It's reasonable for me, a stuntman, to live a crazy life, right?

Chapter 1418 Best Actress! A Double Winner!
On September 9th, the sky over Venice was cloudless.

Opening the window, the sea breeze brought a refreshing coolness; it was a rare, beautiful, sunny day.

Early in the morning, Liu Yifei's makeup and styling team entered the room with their suitcases, and makeup brushes, clothes, and jewelry were piled up on the dressing table.

The makeup artist focused intently on applying her eye makeup, while the stylist held up several outfits to try on her. The room was bustling and lively.

Chen Fei tried to lend a hand by handing something over, but the stylist laughed and pushed him away, saying, "Director Chen, please don't make things worse. Leave this to us, you can go and rest."

"Fine……"

After being "sent away," Chen Fei circled around to the door of Gong Li and Zhang Manyu's room and could vaguely hear laughter coming from inside.

Clearly, the two were also busy with their makeup and styling, preparing to shine at the closing ceremony awards presentation tonight.

He then thought of Han Jianu and Wen Muye, guessing that the young couple was still catching up on sleep.

After all, I spent most of yesterday running around in Venice and didn't get back until midnight, so I'm probably still asleep.

Feeling utterly bored, Chen Fei decided to go to the hotel's tea room.

He found a seat by the window, ordered a pot of local Earl Grey tea, and sipped it slowly.

At the same time, he swiped his finger across the phone screen and began browsing recent news from China.

At this time, the promotional battle for several films scheduled for the National Day holiday is in full swing.

The trailer for "The Volunteer Army's Mighty Attack" has released new war clips, while "Moscow Mission" has revealed behind-the-scenes footage of a car chase scene between Liu Dehua and Zhang Hanyu...

Some netizens are discussing whether "The Room Next Door" can win an award at Venice, and many have already started celebrating, with one half of the performance featuring champagne.

The aroma of tea wafts through the air, and sunlight streams through the window onto the sea, creating shimmering waves.

As Chen Fei looked at the lively scene on his phone and thought about the closing ceremony that was about to begin tonight, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.

Their moment of glory is coming soon!

Meanwhile, today, the crime film "The Eighth Suspect," starring Da Peng, Zhang Songwen, and Qi Xi, officially premiered in domestic theaters.

When the movie first started its promotion, the marketing campaign was quite extensive.

A clip of Zhang Songwen's interrogation scene will be released in a moment, attracting "acting fans" with his subtle micro-expressions and dramatic lines.

At one point, the film emphasizes that it is adapted from a real bank robbery case in 1995, using the gimmick of "recreating the process of capturing China's most notorious criminal" to arouse the audience's curiosity.

They even released behind-the-scenes footage of Da Peng's subversive portrayal of a villain, generating discussion about "comedians transitioning to serious dramas".

At the time, many netizens were looking forward to seeing a crime film as solid as "The Storm".

However, once it was officially released, netizens' reviews completely reversed, with the screen filled with complaints of "being deceived":

"All the highlight scenes from the promotional material were cut out of the trailer. The actual movie is so slow-paced, the first hour is just tedious setup, it doesn't grab the viewer at all!"

"It's supposed to be a crime film, but the investigation process is completely illogical. The police investigation relies entirely on coincidences, and Zhang Songwen's role is pitifully small, practically a 'guest appearance.' Isn't this a scam?"

"Da Peng did try hard to transform his character, but the role was not convincing. The villain's ruthlessness was only supported by makeup and lines. Qi Xi's character was just a tool, serving no purpose other than advancing the romantic storyline. It was a waste of such a good subject matter and cast!"

Seeing the overwhelmingly negative reviews online, Chen Fei slowly shook his head, mentally marking the film as a "pass".

Today's audiences are no longer in a state of "buying based on marketing alone." No matter how fancy the promotion, it can't support an empty plot.

"The Eighth Suspect" clearly fell into the trap of "emphasizing marketing over content".

However, Nolan's "Oppenheimer" received a very good market response in China.

It grossed over 3 million yuan in just 10 days!
As a relatively serious biographical film, its success in a release window filled with commercial films demonstrates the recognition of high-quality films by domestic audiences.

Many film critics are analyzing how Nolan's "narrative style" resonated with Chinese audiences.
Meanwhile, "Burning Winter," which had previously made Chen Fei frown, was completely removed from theaters amidst widespread ridicule, ultimately failing to even break 3000 million at the box office.

The online criticism hasn't stopped, with comments like "confused plot" and "ambiguous values" becoming the mainstream. Some even joked that "this film was able to be released only because of the contrast with other films released at the same time," making it a complete "negative example" of the summer movie season.

