The Best Director

Chapter 206: Oscar Arrives

At the “Independent Spirit Awards” star-studded luncheon held on the 22nd, many stars spoke out to condemn George Bush and the coalition’s war on Iraq. Michael Moore, the winner of the Best Documentary Award, passionately stated that Bush is a “fake president” and accused him of instigating terrorist attacks; Mike White, the winner of the Best Screenplay Award, said, “This year, we should devote more energy to preventing Bush from being re-elected.”…

Including big-name nominees like Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman, and Julianne Moore, all expressed that they have prepared their Oscar acceptance speeches, and if they win, they plan to make anti-war statements. Although the organizers of this year’s Oscars have limited each person’s speech to 45 seconds and banned political discourse, individuals like Wang Yang, who have a history of outspokenness, are being closely watched.

A group of over 130 celebrities, known as the “Artists United to Win Without War,” specially designed and created a peace pin for the stars attending the Oscars. The design, which is inspired by Picasso’s dove of peace and made of gold and diamonds, was intended to spread the message of peace. Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Wang Yang, among others, have agreed to wear it, as have Jim Carrey, Dustin Hoffman, Kirsten Dunst, and Ben Affleck.

Since the morning of the 22nd, the streets around the Kodak Theatre where the ceremony is being held have been blocked off; in the afternoon, a large anti-war protest erupted in a nearby block, forcing the police to close even more streets. Three helicopters circled above Hollywood Boulevard, and with twice as many security personnel as in previous years, everyone was on high alert to prevent any incident.

For the first time in history, the organizers canceled the traditional red carpet event, leaving Hollywood Boulevard eerily quiet, with only a few reporters wearing colored passes around their necks being allowed entry. There was still a short section of red carpet at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre, where a towering Oscar statue shimmered in gold, surrounded by police, security, and ushers to welcome the arriving celebrities and VIPs. Tonight, more than 3,300 people will attend this cinematic spectacle.

Meanwhile, a large crowd of anti-war protesters had gathered at the corner outside the blockade, holding various signs and chanting slogans such as “Honor belongs to Peace!” and “Stop the Oscars!”… Another anti-war demonstration was taking place in a different block of Hollywood, representing one voice that demanded the cancellation of the awards and for stars to join the protest. In contrast, another public sentiment called for keeping the two separate, suggesting the Oscars could help distract from the clouds of war.

There has never been a case in Oscar history where the ceremony was postponed due to war; however, it’s been rescheduled three times: in 1937 due to flood disasters, in 1968 due to the assassination of black leader Martin Luther King, and in 1981 when President Reagan was shot.

More than a hundred countries worldwide will broadcast tonight’s ceremony, and China’s CCTV6 will also broadcast a recording at 9:30 PM on the 24th, due to “Hero” being nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. The most anticipated topics for Chinese movie fans are Wang Yang and Zhang Yimou. Several major portals are broadcasting the event live, with guest chat rooms available, including Sina Entertainment’s which, besides host Zeng Zihang, has also invited film critics Cheng Qingsong and Wang Lei, and young director Wu Shixian.

“War is war, and film is film; they should not be conflated. I support holding the Oscars as usual; it also represents a symbol of peace,” Cheng Qingsong expressed regarding whether it was appropriate to proceed with the Oscars; no sooner had he spoken when Wu Shixian added, “Yes, I also think they should be separate. There’s no need to boycott this and that all day long; you might as well boycott watching movies altogether—it’s a completely different issue.”

After discussing the impact of the war on the Oscars for a while and talking about “Hero”‘s Oscar bid, the conversation shifted to the highly anticipated Wang Yang, with fans already flooding the live chat section with page after page of “Wang Yang! Wang Yang!”

Zeng Zihang said, “A person our netizens care deeply about, Wang Yang, is competing for two individual awards today: Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as Best Picture, for the well-known ‘District 9.'” Cheng Qingsong said, “District 9’ is called a great science fiction film. I was deeply shaken when I saw it, but personally, I think its chances of winning are small.” Wu Shixian commented, “Whether it wins or not doesn’t matter; being nominated for Best Director at 23, Wang Yang has already won tonight.”

“Shixian, a netizen is asking if you know Wang Yang personally. What’s he like in real life? Will he direct Chinese-language films?” Zeng Zihang, reading a message on the computer screen, turned to Wu Shixian, who was wearing a baseball cap.

“`

Wu Shixian was born in Taiwan in 1975; he’s a Chinese-American of mixed ancestry. Growing up, he lived in China, America, Australia, and Canada with his parents. He studied film arts at the University of Washington, but in his junior year, he transferred to the Beijing Film Academy’s Directing Department. After graduating in 1997, he started directing TV commercials and music videos in mainland China, and he also made two short films, “Dong 22nd Street” and “Car Forty-Four.”

