"Feifei, it's time for Best Screenplay. Eric has two nominations."
"Got it, Auntie. I'll be right there."
At Zhou Wenqiong's call, Liu Yifei hurried to the sofa and sat down. Her face was covered with a crumpled face mask; she had clearly rushed too much and hadn't tidied herself up properly.
"I only left for a few minutes. Weren't they just giving out TV drama awards? How is it so fast!"
"Nicole Kidman is the presenter. That woman isn't a good person," Liu Xiaoli said with a cold snort.
Zhou Wenqiong thought that Nicole Kidman and Eric had a rumored affair, but at least their relationship hadn't been confirmed.
But you, on the other hand, have really slept with him, and who knows how many times. You have the nerve to talk about others.
However, perhaps it was precisely because she had slept with Eric that she disliked other women who were close to him even more, excluding her own daughter.
Zhou Wenqiong spoke, "Nicole Kidman is also good. This is a good sign, isn't it?"
"What are you talking about, Auntie?"
"Feifei, remember the Emmy Awards? Eric won Best Screenplay then, and Nicole Kidman presented the award. Maybe the association wants to replicate that tonight."
"That's not necessarily true. What if it's just a smokescreen, deliberately making people guess?" Liu Xiaoli poured cold water on the idea.
"Mom, how can you be like that! Why don't you want Eric to win an award?"
"How am I like that? Whether he wins an award or not has nothing to do with me. I'm just stating the facts, making a wild guess."
Zhou Wenqiong looked at Liu Xiaoli with a half-smile: "Sister, it's been more than half a year since we saw Eric in Los Angeles last time."
"MGM sent people to inspect once in between, but then there was no follow-up. Our theater owner has been asking me about their attitude."
"You and Eric are so close, and there's Feifei. Please put in a good word for me."
Liu Xiaoli glared at her sister: "What do you mean 'close'? He doesn't even call or text, so I can't talk to him."
"Hehe. Can't talk to him, yet he arranged a role for you. Feifei is going to participate in a big production this year; I already know."
"If you don't help, Feifei definitely will."
Liu Xiaoli rolled her eyes. Her body was already given anyway.
Why did she have to sacrifice herself? Wasn't it so her daughter wouldn't fall into the tiger's den? Otherwise, if she brought back a tiger cub one day, it would be interesting.
But thinking about it seriously, even if she really had a tiger cub, it wouldn't be bad. Eric Cooper's emotional side was hard to say, but at least he was trustworthy and would definitely not treat the child badly.
Shaking off the jumbled thoughts in her mind, Liu Xiaoli said, "Alright, alright, I'll think of something. Don't worry."
Beverly Hills, Hilton Hotel, Golden Globe Awards Ceremony.
Nicole tore open the envelope and loudly announced: "The winner of the Golden Globe Awards for Best Screenplay is Eric Cooper for blue is the warmest color!"
Wow.
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
Instantly, the entire awards ceremony erupted in applause. Regardless of whether they could see, everyone's eyes converged on one point.
The camera showed the other nominees. Leigh Whannell naturally offered heartfelt applause, as strictly speaking, get out was also a script largely led by Eric.
He was more like a repair (mending), and the contributions of the two to the script were similar to a first and second author of a paper, with a certain distance in value.
Even if get out won an award, Eric's contribution was greater, so he had no complaints at all and was satisfied just to be nominated.
Patty Jenkins was equally convinced. Without MGM's investment, it was debatable whether monster could even be made, and if made, whether it could be released in theaters.
Moreover, the influence of monster was clearly not as great as blue is the warmest color. The dark and profound lost to the fresh and light; it wasn't unfair to say so.
The other two nominees, either smiling or serious, also gracefully offered applause. As for what they were thinking, it was hard to say.
Perhaps they scoffed, secretly cursing Eric for winning based on this politically correct trend, no one knew.
But isn't adhering to public opinion and reflecting social facts also one of the responsibilities of film?
Amidst the warm applause, Ashley and Mary immediately offered him kisses, one on each cheek.
He then hugged Judy, Andrea, Neill Blomkamp, and others before striding onto the stage.
After going on stage, he first hugged Nicole, and they shared a brief, light kiss.
