Chương 56: Chapter 56: The Golden Popcorn
An elderly man with neatly combed white hair stared straight at them, his sharp gaze like that of an eagle. Duke met his gaze without fear, his expression calm and indifferent, as if facing nothing more than an ordinary post on the dock.
"Young man," Sean Connery stepped closer. "Confidence must be matched by talent; otherwise, it becomes arrogance. This is Hollywood. Remember, it's easy to be remembered, but even easier to be forgotten."
His tone carried a clear air of condescension. "Many have achieved success through a stroke of luck, but their subsequent failures will bring them crashing down from the heights, leaving them shattered and disgraced."
"I enjoy the clash, the thrill, the danger."
With a faint smile, Duke replied coolly, "This is the path of the young. It's not something people stuck in the past can understand."
"A path to failure!" Sean Connery retorted disdainfully.
"Is that so?"
Facing the overbearing elder, Duke adopted a slightly mocking tone. "If you truly believe I will fail, why insist on investing ten million dollars in my movie? It only proves that you actually recognize the value of my project but are too hypocritical to admit it."
"You think I care about that money?" Sean Connery acted as if wealth meant nothing to him.
"If I'm not mistaken, you haven't been nominated, nor are you presenting any awards." Duke feigned confusion. "I wonder how large a check MTV signed to get the famous Sean Connery to attend!"
Sean Connery's eyes narrowed, his shoulders tensing. "You…"
"Mr. Connery, this is a public place."
Before he could finish, Duke cut him off. While Connery might not care, Duke had no intention of embarrassing himself along with this old rogue. "CAA must have worked hard to mold you into a perfect gentleman. Are you really willing to abandon that image? And let me remind you, I was a quarterback in both high school and college. If you want to get physical, I'd be happy to oblige."
Sean Connery took a step back, his throat moving as though swallowing something down. Under Duke's calm gaze, he said coldly, "How could someone as uncultured and disrespectful as you be valued by Warner Bros.?"
"That's Hollywood." Duke shrugged nonchalantly. "If a rude, volatile, foul-mouthed drunk and addict can become the epitome of an elegant gentleman, then what isn't possible?"
"You…" Sean Connery spat out his words through gritted teeth. "You won't succeed, I swear!"
Without giving Duke a chance to respond, he turned abruptly and left.
Watching the slightly trembling back, Duke couldn't help but shake his head. It must have taken a lot for the short-tempered Sean Connery to hold himself back. CAA's packaging was truly powerful, turning someone like him into a symbol of refined gentlemanliness—a testament to the agency's abilities.
As for Connery's parting words, Duke didn't care. He wasn't working as an independent producer. He had Warner Bros. backing him, a powerful ally. Even if CAA wanted to cause trouble, Warner would be the one to stand in front.
Independent production wasn't in Duke's early plans. The risk was too high. This was Hollywood, a battleground of money and fame, not a place where simply making a good movie could conquer the whole country.
"That man has a terrible temper and personality."
Naomi, who had been holding onto Duke's arm, suddenly remarked, "Once, at a party at Cruise's mansion, he verbally lashed out at a young director so harshly that the director couldn't say a word."
"Alright, let's not talk about him anymore."
Duke found himself feeling a bit more favorable towards Naomi Watts. She had stood firmly by his side the entire time, and that, at least, showed some loyalty. He glanced at his watch and led her out of the lounge. "It's about time. The award ceremony is starting soon."
Since *Speed* had received many MTV Award nominations, Duke's seat was near the front, surrounded by cast members like Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves. On the other side of Reeves sat a woman Duke didn't recognize, likely his new girlfriend.
"Do you think you'll win?" Naomi asked quietly.
"Since the committee invited me and I clearly stated I'd attend…"
Duke had heard a brief explanation from Nancy about this kind of entertainment-heavy award show. "I'm sure they won't let me leave empty-handed."
The ceremony quickly began. Unlike the seriousness and formality of the Oscars, this event was filled with fun from start to finish. For example, Whitney Houston opened the show by performing a fast-paced R&B version of her hit "I Will Always Love You," which had shot to fame thanks to *The Bodyguard*.