“I’ve never had contact with Wang Yang—he seldom attends those film festivals and is known as a workaholic,” Wu Shixian said. “I don’t know any more than you all do and it’s difficult to make a judgment; as for Chinese-language films, I’m not sure.” Cheng Qingsong, who knew a bit more, added: “A reporter asked before, and Wang Yang said he would make one when he has the opportunity. He wants to try everything.”…

On the sofa in the living room, Evelyn, holding a pillow, turned on the TV punctually. Although the Iraq war was disheartening, how could a war take away all her joy? There were already plenty of people suffering because of the war. At that moment, amid stirring music, the television screen showed the Kodak Theatre’s stage with a large screen displaying “The 75th Oscars” image, while war news still scrolled below.

“Mom—are you really not watching?” Evelyn shouted, and then a voice came from upstairs: “No more watching! I don’t want to see any sudden broadcast of bombing footage. Baby, you tell me the results! And not just about the magnificent Yang!” Evelyn replied loudly, “OK, I will!”

Despite the war likely causing a significant decline in viewership for this year’s Oscars, even possibly hitting a record low, Nielsen’s real-time statistics showed that there were still over thirty million people across America watching the live broadcast. Among them were fans of stars and idols, friends, and relatives; those supporting the wondrous Yang were also watching the opening animation of the ceremony, with classic movie scenes sparkling like diamonds: “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Godfather”…”My name is Forrest, Forrest Gump…”…”I’m flying, Jack.”…

Amid thunderous applause, the large TV screen on the stage slowly rose, and the announcer’s voice boomed: “Live from the Kodak Theatre, welcome to the 75th Oscars Awards Ceremony!” Amidst the rumbling sound, the venue suddenly filled with the cheerful sound of saxophones as a white-haired Steve Martin, wearing a black suit, strolled out smiling: “HELLO, HELLO!”

The two-tiered audience with more than 3,300 guests erupted into even warmer applause and cheers, with many standing up smiling. In the front row were Nicole Kidman in a black evening gown, Jack Nicholson with sunglasses, Nicolas Cage… Wang Yang, wearing a black suit and tie, was seated in the second row on the right side, clapping his hands with a smile; to his right sat Jessica, also in a black evening gown, as black was the theme for the night. To the left sat Robert Downey Jr. and others, all welcoming the host with their applause.

“Thank you!” The applause gradually subsided, and everyone took their seats again, while Steve Martin on stage turned sideways, gesturing with his palm towards the back and surveying the surroundings with a bored expression: “It’s great to see that we’ve kept it minimalist this year!” Amidst light laughter, he continued: “Perhaps everyone has noticed that even the traditionally extravagant red carpet is missing.” He emphasized, “That’s a very clear message!”

The audience burst into laughter and cheers; the remark was a satire, mimicking the words of George Bush to Saddam’s government.

“Last year I didn’t host because… How should I say it? No one wanted me! But everyone supported me hosting this year, well, except for France and Germany.” Again, the audience laughed, as France and Germany were strongly against the start of the war by the allies. After making a couple of jokes about the war, Steve went on: “This year the Oscars are being broadcast in high definition for the first time, so let me say hello to the audience in the TV stores, hey!”

“Writers, directors, actors. If we get trapped in here tonight and run out of food, we’ll eat them in that order!”

Amidst laughter, the camera zoomed in on Martin Scorsese in the audience, who turned his head and made a trophy-accepting gesture as people around him burst into laughter. Sitting in front of Scorsese, Daniel Day-Lewis was also all smiles—cannibalism was a joke made referencing the plot backdrop of “Gangs of New York.”

“`

Steve Martin continued to tease the guests below, amidst bursts of applause and laughter. Looking towards the front row, he chuckled again, “There’s Nicole Kidman.” The camera immediately panned to Nicole, who laughed, raised her palm and bowed her head, signaling “Don’t make jokes about me,” but Martin carried on, “There’s a little-known secret about Nicole Kidman, one that few people know: It turns out she wore a fake nose for all her movies! Except for ‘The Hours’.”

The audience erupted into laughter. Nicole, still smiling, kept her head down, avoiding the camera. Steve Martin suddenly seemed to discover something exciting and announced, “Halle Berry is here too! Take note!” He calmly continued, “The distance between me and Halle Berry is about 22 feet (6.7 meters), strictly adhering to the court order.” Many guests and Halle Berry herself laughed at this, poking fun at her experience with a fanatically obsessed male admirer.

“Someone told me Hollywood has E.T., as if I didn’t know. I played that E.T.,” Martin joked for a bit before shifting to a serious tone, eliciting light laughter from the audience. He continued, “No, it’s a new alien, just as ugly.” Amidst roaring laughter, he suddenly glanced at a spot in the audience and exclaimed, “Hey, there’s Wang Yang! I thought he’d gone on vacation again, he dodged me last time.”

The audience chuckled again as the camera panned to Wang Yang. His smile, as well as those of Jessica and Downey beside him, instantly appeared on the big screen on stage and on TV screens in homes around the world.

“Next time you go to Las Vegas with little Robert Downey Jr., remember to bring me along. I love the nights there too,” Steve Martin said, clapping his hands. Amid the loud laughter, he spread his arms and said dryly, “I haven’t been there for a while, what with hosting this show.”

