Huayu: As a child star, I just want to be famous

Chapter 608 Oscar (Part 1)
Outside the Dolby Theatre, starlight cascaded like a waterfall.

The cheers from both sides of the red carpet, accompanied by shouts of "Joker!" "Joker!", reached their peak the moment Chen Linfeng and Liu Qianqian stepped onto the red carpet.

The reporters on both sides were very enthusiastic, and the photographers kept pressing the shutter, their fingers twitching as if they were spasming.

They only come once a year, so they should be given some respect. At least they should linger on the red carpet a little longer to give the photographers enough time to take pictures.

For big names like him and Sissi, no one would complain about them staying too long.

However, since Xixi was physically unwell, Chen Linfeng bowed apologetically to the crowd on both sides and then quickly led Xixi through the red carpet area.

There was no dissatisfaction among the crowd at the scene; expectant mothers are the most important, a principle that applies globally.

However, Chen Kaige in the backstage studio offered an explanation: "Judging from Qianqian's condition, she must be four or five months pregnant. Xiao Chen probably considered her health and didn't linger on the red carpet."

“Yes, it should be about 5 months,” Zhang Yimou agreed.

"Actually, the red carpet part is not very meaningful; in the end, it all comes down to whether you win an award."

“That’s true,” Chen Kaige nodded in agreement, “but people still need an occasion like this to showcase themselves.”

These two have a lot of valuable insights, and appearing on a show together creates a good program, but they easily go off-topic.

Xiao Sa, both amused and exasperated, steered the conversation back on track, "Hey, a new celebrity guest has arrived, and right after that comes Leonardo DiCaprio. He's a hot favorite for Best Actor this year, ever since..."

After crossing the red carpet, they arrived at the exhibition area. Following the procedure, they took a few photos before entering the inner passage.

"Director Chen, can we chat for a bit?"

Chen Linfeng glanced around and saw someone shouting among the reporters outside the exhibition area.

With his sharp eyes and excellent memory, he instantly recognized the reporter from his own V2EX website.

After thinking about it, it's rare to see a Chinese person become a big news booster in the Oscar competition, so we should give our own people some benefits.

"Sisi, go inside and wait for me. I'll go in and chat for a bit."

"Well, let's go."

When Lu Lingling saw that the boss was walking in her direction, she became excited instantly.

She pushed her way forward, pleading with the surrounding reporters, "Sorry, I'm a reporter from China. Director Chen is here for me."

"You wish, you piece of shit."

"Don't assume that just because you and Chen are from the same country, he will take care of you."

"Exactly, what do you think the Oscars are?"

However, this angered many people, and no one wanted to give up the interview opportunity to someone else.

Chen's last interview before entering the Oscars venue was incredibly valuable.

Photographer Xiao Zhang followed behind Lu Lingling, sweating profusely as he squeezed forward. Feeling the unfriendly gazes around him, he couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.

"He's not only my compatriot, he's also my boss!"

Lu Lingling spoke with righteous indignation, shouting loudly while continuing to push forward, finally managing to get into position before Chen Linfeng could stand still.

Chen Linfeng vaguely heard the content of their argument, and without any hesitation, pointed at Lu Lingling and said:

"I'm here to be interviewed by her."

Lu Lingling's face instantly flushed red, and she looked down at everyone with disdain.

Did you see that?

"Of course, after she has asked a few questions, I can leave you with two more."

Chen Linfeng remained as steady as ever.

The surrounding reporters exchanged bewildered glances; the atmosphere of shared animosity had instantly shifted.

Oh no, there are too many enemies.

As a result, the spot next to Lu Lingling became highly sought after again.

Ignoring the scramble around her, Lu Lingling raised the microphone and said, "Director Chen, good evening. I'm Lu Lingling, a reporter from Huaxia V Station Media. It's a pleasure to interview you. We have many of your fans on V Station. Could you please say hello to them in front of the camera?"

Chen Linfeng glanced at her with admiration. As expected of his own employee, she started advertising before he even said anything.

"Hello everyone on V2EX, I am Chen Linfeng. It is March 3, 2014. I am greeting you from the entrance of the Oscars ceremony."

"Are you aware that fans around the world are supporting you to win the Oscar for Best Picture or Best Director?"

"I have been paying attention to the support from my fans, and I am very grateful for their love."

Are you confident of winning an Oscar this year?

"I am definitely confident of winning an award, but it's hard to say which award I will win out of 11 nominations. The judges will appreciate me more for each award."

