Chapter 48 – The World Talks
The days following the announcement of the Oscar nominations were a whirlwind for Jacob Stewart.
Newspapers, news websites, and television programs were talking about nothing else.
The Revenant had dominated the nominations and was one of the favorites of the season.
Jacob turned on the TV early in the morning and, while changing channels, saw the panel on the Good Morning America program.
— And now, let's talk about the film everyone is talking about: The Revenant! With an impressive 12 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Jacob Stewart, Alejandro González Iñárritu's production is already considered one of the strongest contenders to take home the golden statuette!
The presenter smiled and turned to the commentator.
— Jacob Stewart went straight from the Golden Globes to the Oscar race. What do you think of his impact on this awards season?
The commentator shook his head, impressed.
"Well, The Revenant was already being touted as one of the great films of the year, but what really surprised many people was Stewart's performance. He not only handled an incredibly difficult role, but he did it masterfully. Many experts say he's one of the favorites for the Best Actor award this year."
Jacob smiled as he drank his coffee in the kitchen.
It was surreal to see his career reaching this level.
His cell phone wouldn't stop vibrating with messages from journalists requesting interviews, friends congratulating him, and even directors already sounding him out for future projects.
He opened Twitter and saw the names "Jacob Stewart" and "The Revenant" trending worldwide.
Internet comments exploded:
"This guy is the future of Hollywood!"
"The Revenant deserves to win everything at the Oscars. Jacob Stewart was a force of nature in this film!"
"What an evolution! He started out doing action movies and now he's nominated for Best Actor!"
What's most impressive is how immersed he is in his roles. He practically lived on ice for this film!
Jacob Stewart is a monster actor. He truly deserves this Oscar!
Jacob let out a low laugh, incredulous at everything that was happening.
He was the center of attention in Hollywood at that moment.
But, if professionally Jacob was at his peak, his personal life couldn't be better either.
His house was busier than ever.
Since winning the Golden Globe and being nominated for an Oscar, his wives had been visiting him more frequently, each wanting to enjoy a little more of his time.
That afternoon, he was on the sofa in the enormous living room of his Beverly Hills mansion, dressed only in black sweatpants and no shirt, relaxing while Lucky, his dog, slept beside him.
That's when he heard the sound of a car parking in the garage.
He smiled, already knowing who it was.
Minutes later, Scarlett Johansson entered the room, wearing a comfortable yet absolutely stunning tracksuit.
She smiled at the sight of him and approached, sitting on the sofa beside him.
"So, Mr. Oscar nominee? How's handling the sudden fame?" she teased, taking a strawberry from the bowl on the coffee table.
Jacob laughed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Let's just say it's kind of surreal. My name is everywhere. I don't even know how to process it properly."
Scarlett gave a mischievous smile and leaned closer, running her fingers across his chest.
"Well, I can help you relax…"
Before Jacob could reply, the door opened again and another female voice echoed through the house.
"If I'd known there was going to be a party, I would have arrived earlier!"
Jacob looked back and saw Beyoncé entering, wearing a tight dress and smiling provocatively.
Scarlett laughed and stepped back slightly, crossing her legs. "It seems our Hollywood star is being quite spoiled lately."
Beyoncé walked to the sofa and sat down on the other side of Jacob, running her hand through his hair.
"He deserves it, right? After all, it's not every day someone gets 12 Oscar nominations."
Jacob smiled, feeling literally in paradise.
"You guys are spoiling me too much."
Beyoncé kissed his shoulder and smiled.
"And you love every second of it."
Jacob couldn't deny it.
Besides them, Kim Kardashian had also been there the night before, spending time with him and enjoying the celebration.
It was as if he were living every man's dream.
Fame. Recognition. Incredible women by his side.
And that was just the beginning.
Even with all this luxury and fun, Jacob didn't stop training.
The next day, he woke up early and headed to the private shooting range he had built on his property. Wearing a backwards baseball cap, a tight black shirt, and tactical gloves, he prepared his Glock 34, loading the magazines and checking every detail.
Beyoncé and Scarlett were watched from the balcony as he began his shooting routine.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The shots hit the targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Scarlett crossed her arms and looked at Beyoncé.
"I still find it a little sexy to see him shooting like that."
Beyoncé laughed and took a sip of her coffee.
"I think everyone does. That guy exudes masculine energy."
Jacob reloaded his pistol and continued.
Despite all the glamour of Hollywood, he would never abandon his passion for guns and competitions.
He was still training for his next USPSA competition.
The Oscars and movies were one thing… But his passion for shooting was another.
And he would make sure to reconcile the two.
That night, while Jacob relaxed on the balcony, Scarlett sat beside him, holding a glass of wine.
She looked at him, analyzing his face, and smiled.
"Have you ever stopped to think about how much your life has changed in such a short time?"
Jacob nodded slowly, watching the city lights shining in the distance.
"Yes… Sometimes it doesn't even seem real."
Scarlett rested her head on his shoulder.
"And how do you feel?"
Jacob took a deep breath before answering.
"Grateful. Very grateful. I know none of this came easy. I went through a lot to get here. But, at the same time, I know I need to keep my feet on the ground."
Scarlett smiled and touched his hand.
"And that's exactly what makes you different. You deserve all of this, Jacob. And you can be sure that this Oscar is already yours."
Jacob smiled slightly, looking at the starry sky.
Whether it was for the Oscars or not, one thing was certain…
He had already conquered the world.
