章節 397: Chapter 397: Dedicated To Art
In Beverly Hills' business club, many Academy members gathered for an exclusive event. Among the attendees were renowned figures like Warren Beatty and other elder statesmen from the Academy. Some senior members also joined the gathering.
What united these individuals was quite clear - they were all white, male, and over 60 years old.
Warren Beatty sought out Jack Nicholson and asked him, "I've heard rumors that you've been up to no good lately."
Annette Bell playfully jabbed at Jack, saying, "Jack, you've brought together the most promising young talents in the industry. They've all been led astray."
Jack defended himself, saying, "That's not true. I wasn't the one led astray. It was those two troublemakers who led me astray, okay!"
Warren Beatty reminisced about their youth, saying, "I still remember when you, Malone, and I turned Sunset Boulevard into a nightclub. In the blink of an eye, we've all grown old."
Nicholson shrugged and said, "Malone went to see the Almighty Lord, you returned to the family, and I've semi-retired. Our era has passed, and people have nearly forgotten us."
Annette Bening inquired, "So, do you want to make your presence felt once again?"
Nicholson denied, "Of course not. I genuinely admire Cate Blanchett, especially her distinctive, angular face."
Annette Bening chuckled, "Your way of expressing love is quite unique; it can be infuriating."
William Fichtner chimed in, "You got us scolded by an Australian woman."
Nicholson was at a loss, saying, "I didn't expect her to react like that...Cate Blanchett has issued a public apology, though. I think she realized her mistake and cried profusely at the press conference."
Warren Beatty shook his head, remarking, "A woman's tears."
Nicholson shrugged and said, "She has the right to express herself."
Academy President Sidney Ganis, who overheard their conversation, interjected, "Yes, everyone can express their opinions, but they should also take responsibility for their words."
Warren Beatty and William Fichtner, both older white gentlemen, fully agreed with Sidney Ganis' statement, saying, "Absolutely. The Academy's authority is not to be questioned casually."
Nicholson defended Cate Blanchett, saying, "I don't think she meant any harm. Perhaps she's had a relatively smooth ride all these years. She..."
Sidney Ganis shook his head and commented, "Someone like her needs to face more challenges in life. It'll be beneficial for her."
Although the Academy's chairman held a more symbolic, honorary position and wasn't particularly powerful, his words couldn't be ignored during the awards season. He was the representative chosen by the Academy's older white male members.
Not only did the people in their small circle agree, but those around them were also nodding in agreement.
They had watched two videos of Cate Blanchett - one where she angrily scolded Nicholson and another where she tearfully apologized at a press conference.
However, most people tended to ignore the latter and remember the former.
This could be attributed to their old age, forgetfulness, stubbornness, pettiness, and short tempers.
Understanding this didn't really matter. Running alongside someone like Leonardo was a test, and not everyone got the opportunity.
On that afternoon, many white men declined invitations to the screening of "Queen Elizabeth."
The entertainment media, with its keen instincts, noticed a sudden shift in the trend. Even Los Angeles critics began refusing to attend the screening of the film.
...
In a movie room at Warner Studios, the internal preview screening of "The Reader" had just concluded.
As the heavy curtains opened, warm applause erupted.
Martin and Kate Winslet stood up, bowing to the audience.
Daniel praised, "Kate, Martin, you've created two distinct and deeply layered characters. This is a remarkable performance." Martin, not one to be modest, said, "I believe it's the best performance of my career."
Kate chimed in, "Martin truly excels. He led me through so many scenes during filming."
Another person added, "This film will be released next month, and I'm sure it will be a favorite during the awards season, especially for the lead actors and actresses."
This film was a typical awards contender, with the Best Actress category taking precedence, followed by Best Actor.
The preview meeting ended, and Daniel discussed further details with Martin and Kate before returning to the office to fine-tune the PR and marketing plan for the awards season.
As he left, Kate asked Martin, "Want to find a place to chat for a while?"
"Sure, where?" Martin inquired.
Without hesitation, Kate pulled him along, saying, "I'm staying at the Burbank Hotel."
Martin understood her intention and adhered to his usual principle: "Just a moment; I'll borrow an more inconspicuous car."
Kate nodded appreciatively, "You're always considerate."
Martin borrowed a Volkswagen, and with Kate, they discreetly left Warner Studios' underground parking lot and headed to the Burbank Hotel's underground parking area.