"As we all know, Leonardo DiCaprio is your good friend. Do you think he can win the Best Actor award this year?"

“I believe he can do it. His portrayal of the Joker is second to none and is enough to move people.”

Seeing that she was about to ask more questions, Chen Linfeng interrupted, "Alright, that's all for these three questions. I'm about to go in."

Then he looked at the crowd behind Lu Lingling, pointed at one at random, and said, "This gentleman, it's you."

The other party was overjoyed and stretched the microphone forward as much as possible, "I'm Chen, a reporter from the French newspaper Le Monde. Can you predict the best film and best director tonight?"

“It’s hard to predict,” Chen Linfeng said with a troubled expression. “Sometimes people’s hopes often run counter to reality.”

"But sometimes, incredible miracles happen. Who knows? Let's keep the suspense until a few hours later."

Damn, that's really cunning.

The Le Monde reporter cursed under his breath, but it was too late for him.

At this moment, another lucky person was selected.

"Chen, if Leonardo still doesn't win Best Actor tonight, would you think the Academy is deliberately blocking him?"

"I wouldn't have expected such a tragic outcome. You know, my work has always been on the optimistic side."

Chen Linfeng cursed inwardly, thinking that the reporters outside were indeed not as reliable as his own, as they all wanted to scam people.

"I still hold the same view: I think Leo is the most promising one, and he deserves that Oscar."

"Are you saying Matthew McConaughey's acting is inferior to Leonardo DiCaprio's?"

Chen Linfeng waved his hand, ignoring him.

He continued back to the entrance of the inner passage, and after walking a few steps, he saw Xixi waiting for him ahead.

There was another person standing next to him, Leonardo DiCaprio.

"Chen, have you been harassed by reporters?"

"Haha, they're all minor issues. But there was one question I had to think about, which involved you."

Leonardo DiCaprio asked with a smile, "What question could possibly stump you?"

"He asked me what I would do if I didn't win an award tonight. I thought for a long time and couldn't figure out how I could not win an award. I almost couldn't answer the question."

Leonardo laughed, "I'm not as confident as you."

"How can you succeed without confidence? Your Joker is the best character of the year."

They talked as they walked inside.

Chen Linfeng and Leonardo DiCaprio were definitely the focus of the entire event.

Even though everyone present was just one of the very top figures in Hollywood, there are still differences between the best.

These two are figures that even most famous movie stars have to look up to.

Of course, she still maintained a basic level of composure, but like a concubine hoping to be favored, she simply watched them longingly.

The two followed their old habit of heading in different directions first, and then meeting up at the end.

"Chris~" Chen Linfeng greeted "Thor" who was closest to him first. Standing next to him was also a pregnant woman, who looked to be much more advanced in her pregnancy than Sisi.

Chris Hemsworth quickly stepped closer. "Chen, let me introduce you. This is my wife, Elsa."

Sisi glanced at the other person and couldn't help but ask, "How many months pregnant are you?"

Elsa replied with a smile, "It's been over nine months."

"Wow!" Liu Qianqian's eyes widened. "Isn't it almost here?"

"Yes, the doctor scheduled an appointment for the middle to late part of this month."

"There aren't many days left, are you nervous?" Liu Qianqian looked at her with concern.

"I had it during my first pregnancy, but I'm used to it now."

"May I ask, will it hurt a lot?"

The two pregnant women, who had a lot in common, started chatting.

Chen Linfeng and Chris, on the other hand, started talking about Marvel.

Has the filming schedule for Avengers: Age of Ultron been confirmed?

"It seems like filming will start next month. Oh, by the way, I heard you'll also be involved in the screenwriting for this film, Chen?"

Chen Linfeng nodded, without saying anything more.

The so-called screenwriters are mostly there to add Chinese superheroes.

Before this, Mei spent a lot of time negotiating with Disney, and it wasn't until the end of last year, just before the project was about to start, that it was finally finalized.

In return, Marvel will also cooperate with him to film a Chinese-related superhero origin story as a preview trailer for "Avengers 2".

Although, judging from the schedule, the release dates of these two films are not actually that different.

After all, the China chapter is still in the planning stage.

During the Chinese New Year, he wasn't idle; he was still paying attention to this matter.

However, he didn't get involved in the actual filming; instead, he handed it over to Marvel's directors to co-direct with Guo Fan.

The Marvel director ensured the Marvel-style humor, Guo Fan ensured the film didn't deviate from the core of Chinese culture, and Chen Linfeng focused on whether the film deviated from his script.