After being thoroughly trained, this time she didn't dare to launch a surprise attack again, only quietly whispering "I love you."
Without the passionate scene from the Emmy Awards, the gala's directing team was a bit disappointed. They had deliberately arranged the segment, but if you didn't cooperate, what about the ratings?
Kissing the trophy, Eric said, "Thank you, Nicole, beautiful lady. You have once again become my lucky goddess."
"I want to keep this role forever," Nicole secretly thought.
"I am very grateful to the association for presenting this award to me, a young man. Compared to the others, my experience is the most shallow."
"They are all the best screenwriters. I've seen lost in translation and mystic river, and I'm very sure both films will be remembered in film history. I'm just relatively lucky."
"I also want to thank the entire crew, especially Ashley and Mary. They sacrificed a lot for their roles, more than the outside world can imagine."
"Without their brilliant performances, the film wouldn't have achieved its current effect. You are the best."
Below the stage, the Olsen Sisters looked at Eric with beaming smiles. The high-stemmed glasses on the table reflected the stars in their eyes.
The two sisters exchanged glances. Indeed, no one knew how much they had sacrificed for their roles; they had given their whole selves.
After delivering his acceptance speech, Eric and Nicole walked back backstage hand in hand.
Taking advantage of the moment when no one was around, Eric gave her butt a gentle squeeze.
Nicole's eyes were like water: "My dear, was I obedient enough this time? Are you satisfied?"
"Hmph! Good that you're sensible."
"Then pick a time to come to my house. My mom really likes you."
"Ah?"
"What 'ah'! It's just a meal, nothing else. Are you coming?"
Seeing someone approach, Eric quickly nodded: "Definitely!"
"That's more like it."
Returning to their seats, Mary snatched the trophy and examined it carefully: "Is this the Golden Globe Awards? It's really beautiful. I want one too."
Ashley leaned over, also showing a longing look. This trophy was more tempting than the most delicious candy in the world.
Eric chuckled: "You'll have one too. You'll have one in a moment."
The awards ceremony continued. Several TV series awards were presented, followed by Best Foreign Language Film.
As the media predicted, the award went to the Afghanistan film "Osama." Russia's "The Return" and Germany's "Good Bye, Lenin!" both failed.
This film depicted a microcosm of the Afghan people under Taliban rule in the 1990s. The film was very heartbreaking and cruel.
Although it wasn't filled with dim lighting like monster, its darkness was no less intense. It was the kind of film Eric would absolutely never watch a second time.
Even if such a film lacked clever narration and structure, and had no fancy editing or technical flourishes, with some aspects even deliberately contrived.
But the inherent shock of the story and the reality of its background made this contrivance seem natural, and this simplicity feel rich.
The film's win, besides its realistic portrayal, also had a touch of political factors.
The United States, having invaded Afghanistan since 2001, hadn't done anything good, and choosing this film could at least highlight its own righteousness.
Eric remembered seeing another film reflecting the lives of people in Afghanistan after the US invasion, called "Kabul Children."
This film didn't seem to win any major awards.
Director Siddiq Barmak did not attend the Golden Globe Awardss. The representative went up, briefly said a few words, and then stepped down.
Then Diane Keaton won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Film for her performance in something's gotta give, and "The Office" won Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
At this moment, Jack Nicholson, wearing sunglasses, walked onto the stage from backstage. Only veterans dared to present awards in such attire; ordinary actors wearing sunglasses would be heavily criticized.
Old Jack was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Film but unfortunately lost to Bill Murray.
However, he no longer needed awards to prove himself; classic roles like in "The Shining" and "Joker" had already placed this old man very high.
"A few days ago, the association contacted me and said, 'Jack, how about you present Best Actress in a Drama?'"
"I said, 'Why don't you let me present Best Picture? Do you think I'm not worthy of presenting that award?'"
"They said, 'No, look who's nominated for Best Picture? Peter Jackson, Anthony Minghella, Clint Eastwood, Peter Weir, Eric Cooper.'"
"'Five men combined couldn't make one beautiful leg; they're all smelly men, though Eric Cooper is a young handsome guy.'"
"'But even if same-sex relationships are popular now, I'm sure you still prefer beautiful women.'"