After browsing through the updates on older films, news about new films is also coming in one after another.

Han Han's "Pegasus 2" has quietly started filming, and the news of Shen Teng's return has made many viewers look forward to it.

Zhang Yimou's "The Twentieth Article" is also in full swing of filming, and its focus on realistic themes has sparked much discussion.

Fantawild Animation, leveraging its IP advantage, launched "Boonie Bears: Reverse Time," targeting the family market during next year's Spring Festival.

Taiwan has also launched a film project called "Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils," which focuses on crime action. The cast has not yet been announced, but it has already attracted attention in the industry.

iQiyi has partnered with Sil-Metropole Organisation to launch the "Temporary Robbery" project, selecting Aaron Kwok as the male lead. The film is positioned as a dark comedy crime film and is currently in the pre-production stage.

Besides movies, the television drama field is also bustling with activity!

Several new dramas, including "The Blazing Flame," "The Story of Cheng Huan," and "In the Snowstorm," have been officially announced or started filming. These dramas cover a variety of themes such as workplace, family, and love, and have also gathered many popular actors and veteran actors. They are obviously aiming to make a strong showing in next year's drama market.

Chen Fei carefully examined each line, his finger slowly sliding across the screen.

In his memories before his rebirth, he had only heard the names of most of these film and television projects, but had never seen the finished product.

Some of them are even "new variables" that I have never seen before.

His memories before his rebirth ended at the end of 2023.

As for future market trends and the reputation of the works, there are no longer any "standard answers".

Therefore, we must be more cautious with every step from now on.

In the past, I could rely on my memory to avoid risks and seize opportunities, but now I can only slowly explore by judging the market and controlling my works.

Whether it's Feiyue Film & Television's project planning or its subsequent investment direction, it must take one step at a time, steadily and practically, in order to continue to stand firm in the changing market.

……

Before we knew it, it was afternoon.

Han Jianu and Wen Muye didn't get up until noon, rubbing their eyes.

As soon as the two stepped out of the room, they bumped into Liu Yifei and her group, who had already tidied up.

Wow! Yifei, you're so beautiful!

Han Jianu was immediately drawn to Liu Yifei's makeup and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Today, Liu Yifei didn't wear a traditional red carpet gown, but instead chose a well-tailored white pantsuit with a simple silver camisole underneath, revealing her delicate collarbone.

The suit trousers accentuated the long, straight legs, giving off a more capable and dashing vibe while still maintaining an inherent elegance, though the dress lacked the glamour of a formal gown.

Standing there, he resembled a beam of cool yet dazzling light!
"It can't be that good."

Liu Yifei blushed slightly at the compliment, reached out to smooth her hair, and spoke with a hint of embarrassment.

"Of course you do!" Gong Li walked over, smiling as she looked her up and down. "Your skin is absolutely amazing, so white and smooth. You don't look like you're in your thirties at all. You look younger than a young girl."

Zhang Manyu nodded in agreement, saying, "Your temperament is beyond question. You look more dashing in this suit than many male celebrities."

Chen Fei stood to the side, a smile always on his lips, his gaze fixed on Liu Yifei, his eyes full of admiration.

My wife looks absolutely stunning and cool today, exuding both the professional aura of a director and the dazzling charm of a movie queen.

When the group arrived at the closing ceremony red carpet, the surrounding area instantly erupted in cheers as soon as they stepped onto the red carpet.

The sound of camera shutters from media reporters was as dense as exploding firecrackers, and the cheers of fans even pierced through the music at the scene!
Liu Yifei linked arms with Chen Fei, walking with ease, occasionally raising her hand to greet him; every movement was captured by the camera in real time.

News of what happened on the red carpet quickly spread back to China, and the comment sections on social media went completely wild:

"Oh my god! Liu Yifei in that white suit is absolutely stunning! She looks so handsome it made my heart stop!"

"Her temperament is just too good! She has both the cool and sassy side of an older sister and the gentleness of a beautiful woman. Who can understand her!"

"Help! She and Director Chen look so good together! They're a perfect match!"

"This is what an international film festival should be like! Our Chinese stars are just as impressive!"

"Go, honey! Bring home the big prize!"

The flashes on both sides of the red carpet were still going off, and Liu Yifei's figure became even more dazzling in the light and shadow!
Many female celebrities in China are watching the live broadcast of the Venice closing ceremony.

At this moment, watching Liu Yifei's composed and dazzling appearance on the red carpet on the screen, they couldn't hide their envy.

