The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1918 Regret
Richard understood the logic.

But that was Colin, and Richard still had to struggle a bit. "Edgar, why does it have to be this project? Your desk is already piled high with all sorts of projects, isn't it?"

Edgar didn't argue, but responded seriously, "Indeed, I don't know when I'll be able to finish those projects. The production meetings are already scheduled until March."

In Hollywood, a project's progress isn't something that can be accomplished by agents or producers sitting in their offices reading plans, although that's a very important method. More often, it involves a group of people sitting down and having a wide-ranging conversation.

He doesn't rely on PowerPoint presentations, project plans, or projects; he relies entirely on his words.

Therefore, in real life, we often see situations where a movie is released and the audience is collectively shocked, wondering how such an absurd and stupid project was approved.
The answer lies here: film companies or producers have no idea about the specifics of a project, no script, just an idea. Under the persuasive words of the project promoters, they get excited and give it the green light, only to find out that what they get after filming and production is a pile of garbage.

Now, the same applies to Edgar. Producers, directors, actors, and film companies that want to meet Anson have to first convince Edgar.

Therefore, the schedule was packed with project meetings.

As Richard said, Edgar had no shortage of choices, and might even be overwhelmed by them.

Edgar thought about it carefully, “I like the uncertainty in this project, an elusive and uncontrollable quality, with a typical British dark humor.”

Richard muttered, "Ireland."

Edgar laughed. "Irish and British dark humor. It's different from 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'The Hangover.' I'm a little curious about Anson's performance."

"Honestly, Richard, aren't you curious?"

“Anson is a handsome guy, and it’s always a pleasure to watch handsome guys make funny faces, especially Anson.”

“When you see him, you get the impression, ‘Oh, I know you’re handsome, but I guess you’re the typical handsome guy who’s only good-looking and doesn’t do anything else.’ But after you actually get to know him, you realize you’re wrong.”

Richard took a deep breath. "Like Hugh Grant?"

Edgar thought about it seriously. “No, Hugh… he is indeed handsome, but he’s always been in his comfort zone and refuses to break out of his performance style. People always say that Adam Sandler and Matthew McConaughey are all the same, but Hugh Grant is the same. Just because he looks very knowledgeable doesn’t mean he’s noble.”

“As for Anson, he has been trying different comedic styles and creating different characters, from 'Friends' and 'The Princess Diaries' to even 'Catch Me If You Can'.”

"Perhaps that's the fundamental reason why I like this project. I like its uncertainty. When Anson collides with this uncertainty, everything that follows is unfamiliar. It could be terrible, terribly terrible, or it could be brilliant, igniting all the imagination once again."

Richard: "Okay, I got it."

Without further entanglement, Richard was persuaded. He admitted that Edgar was the one who understood Anson best, and that the blueprint in his mind was clear and definite.

Edgar's eyes lit up, and a smile spread across his face. "You agreed so easily? I thought I'd have to bring up Anson's behind-the-scenes contributions to the Golden Globe Awards."

Edgar's good mood can be heard in his joking remark.

Richard smiled. "Relax. Save this contribution for next time. Maybe Anson will need it when he's vying for the Oscar for Best Actor."

"As for now... well, it's just a meeting, isn't it? Whether you can convince the screenwriter, whether the screenwriter's ideas can move you, whether you can convince Anson, and whether Anson is truly interested—everything is still unknown."

Edgar: "Indeed, you know this, yet you still insist on arguing?"

Richard said, "If you win too easily, it will seem like a given later, won't it? I need to draw a line." A brief exchange ensued.

By this time, Richard had completely relaxed. "Oh, by the way, the invitation is in your office."

The topic shifted so quickly that Edgar was completely bewildered. "What invitation?"

Richard shrugged slightly. "What else could it be?"

"The Academy?" Edgar realized.

“Of course.” Richard’s eyes were full of smiles. “A thick stack of gold-embossed invitations. I guess there’s more than just invitations to this year’s awards ceremony; there’s also a formal invitation for Anson to become a judge for the Academy.”

"According to custom, all nominees will automatically be eligible to join the academy. However, in previous years, the academy would pretend to be reserved and adopt a high-handed attitude, waiting for half a year, that is, after the change of leadership in August, before officially sending out invitations, pretending that they had been screened, and releasing some news."

"The agencies are also willing to cooperate, creating the illusion that every Academy member is carefully selected for the general public who don't care about movies and the Oscars, making it an unparalleled honor. This is a form of public relations, both for the Academy and for these new members."

“This time, they also realized the special nature of the situation, so they gave Anson special treatment.”

In the world of fame and fortune, special treatment means glory.

Finally, everything settled down, and the academy lowered its proud head, extending an olive branch in this manner.

But in Edgar's opinion, if only they had known this would happen, they wouldn't have made it this far. Even before this year's Ballon d'Or, Frank still had the opportunity to resolve the issue peacefully. Anson wasn't such a clueless guy, but they chose the worst possible way to handle things.

In this situation, one can only say that you reap what you sow.

Edgar showed absolutely no sympathy; this was the treatment Anson deserved. Imagine if Anson had handled things slightly differently, he might now be the pariah of the world.

A smile flickered in Edgar's eyes. "What, are they worried that Anson will continue to refuse to attend?"

Richard looked over. "Will Anson be there?"

The subtext of this statement is that Richard believes Anson would dare to continue missing the Oscars.

Edgar did not respond, asking, "If he continues to be absent, will innovative artists be supported?"

Richard's eyelid twitched. Sure enough!

But on the surface, Richard didn't hesitate at all. "Of course. Then let's make Anson the next Woody Allen. We don't need the Oscars. It just so happens to complement the script you've chosen. Anson can take a completely different path."

Edgar smiled contentedly. "I know it's just a polite remark, but thank you, Richard. Anson needs to understand that he has this kind of support."

After saying that, Edgar took the project proposal from Richard, stood up, and turned to leave.

Richard's voice came from behind, "So, will Anson be there?"

Edgar didn't answer until he pushed open the office door, when his voice drifted over: "The dresses for the awards ceremony are being custom-made at a rapid pace."

(End of this chapter)