"After careful consideration, I felt that was true, so I accepted the invitation."
Hahahahaha.
The eccentric old Jack delivered a stand-up routine, even poking fun at the current trend of same-sex relationships, immediately drawing a burst of laughter.
But while some could laugh, others could not, such as the Olsen Family at this moment.
Elizabeth Olsen sat on the sofa with her parents. Only the sound of the TV could be heard in the living room, and the three watched the screen intently.
For this day, the couple, divorced for several years, sat together again, hoping to witness the glorious moment of their two beloved daughters winning the award.
"Dad, can Ashley and Mary win?" Elizabeth Olsen asked anxiously.
"Definitely. Among these five films, blue is the warmest color has the highest box office and greatest influence. The LGBTQ+ community sees them as idols and spiritual totems."
"The media and online community are also very optimistic about Ashley and Mary. We will definitely win."
"Yes, darling, your sisters will definitely win."
On stage, Jack Nicholson continued: "The nominees for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama are..."
"Charlize Theron for monster, Scarlett Johansson for "Girl with a Pearl Earring," Evan Rachel Wood for "Thirteen," Cate Blanchett for "Veronica Guerin," and Ashley Olsen, Mary Olsen for blue is the warmest color."
Six nominees from five films, because blue is the warmest color had two female leads, and the sisters' screen time was equally significant.
Suddenly, their hands were clasped tightly. The Olsen Sisters nervously pursed their lips, and Eric could even feel them trembling slightly.
At a nearby round table, Theron also nervously glanced at herself, then fixed her gaze on the envelope in Jack Nicholson's hand.
The other three nominees were also like this. Cate Blanchett, in a red dress, already showed hints of her future 'Great Demon King' demeanor, and Scarlett Johansson, in a luxurious evening gown, was also there to win an award.
Under everyone's tense gaze, Jack Nicholson slowly opened the envelope. The old man was still being playful at this moment.
He took off his sunglasses and announced with a smile: "The winners for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama are Ashley Olsen, Mary Olsen for blue is the warmest color!"
Yeah!
Yeah!
The two girls, who had just turned 18, immediately couldn't contain their excitement and stood up, cheering loudly.
Although their behavior was a bit undignified, who could blame them when they had just come of age?
Young girls, full of youth and vitality, should naturally be daring enough to laugh and jump.
Especially since their win also broke the record for the youngest Golden Globe Awards Best Actress, with 18 years old being unprecedented.
It's hard to say if anyone will follow, just like Eric's record is almost a swan song.
Even by 2021, the youngest Golden Globe Awards Best Actress, Rachel Zegler, was already 20 years old.
Moreover, the Olsen Sisters were America's daughters who people had watched grow up. When children grow up and become capable, a big reaction is only natural.
So, this excited display was not only not annoying but made people feel adorable.
The two then kissed Eric on the cheek before walking onto the stage side by side.
Eric, meanwhile, moved to the monster crew's side, gently patting Theron's back to comfort her.
Theron pouted aggrievedly, her eyes betraying her disappointment. If it weren't a public place, she really wanted to throw herself into Eric's arms and cry.
She had done so much, yet she still failed.
You like actresses to ugly themselves up, so I ugly myself up and gain weight.
You don't like commercial films, so I make art house films.
You like groundbreaking roles, so I play a lesbian.
What more do you want from me? What else do you want me to do for you to give me the trophy!
The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. It was fine when Eric wasn't by her side, but seeing him there, sadness welled up and found an outlet.
"My dear, I feel like crying," Theron whispered.
"Now is not the time, darling. Otherwise, your close-up will be on the front page tomorrow, and those guys will mock you for being a sore loser. And it's nothing."
"It's just the Golden Globe Awardss, isn't it? If we don't get it, so be it. We'll go for the Oscar. The Oscar is always more authoritative and convincing than the Golden Globe Awards."
Patty Jenkins also comforted her, saying, "That's right, Theron, your performance was already excellent."
"The Golden Globe Awardss are judged by a bunch of unprofessional people. The Oscars are professional. Wait another month, and we'll definitely win the Oscar."
"Really?"
"I promise, my dear!" Eric nodded solemnly.