Some people marveled at the "different atmosphere of international film festivals," while others quietly pondered whether they could get a similar opportunity next time.
Jia Ling, meanwhile, seemed lost in thought as she watched the live stream.

She lost dozens of kilograms for the film "Hot Wave", and her figure has changed dramatically.

Seeing Liu Yifei gain popularity through her styling, she wondered if she should also make an appearance at an international fashion show after "Hot Wave" is released, to showcase her weight loss results.

This way, it can both promote the movie and refresh the public's impression of oneself, which may be a win-win situation.

……

Meanwhile, Chen Fei and his group had already entered the main venue of the closing ceremony and, guided by staff, went to sit in the front row.

Because they were the final performers, the awards ceremony officially began shortly after they had taken their seats.

This year's Venice Film Festival features several award categories.

From the Horizons and Classics competitions to the Immersive and Venice Days competitions, and then to the Future Lion and Queer Lion competitions, awards were presented one after another, interspersed with guest speeches and short film screenings.

An hour and a half had passed by the time the awards for the main competition were finally presented.

During the event, Liu Yifei and Han Jianu went to the restroom together. When they came back, they couldn't help but complain in a low voice, "This awards ceremony is so tedious. My back is aching from sitting so long."

"Yeah, how come there are so many awards to give out? This is just too much!"

It's not surprising that this happened, given that the three major European film festivals are currently facing some difficulties.

With the rise of streaming media and the diversion of viewers' attention, in order to attract popularity and increase ratings, the only options are to keep adding award categories and inviting more guests in an attempt to reach a wider audience. However, this has made the core main competition segment seem somewhat sluggish.

Finally, after another fifteen minutes, the host's voice rang out: "Next, let's officially begin the presentation of the awards for tonight's main competition!"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent instantly.

The first award presented was for Best Newcomer, which went to a young actor from Romania for his performance in a niche art film.

Next up was the Special Jury Prize, awarded to "Green Frontier," directed by a French director. The film focuses on the refugee issue and delivers a powerful emotional impact.

The Best Screenplay award went to the Italian-Argentine co-production "The Vampire," whose complex narrative structure was unanimously recognized by the judges.

After several awards were presented, the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

The next award is Best Actor.

When the presenter announced the winner's name, "Peter Sarsgaard from the United States, who won the award for 'Memory'," the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause!
Peter Sarsgaard rose to express his gratitude, his words brimming with emotion.

Chen Fei gently patted Liu Yifei's hand, offering silent encouragement.

Liu Yifei took a deep breath and stared intently at the stage.

The Best Director and Best Picture awards that she cares about most are still to come!
After Peter Sarsgaard stepped down, jury member Jane Campis walked slowly onto the stage, still holding an envelope in her hand.

At that moment, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly.

"Next up is the Best Actress Award from the 80th Venice International Film Festival!"

Her voice carried through the microphone throughout the venue, instantly silencing the previously noisy atmosphere. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the stage, and even their breathing became subconsciously quiet.

The media and viewers who are particularly interested in "The Room Next Door" are especially on the edge of their seats.

Jane Campis did not immediately pronounce the name, but instead smiled and began:
"In this film festival, there is a film in which two actresses, with their highly powerful performances, interpret the resilience and empathy of women in adversity."

Their scenes together lacked intense conflict, yet they conveyed a powerful, heart-stirring force through subtle glances and movements, allowing us to witness the most authentic charm of acting…

Although she did not mention the film title on stage, those familiar with "The Room Next Door" know that these words were describing the scenes between Gong Li and Maggie Cheung!
In the film, the two play longtime best friends, and every line they say is essential in their scenes of misunderstanding and reconciliation!
Gong Li and Zhang Manyu exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise and anticipation in each other's eyes.

Liu Yifei gripped Chen Fei's hand tightly, her fingertips exerting a slight pressure.

Chen Fei also slowed his breathing, his gaze fixed on the envelope in Jane Campion's hand.

Finally, Jane Campis opened the envelope and clearly read out the name:
"I hereby announce that the Best Actress Award at the 80th Venice International Film Festival goes to Gong Li and Maggie Cheung for 'The Room Next Door'! Congratulations!"

Double yolk prize!

The audience was stunned for a moment, then burst into thunderous applause!
Gong Li and Zhang Manyu were stunned for a few seconds before they reacted. They looked at each other and smiled, then stood up and hugged Liu Yifei and Chen Fei respectively, before walking onto the stage side by side...

(End of this chapter)