In her early thirties, Kate was in her prime, and her eagerness was evident as they went upstairs together.
Martin didn't need to do anything extraordinary; their passionate connection quickly brought them to a profound understanding.
Once their passionate exchange was over, they delved into practical matters.
Martin fetched two bottles of water from the fridge, offering one to Kate.
"Thank you," she said, taking it and sitting across from him. She asked, "I heard you plan to attend only some promotional events and screenings for 'The Reader'?"
Martin responded candidly, "I'll be leaving Los Angeles soon. I have limited time for participating in a new film."
He pointed out, "Don't you want to win Best Actress? I only need a nomination. There's a professional team to handle it. If I appear too often, it might distract votes in your favor."
Kate playfully stared at him, "You're really considerate. How can I properly thank you?"
Martin met her gaze and replied, "Proper thanks are always appreciated. And you owe me more than just gratitude."
Perplexed, Kate asked, "What else did you do?"
Martin, unashamedly, shouldered the responsibility, saying, "I talked to Jack at Paramount Studios. Cate Blanchett explicitly mentioned that there's no chance of getting nominated for the next session if she wins this award."
Kate quickly grasped his meaning, having been friends with Leonardo for over a decade and understanding the ways of old white men in Hollywood.
"Queen Elizabeth" had been screened, and word was that many critics and industry insiders had declined invitations to view the film.
Martin affirmed, "The Academy's old guard is making their stance clear."
Feeling full and tired, Kate said, "I'll properly thank you another time."
Martin took a sip of water, gazing at her intently and remarking, "You've managed your physique well."
Kate didn't mind discussing this and said, "I don't put much effort into it."
She wiggled her body, asking, "Don't you think it's just right?"
Martin recalled a painful past experience and said, "Indeed, a larger physique can strain your pelvis."
Kate laughed, clinking her water bottle with his and commented, "I feel great right now."
Martin noted, "The critics and academics like to see delicate beauty being challenged."
Kate gave a subtle nod and changed the subject, saying, "You've always had a knack for managing the media and public perception. But for an actress like me, once you've shattered your looks and the image people have of you, what is left? Are there other ways to boost my chances of winning?"
The conventional methods were in place, involving investments in word-of-mouth, public relations, and publicity. Kate was well aware of these tactics.
Martin, however, had some unconventional ideas in mind, "Actually, female celebrities have an advantage when it comes to competitions like this. Men don't have it; they're born with a major advantage."
Kate mischievously suggested, "Should I show up in my underwear in front of the male judges?"
Martin, not appreciating the humor, retorted, "You pervert! Is sleep the only thing on your mind?" He clarified, "I'm talking about the inherent advantages of women." Kate humorously raised her breasts and asked, "Are these it?"
Martin, opting for a straightforward approach, explained, "Public opinion and psychology tend to favor pregnant women. If the media frequently shows images of one of the Oscar's Best Actress nominees with a pregnant belly, wouldn't it affect the judges' perception of you?"
Kate saw the logic in this immediately. She'd been a mother and remembered the tangible and intangible benefits she received while pregnant.
In general, society treats pregnant women favorably, from the highest to the lowest levels.
Kate fixed her gaze on Martin as if contemplating something significant.
Martin sensed that something was amiss and cautioned, "Kate, don't try to pull a fast one on me."
"Sam is getting old," Kate remarked. She'd always been dedicated to her art, pouring her heart into her performances, and she was willing to go the extra mile.
Martin suddenly felt like a lion facing a lioness in heat. He hastily added, "Kate, you don't have to resort to this. With straightforward public relations and publicity, you have a high chance of winning. I've spoken to Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, who are core members of the Academy's older white demographic. Their impression and evaluation of you are far more favorable than Leo's."
Martin then recalled something, jumped up, checked the trash can for a condom, and swiftly flushed it down the toilet.
It seemed like he needed to handle this matter more carefully in the future.
Kate sat on the couch, smiling, "I never suggested using that method."
For safety reasons, Martin emphasized, "It's late October now, and there's less than three months until the January vote. Three months isn't enough; it's too late."
This time, Kate listened attentively. Having children herself, she knew her unique situation wasn't obvious at three months.
Martin got dressed and said, "Let's stay here for today and head back early to prepare for the screening."
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