Capítulo 199: Chapter 199: Suspense in the Air

"...One last question."

Nicholas was a bit reluctant—

Anson was truly impressive, effortlessly navigating the conversation with wit, charm, and ease, just as he remembered. Even the simplest, most routine questions turned into something special under Anson's skillful handling.

Moreover, Anson knew just how to strike the right balance. He not only answered the questions directly but also made sure to include Jane in the conversation. Anson even played the role of a reporter at times, asking questions that hit the mark, which earned cheers from the surrounding crowd.

Quietly, reporters began to gather nearby, forming a circle around them.

Even though Brad and Jennifer were stealing the spotlight on the red carpet, the brilliance in this corner was still impossible to ignore.

Nicholas had originally planned to ask Anson about his predictions for the awards, particularly about the Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series category tonight. But as he was about to speak, his curiosity got the better of him, and another question slipped out.

The Anson standing before him was like an intriguing novel or an encyclopedia filled with endless knowledge, making it hard to put down.

"Tonight, you seem a bit different. Tell us about this look of yours."

The words just tumbled out—Nicholas couldn't resist his curiosity.

Anson wasn't surprised. He lifted his chin slightly. "Different? That means the strategy worked. After all, this is the Emmys, and it's important to bring something new. Since there's no new work or new gossip, at the very least, there should be a new look."

One second, two seconds—

Laughter erupted like thunder.

Though it was unclear if Anson was taking a jab at a certain couple using their marriage as a gimmick, there was no denying that his self-deprecating humor was sharp and witty.

After all, since his guest appearance on "Friends," Anson hadn't released any new projects. "The Princess Diaries" was still in post-production and hadn't started its promotional campaign, so Anson's self-mockery was spot-on.

Then, without lingering, Anson made a polite gesture to invite Jane, placing his hands behind his back as he escorted her into the hall like a knight, leaving only their backs behind.

Whispers.

Murmurs.

The noise wouldn't die down.

But that wasn't the end of it.

Boom!

A thunderous roar of silver flashes erupted as the photographers in the photo area pounced on Anson, their flashes engulfing him. The overwhelming sound of shutters clicking collided to create a cacophony, marking the first climax at the entrance to the hall.

Up until now, the photographers had been restraining their excitement, waiting for the star of the red carpet to arrive and revolutionize fashion tonight.

Finally, he was here, and no one wanted to miss it.

It was a frenzy!

In the most literal sense, the dazzling flashes became the main attraction on the red carpet.

Anson was a bit overwhelmed—

He really wasn't good at posing for photos.

When he had to hold still for a shot, his expression and movements would stiffen slightly, so he had to keep moving, constantly shifting his gaze and changing his poses.

The photographers kept shouting for one more shot, or to try a different angle or pose, but Anson only stayed for a brief moment before making a hasty exit.

Behind him, there were sighs of regret.

Everyone wanted to linger in the photo area as long as possible, even camp out there if they could. After all, the only lasting proof of having walked the red carpet at the awards ceremony was the photos. But Anson hurried away, leaving the photographers grumbling in disappointment and chattering non-stop.

Surprises! Surprises! And more surprises!

From his unexpected entrance at the red carpet's start, to the surprise interview in the middle, and finally his sudden exit from the photo area, Anson's red carpet debut tonight was full of unexpected twists. The series of surprises sparked an unbelievable chain reaction, leaving a lingering effect on the red carpet.

Even though Anson had already left, the discussions continued, and the legends about him spread at the entrance of the hall. The buzz surrounding him rivaled that of Brad and Jennifer, and even after the red carpet ended, the excitement hadn't faded.

Meanwhile, the awards ceremony was just beginning.

Meanwhile, within the industry circles of Los Angeles and New York, different versions of Anson's story were already making the rounds. The tales carried an almost mystical quality, as if some invisible force was propelling everything forward.

At the same time...

The most prestigious and significant event on North American television was unfolding, with one major award after another being announced.

Without a doubt, the atmosphere was electric.

Anson wasn't expecting anything—

And that's the truth.

This was his first nomination of his career, and "Friends" was also his first project. Just being nominated was an incredible surprise, one he couldn't have anticipated. He didn't believe that the Academy's voters were even aware of his name, so the chances of winning seemed slim.

Instead of hoping for an elusive trophy, he decided to relax and simply enjoy the event.

If he won?

Great, wonderful—that would be a significant acknowledgment from the Academy.

If he didn't?

That was fine, too, because in the realm of acting and art, there were no true winners or losers. Winning an award didn't equate to victory, and missing out didn't signify failure. Applauding the winners and enjoying the night's festivities was more than enough.

This sense of calm and acceptance came from Anson's wisdom and experience, honed through the countless ups and downs in his previous life. He had learned to face situations with equanimity.

Compared to filming or auditioning, tonight's event didn't make Anson nervous at all. Whatever little nerves he had were left behind once the red carpet was over.

So, for Anson, the awards ceremony became just another party.

In the early awards, NBC emerged as the big winner—

"Will & Grace" stars Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally took home the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, respectively.

"West Wing" actors Richard Schiff and Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

NBC had swept the supporting categories, triumphing over their biggest competitors, HBO and CBS, and once again showcasing the network's dominance in recent years.

Among these, the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy category was especially highly anticipated.

This was because both Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow from "Friends" were nominated, making them a double threat. The other two spots were filled by nominees from "Sex and the City" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," two series that the Emmys adored, making the competition fierce.

But in the end, it was "Will & Grace," in its second season, that upset the balance. In this golden age of comedy, Megan Mullally broke through to win her first Emmy, a victory that was met with gasps and a round of applause.

And then—

It was time.

The guest actor categories were about to be presented.

From comedy to drama, four awards for guest appearances awaited their recipients.

Initially, Anson didn't have any special expectations. But when he saw the presenter, his eyes lit up—

Helen Hunt!

It was Helen Hunt, who had won last year's Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her stellar performance in "Mad About You." And now, she was taking the stage as a presenter.

In the audience, Edgar's eyes also lit up. Wasn't this the same Helen Hunt who had been nominated for the lead in "As Good As It Gets" and had won the Oscar for Best Actress?