They each had their own roles.

That's a story for later. Chen Linfeng didn't explain further, but simply said, "Next month, I'll be launching a Marvel Cinematic Universe Chinese superhero movie. Would you be interested in making a cameo appearance for a couple of days?"

"Of course, it's an honor."

Chris agreed without hesitation.

He and Chen spent some time together during the filming of "The Avengers," but their relationship wasn't particularly close.

These days, when faced with the world's most sought-after director, there's no need to hesitate at all when receiving an invitation like this.

Chen Linfeng chatted with him for a while longer. Seeing that Qianqian's side was still not finished, he thought it would be good for her to walk less, so he asked Chris and his wife to help look after Qianqian.

“I’m not that weak.” Sisi brandished her fist, which had no intimidating power whatsoever.

Chen Linfeng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Yes, yes, you're the most amazing fairy sister who knows supernatural powers and magic."

Liu Qianqian blushed and said, "Go away, Xiao Heizi, hurry up and leave."

"You two have such a great relationship," Elsa couldn't help but say enviously.

Although she and Chris are doing quite well, seeing a better couple always makes people feel envious.

After that, Chen Linfeng wandered around the venue.

This segment before the awards ceremony officially begins serves two purposes: firstly, it allows filmmakers time to network, and secondly, it provides an opportunity for some celebrities to take photos inside the venue.

This can be considered as accommodating the needs of both reporters and celebrities.

Chen Linfeng would occasionally see celebrities posing for photos at the edge of the crowd.

He's not that free, because he'd be surrounded.

"Chen, it's been so long since we last met."

Emma Watson walked over, lifting her skirt, her eyes shining with admiration. "Joker was truly the biggest surprise in Hollywood last year. It was so well made."

"Thank you. I heard you've been moving into the fashion industry lately?"

“Yes, you saw the news too, right?” Emma asked happily.

Chen Linfeng shook his head. "I don't think this is a good choice."

In her past life, Emma was a typical example of someone who went astray. She thought that with the addition of the "Infinite" series, things would be different.

In retrospect, although the matter was delayed, it did not make any real difference.

Indeed, a British child star without resources has to seize every opportunity to develop his career.

Emma opened her mouth, wanting to explain.

But then others joined in.

"Chen, good evening. Didn't Long come this time?"

Chen Linfeng turned his head and looked, "Lawrence, he has a very strong sense of pride. He won't come to see me gloating unless there's a suitable opportunity."

"Haha, is this another competition between you brothers?"

Jennifer Lawrence burst into laughter, displaying a rather hearty and unrestrained spirit.

This person is really unconventional; I heard they fell again while walking the red carpet outside.

It's been a staple of the show, I wonder if it's for the sake of the "silly big sister" persona or to steal the spotlight.

Chen Linfeng had no problem with her. During the filming of "The Hunger Games," he even became familiar with Xiaolong, and afterwards, he would usually start a conversation with Xiaolong.

Good evening, Chen.

"Oh, Benny," Chen Linfeng smiled, "Are you here to gather intelligence?"

Benedict is one of the characters in "12 Years a Slave," playing the third male lead.

Benedict immediately gave a French military salute, saying, "Captain, I am your most loyal soldier."

"Yes, so Chu Xuan, the 'loyal' team member, used me as a guinea pig, right? I can't accept that," Chen Linfeng complained.

Seeing that Director Chen could still catch the joke, Benedict secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The films "For a Slave" and "Joker" were so controversial recently that he was worried that Director Chen might have a bad impression of him because of them.

"Although I'm from the 'Serves the Slave' crew, I have to say I think you have the best chance of being the biggest winner tonight."

Chen Linfeng waved his hand, "The ceremony hasn't started yet, it's too early to talk about this now."

He avoided everyone who came to congratulate him tonight.

Call it superstition or past life experience, but opening champagne at the halfway point is never a good thing.

After chatting with them for a while, Chen Linfeng then exchanged pleasantries with Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, and others.

In fact, even though he didn't show any refusal to communicate, most of those who took the initiative to approach him were either people he already knew or had a relationship with, or senior figures with high status in the industry.

Most celebrities, on the other hand, wisely watch from a distance.

Fortunately, there are no hidden gems who are not famous now but will become famous in the future, so he himself does not feel regret.

Having used up most of his exchange points for the day, Chen Linfeng walked back to his seat.

By this time, most of the people on the red carpet had already walked.

Many celebrities have already taken their seats.

(End of this chapter)