Winners weren't overly excited, and losers didn't seem disappointed either. Award recipients often made light-hearted jokes with the hosts and presenters on stage.
Although more than half the ceremony had passed and Duke remained awardless, *Speed* still managed to win a few trophies. Keanu Reeves snagged Best Male Performance, and his kissing scene with Uma Thurman after they escaped the bus beat Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner's passionate airport kiss from *The Bodyguard*, earning the Best Kiss award.
Unfortunately, Uma Thurman lost out to Whitney Houston for Best Female Performance and Sharon Stone for Sexiest Female, but she and Keanu Reeves did win Best On-Screen Duo, complete with a golden popcorn trophy.
"And the award for Best Action Scene goes to… that bus that destroyed half of Santa Monica in *Speed*! Please welcome Duke Rosenberg!"
Amid applause, Duke stood up, received a hug from Naomi Watts, and walked up to the stage. He took the large golden popcorn trophy from the female host.
"Oh, it's heavier than I thought."
In keeping with the event's vibe, Duke, despite not being great at joking, managed a quip. "I just wonder how it tastes."
"It explodes!" the host chimed in. "Enough to blow up a plane and a bus!"
"Then I'll put it to use soon." Duke examined it in his hands. "I'll blow up half of San Francisco with it."
"So the rumors are true?"
Perhaps Warner had done some behind-the-scenes work, because the host played along smoothly. "You're blowing up San Francisco and Alcatraz in your next movie?"
"Only half of it," Duke clarified.
"More explosions?" The host asked eagerly. "Even more spectacular than *Speed*?"
"Yes, even crazier and more impactful explosions. You'll see them this summer," Duke replied mysteriously. "I recommend action fans take some anti-motion-sickness meds before watching my new movie, *The Rock*."
The hall erupted in laughter, followed by enthusiastic applause.
Realizing it was time to step down, Duke added with mock seriousness before leaving, "Explosions are a highly technical sensory art. Poor explosions lead to aesthetic fatigue. Quality explosions get your blood pumping. But the best explosions… those make you think."
A wave of applause filled the room. It was unclear who started it, but many people stood to clap. The cheers from the audience were especially loud. Those present were likely fans of popcorn films, and Duke's words had clearly struck a chord.
Naomi Watts had been standing for some time. When the camera panned to her, she clapped enthusiastically, mouthing "I LOVE YOU" or something similar. She was the perfect date.
"Do you think his new film will be a success?"
Not far from the stage, Mel Gibson asked Sean Connery, his expression dark. The older man snorted heavily. "As long as someone stops him, he will not succeed!"
Sean Connery clapped along with the others, his face sporting a gentlemanly smile, but his eyes gleamed with a cold, calculating light.
"Congratulations, Duke."
As soon as Duke stepped off the stage, Naomi Watts gave him a big hug. Duke, noticing the camera lens swinging their way, gave her a pat on the back and whispered, "Don't get too excited."
The awards ceremony continued. Naomi took the golden popcorn from his hands, gently running her fingers over it. "If only this were an Oscar."
"It'll happen, just not now." Duke seemed indifferent, as if an Oscar was no better than this golden popcorn. "Oscars aren't necessarily more prestigious."
"But they're officially recognized." Naomi clearly didn't share his view.
Duke shrugged and said nothing more. As rigged as the audience-voted golden popcorn awards might be, how much better were the Oscars? With his memories from the internet era, Duke knew all too well how most future Oscars were decided.
Art? Did arthouse or independent films really have a monopoly on cinematic art?
Everyone knew that in Hollywood, all films were created for one purpose: to make money.
After the ceremony, there was a small interview session. Facing the MTV cameras, Duke said, "Winning Best Action Scene is the best motivation for me. I've always strived to create scenes and stories that audiences love. Thank you for voting for me, and thank you for enjoying my movies."
"When you make movies," the reporter asked, "do you consider the audience's preferences?"
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