Chapter 49 – The Consecration at the Critics' Choice Awards
January 17, 2016 – Break in Filming of John Wick 2
The illuminated streets of New York seemed more vibrant than ever as Jacob Stewart finished another day of filming John Wick: Chapter 2.
Wearing the iconic black suit and tie, he adjusted his cuffs as he walked across the set alongside Chad Stahelski, the director.
"Great scene today, Jacob. You look even sharper than in the first film," said Chad, pleased.
Jacob smiled, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow.
"I had time to train. Now, John Wick is more lethal than ever."
Chad laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"Well, you deserve a break. Tomorrow is an important night for you. Are you going to the Critics' Choice Awards to pick up another trophy?"
Jacob laughed.
"We'll see what happens." But I'm already happy just to be nominated.
Chad crossed his arms and looked at him with a wry smile.
"You really don't realize what's happening, do you?"
Jacob raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Chad sighed.
"You're not just another nominee, Jacob. You're dominating awards season. You won the Golden Globe, you were nominated for an Oscar, and now everyone's betting you'll win tonight too. That's huge."
Jacob was silent for a moment, absorbing the director's words.
It was true.
He wasn't just participating in the awards.
He was winning.
And that night, he would find out if another award would be added to his collection.
Jacob got into his limousine and headed towards the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, where the 2016 Critics' Choice Awards would take place.
Beside him, Richard Calloway, his agent, was excited, constantly checking his cell phone.
"Jacob, the critics are practically confirming your victory. Are you ready to go up on that stage again?"
Jacob smiled slightly.
"I never prepare to win, Richard. But if it happens, I'll know what to say."
Richard laughed.
"You're much more humble than you should be. If it were another actor in your place, they'd already be shouting to the world that they're going to win the Oscar too."
Jacob laughed and looked out the window, taking in the city lights.
He knew that night could be another major milestone in his career.
The Critics' Choice Awards had a different feel from other award shows. Instead of the classic red carpet, they used a blue carpet, giving the event a modern and sophisticated air.
As soon as Jacob stepped out of the limousine, camera flashes exploded.
Journalists and fans shouted his name.
"Jacob Stewart! Here, here!"
"Jacob, how does it feel to be the favorite of the night?"
"Are you ready for another victory speech?"
Jacob smiled, waved to the photographers, and walked down the blue carpet, wearing an impeccable Giorgio Armani tuxedo.
He greeted several celebrities along the way. Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron, Matt Damon, Jennifer Lawrence… They were all there.
That's when he met Alejandro González Iñárritu and Emmanuel Lubezki, the director and cinematographer of The Revenant.
Alejandro smiled and hugged Jacob.
"Are we going to take home a few more awards tonight?"
Jacob laughed.
"We'll certainly do our best."
Emmanuel Lubezki, known for his impeccable cinematic eye, shook Jacob's hand. — You were a force of nature in this film, Jacob. If tonight isn't yours, the universe is wrong.
Jacob smiled, but he still wasn't letting himself get carried away by the expectation.
He knew anything could happen.
But deep down, he felt that this night would be special.
The event was elegant and vibrant. The Barker Hangar ballroom was full of stars, critics, and influential figures from the film industry.
The host of the evening took to the stage and began the ceremony, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
The first awards were presented. Some surprises, some expected confirmations.
And then, the moment Jacob had been waiting for arrived.
Best Cinematography – Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant)
The first award for The Revenant was announced.
— And the Critics' Choice Award for Best Cinematography goes to…
Emmanuel Lubezki – The Revenant!
The room erupted in applause.
Lubezki took to the stage and, in his speech, thanked Alejandro and the entire film crew.
— Filming The Revenant was one of the greatest challenges of my life, but also one of the most rewarding. Thank you to Alejandro, Jacob, Tom Hardy, and the entire team that made this possible.
Jacob gave a standing ovation, feeling his pride swell within him.
But he knew there was more to come.
Minutes later, the presenter returned to the stage.
— And the Critics' Choice Award for Best Director goes to…
Alejandro González Iñárritu – The Revenant!
The audience erupted in applause again.
Alejandro took to the stage, smiling, holding the trophy in his hands.
— This film was a test of endurance, and I can only thank every member of the team who made this journey possible. Especially Jacob Stewart, who showed us what it truly means to commit to a role."
Jacob felt a pang in his heart. Hearing that from a director like Alejandro was an indescribable honor.
But still, his own moment hadn't arrived yet.
The presenter smiled and looked at the audience.
"Now we come to one of the most anticipated categories of the night: Best Actor."
The nominees appeared on the screen:
✅ Jacob Stewart – The Revenant
✅ Matt Damon – The Martian
✅ Michael Fassbender – Steve Jobs
✅ Bryan Cranston – Trumbo
Jacob took a deep breath.
The presenter opened the envelope.
"And the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor goes to…
Jacob Stewart – The Revenant!"
For a moment, he froze.
The audience rose to their feet in applause.
Alejandro smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
Jacob stood up, adjusted his tuxedo, and walked to the stage, taking the trophy.
He looked at the audience and took a deep breath before speaking.
"Well… This is really happening."
The audience laughed, and he smiled before continuing.
"Making The Revenant was the most challenging experience of my life. I spent months in the cold, in the snow, fighting to survive on screen… and now I realize it was worth it. Because this story deserved to be told."
He looked at Alejandro in the audience.
"Alejandro, thank you for believing in me. You taught me what it means to be a true artist."
Jacob then looked at the statuette and, for a moment, felt the weight of everything he had achieved.
He raised the award.
— This is just the beginning.
The audience erupted in applause again.
And Jacob knew, in that instant…
He was destined for greatness.
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