a frown forming on his face. "And the votes for Best Picture and Best Director are also sparse."
Greenwood, picking up on the implications, added, "The email scandal has definitely influenced the judges. They're hesitant to vote for 'Life of Pi' in the major categories."
Southgate, experiencing his first year in the vote-counting process, agreed. "Yes, the scandal has really set it back. I'm not sure if 'Life of Pi' will even secure nominations for Best Director or Best Picture."
Foden chimed in, "And there's certainly no hope for the acting awards."
Just then, the office door swung open, and a colleague walked in with the latest batch of ballots. The team resumed their assembly line operation.
As Southgate tallied the new votes, he handed them off for review and commented, "I remember 'Life of Pi' having stellar professional and audience acclaim. The film's quality is top-notch, and Ang Lee is a seasoned competitor at the Oscars. It should have been a strong contender, but the stats are disappointing."
Foden, absentmindedly sorting ballots, asked, "Is the email scandal wrapped up yet?"
"Not really," Greenwood interjected. "From the data I've seen, 'Life of Pi' will likely secure nominations in some smaller categories."
Southgate hit the save button on his computer and sighed. "It's the same story with the acting awards. This movie just doesn't stand a chance."
Greenwood, shaking his head, pondered aloud, "Harvey Weinstein, the king of Oscar manipulation, is behind bars, yet Oscar PR seems even more cutthroat now. The tactics are just... unbearable to watch."
Foden shrugged, a cynical smile on his lips. "Who knows? Maybe someone out there learned from Harvey and took his methods to a new level."
...
Meanwhile, at Disney Studios, the set of "La La Land" buzzed with energy. The film's leading stars, Martin and Saoirse Ronan, walked hand in hand across the set, turning to smile at the camera. The scene was the epitome of cinematic romance, like a fairy tale brought to life.
Director Damien Chazelle stood up and shouted, "Cut! That's a wrap! I officially declare the filming of 'La La Land' complete!"
A collective sigh of relief swept through the crew. The filming, which had spanned over two grueling months, had been an exhaustive process. With 48 outdoor scenes in Los Angeles and numerous complex dance sequences, the schedule had stretched, and costs had ballooned by an additional $5 million.
Saoirse opened her arms and embraced Martin. "It's been an honor working with you. I hope we get to do this again someday."
Martin smiled warmly. "I'm sure there will be another opportunity."
That night, the crew celebrated with a grand wrap party. It was both a reward for their hard work and a strategic move to generate early buzz for the film. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of exhaustion and exhilaration as they toasted to their shared achievement.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone