Capítulo 184: Chapter 184: Best Horror Film
As the sun set, the evening in August's Los Angeles was hot, but the frenzy of reporters at the Music Center's Chandler Pavilion was even hotter. They fought for the best spots with microphones and cameras in hand, not minding their wrinkled suits or skewed ties. In their eyes, capturing images of Hollywood's hotshots like Steven Spielberg, newly-divorced Tom Cruise with his new girlfriend Penélope Cruz, and New Zealand's Peter Jackson, was worth it. These photos could lead tomorrow's entertainment headlines, and exclusive interviews could even be a bigger scoop.
If they could interview top directors and stars, no one would bother with a director like Murphy-Stanton, known for his B-movies.
Due to the organizer's arrangement, Murphy found himself between the highly acclaimed Peter Jackson and Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe on the red carpet. Walking to the end, not many reporters paid attention to him.
Murphy was fine with the quiet, as "Planet Terror" had already left theaters, and he didn't need to use the Saturn Awards for publicity.
He didn't even enter the interview area, heading straight into the Chandler Pavilion, where the Saturn Awards ceremony was held.
This was the 82nd Saturn Awards, originally scheduled for early June but postponed to late August due to a warning from the CIA and FBI about potential new terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda, targeting large gatherings like this one.
Inside the Chandler Pavilion, Murphy quickly found the "Saw" crew's seats under a staff's direction. Arriving, he saw James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill already seated together.
"Over here, Murphy!" Seth Rogen waved at him, and Jonah Hill even stood up, "Come on over!"
Murphy walked over and sat next to James Franco, looking at the playful Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, and asked, "What's the rush?"
"It's not urgent," James Franco replied, "They just found something they think is interesting."
With some time before the awards ceremony, Murphy curiously asked, "What is it? Tell me."
"Look over there," Jonah Hill pointed towards the front row, "See who that is!"
Following his direction, Murphy recognized the Hollywood superstar, "Tom Cruise, and next to him seems to be a Spanish actress, I can't remember her name."
"Never mind the Latina, look at the seventh seat to the right of Tom Cruise," Seth Rogen leaned in, hinting at the person of interest.
Murphy glanced over, first noticing a head of curly red hair, different from Jessica Chastain's red. Although he could only see a back and partial side view, Murphy recognized the woman as Tom Cruise's ex-wife. They were nominated for Best Actor and Actress, respectively.
"Do you think they'll win?" Jonah Hill seemed excited at the prospect.
"If I were the event planner, I'd have Nicole Kidman present the award to Tom Cruise, then have him present one to her. That's how you create buzz, news, and ratings," Murphy shared, imagining the scenario.
James Franco mockingly said, "You're wasting your talent not directing the Saturn Awards ceremony!"
Murphy smiled and shrugged, pretending to be confident, "I think so too."
"What if they actually meet on stage?" Seth Rogen, still focused on the ex-couple, wondered about their reaction.
"They'll act professionally, smile, and embrace, showing everyone they're still friends even after splitting," Murphy predicted, confident in the actors' abilities to perform even off-screen.
Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen were skeptical of Murphy and Franco's predictions, but the award ceremony proved them right. When Nicole Kidman won Best Actress and passed Tom Cruise to accept her award, Cruise stood up to congratulate his ex-wife. They smiled, embraced, and acted as if their bitter past had never happened.
Jonah Hill watched in awe, realizing, "This is Hollywood for you."
The night's highlight was indeed Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, winning Best Actor and Actress for "Vanilla Sky" and "The Others," respectively. It was a celebration of commercial cinema, distinct from the Oscars' broad appeal and the artistic focus of festivals like Venice. The Saturn Awards championed sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films, catering to mainstream commercial cinema.
From the winners and their projects, it was clear that the Saturn Awards favored genres often overlooked by the Oscars, celebrating films and creators like Tom Cruise, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," and Peter Jackson for "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."
"Dear Murphy, don't be sad or upset," James Franco humorously consoled Murphy as Peter Jackson accepted the Best Director award, "Maybe one day, you'll be an Oscar-winning director."
Murphy looked at him sideways, "Do I look that dumb to think 'Saw' could beat Peter Jackson or Spielberg?"
He noticed the next award presenter, "This is the award we might actually win."
Jessica Alba, with her sweet smile, announced the nominees for Best Horror Film, including "The Others," "The Orphanage," "Cannibal Holocaust," "13 Ghosts," and "Saw."
Her sunny demeanor added warmth to the moment.
"It's us! It has to be!" Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill murmured excitedly.
James Franco, more composed, watched intently.
Murphy unconsciously clenched his fist, hoping for his first significant award in the film industry. A Saturn Award could make future investments and distributions much easier, especially for his next plan, which required convincing a notoriously stubborn figure in the comic world.
Bill Rosemann and Grace, his agents, had worked hard before the ceremony, giving Murphy hope for a win.
The biggest competitor was "The Others," but since it had already won Best Actress, "Saw's" chances seemed better from a strategic standpoint.
"And the winner is..." Jessica Alba opened the envelope, her smile shining, "Saw!"
"Wow!" Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill exclaimed in excitement.
James Franco stood up first, clapping and looking at Murphy.
The applause converged on Murphy, who had just won his first major award. With the trophy in hand, he hugged his crew and headed to the stage.
"Is this the young director who's made two low-budget hits in a row?" Spielberg asked his assistant, who nodded. "Keep an eye on him. Let me know about his new projects immediately."
On stage, Murphy accepted the trophy from Jessica Alba, briefly hugged the chocolate-skinned beauty, and stood at the microphone. Looking at the award, he began, "Thank you..."
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