After making fun of several movies, Tom Cruise, and the absent Roman Polanski among others, Steve Martin added, “Tonight’s guests feature many familiar faces. The academy celebrates your talents, you are loved by people from all over the world, which makes me wonder: What is a movie star?” Soft, gentle music filled the venue as Martin took a few steps before speaking again, “Movie stars shine in their own unique ways, some are very tall, others quite short, some even smaller, or maybe just a stick.”

“Hahaha!” The laughter from the crowd shattered the previous solemn atmosphere, but Steve Martin kept a faint smile and said, “Some are Democrats…” He opened his mouth wide, feigning a sudden loss for words, triggering another wave of raucous laughter. There are very few Republican movie stars, let alone those of non-white ethnic backgrounds. In a dazed state, Steve Martin blurted out, “Or maybe just a stick.”

Irrepressible laughter once again filled the hall. Intertwining his fingers, Martin continued, “There are young people.” The big screen behind him displayed a black and white photo of a little boy, none other than Peter O’Toole, the 70-year-old Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Martin said, “Middle-aged women.” The screen then showed a close-up of Natalie Portman, a still from “Juno.”

“Ahahaha—” The quiet Kodak Theatre suddenly burst into laughter. Wang Yang couldn’t help but laugh as well, turning to Jessica beside him and chuckling, “She’s really quite old. She was young back in the days of ‘Matilda’.” Jessica nodded with a smile, “Yes, she was.”

“And there are the elderly…”

Following another round of teasing and jokes, the lengthy opening monologue finally concluded, and the ceremony moved on to the first award of the evening, presented by Cameron Diaz for Best Animated Feature.

Amid thunderous applause, Cameron Diaz approached the microphone at the center of the stage in her black dress, flashing a charming smile as she said, “This is my first time presenting an Oscar, and I’m deeply honored. A long time ago, it was parents who took their children to see animated films; now, with the extraordinary technology in animation, it’s children who take their parents. Here are the nominees for Best Animated Feature, beloved by both young and old.”

“Ice Age, Chris Wedge.” As she spoke, the image of a woolly mammoth appeared on the screen, saying to a squirrel, “Hey, your tail is on fire!” There weren’t many claps from the audience, but Wang Yang clapped vigorously, naturally followed by Jessica, Downey, and other good friends in the crowd. Wang Yang turned his head and silently cheered toward Chris Wedge, who was sitting far behind, and Wedge also raised his fist with a smile.

They all knew that winning an award was practically hopeless this time, and they didn’t harbor much expectation, since the film’s award-potential was lacking. However, Ice Age had already been marked with an A on its report card; with or without an Oscar, it was an important milestone in the history of animated films.

“Lilo & Stitch, Chris Sanders. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Kelly Asbury. Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki.” Suddenly, the applause and cheers from the audience became rousing—Spirited Away was this year’s undeniable favorite. Cameron Diaz read out the last nominee: “Treasure Planet, Ron Clements.” And while opening the envelope, she said with a laugh, “The winner is, ‘Spirited Away’, Hayao Miyazaki.”

“Woohoo!” The venue immediately erupted into thunderous applause, and Diaz tossed her hair back with a laugh, saying, “The Academy congratulates Hayao Miyazaki and will accept the award on his behalf, thank you!”

Next, they presented the award for Best Animated Short Film (The Chubbchubbs!), Best Visual Effects (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers), Best Supporting Actor (Chris Cooper, Adaptation), Best Art Direction (Chicago)… The order of the awards presentation varied each year, arranged and scheduled according to attention and viewership, but they typically started with the second most notable acting award, followed by technical categories interspersed throughout, climaxing with the four most significant awards at the end.

The Best Costume Design award went to Chicago, and the Best Makeup award was given to Frida; next came Best Supporting Actress, which was taken by Catherine Zeta-Jones for Chicago—Chicago’s 13 nominations had now secured 3 Oscars.

“Musicals will make a full comeback!” If someone had said this five years ago, they would have been laughed at, but now, who would laugh? And someone did say that five years ago. Rachel, sitting on the couch, couldn’t help but smile at the memory as she watched a pregnant Catherine animatedly say something on the TV screen, with those memories flooding back like a tide.

At the same time, many young movie fans watching their televisions, those who had lived through that wave of musical enthusiasm, vaguely remembered someone from that year shouting, “Time to get up and dance!” And for a moment, even more people felt and reminisced about those golden days of youth, dancing in the movie theaters… Evelyn muttered softly, “What team? Wildcats.”

Watching Catherine exit the stage on the screen, she took a deep breath and shouted loudly, “Mom! Best Supporting Actress went to Catherine Zeta-Jones, yes, it’s Chicago again!” Instantly, a mature female voice came from upstairs: “Honey, no need to shout so loudly! I knew Jones would win; the Oscars love it when people sabotage their own image—she gained weight and got it.”

“Why did High School Musical only get one nomination for Best Song back in the day!” Evelyn complained loudly, and the voice from upstairs laughed, “Doesn’t District 9 have six nominations tonight?” Evelyn shouted back, “But it’s already lost two! There are four left! I hope Magic Yang gets Best Director!”

“That’s unlikely—the Oscars that young?”