Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 430 Realistic Themes VS Comedy, My Advantage Lies with Them

Evening, at the Beverly Hills villa.

Besides Charlize Theron, the women who came included Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie.

Had dinner.

They went to the bar on the second floor, opened a bottle of champagne, and then casually turned on the floor-standing speaker.

Under the warm yellow light, the vinyl record slowly spun, and jazz music flowed through the room like water.

"Congratulations!" Julie raised her glass in a toast.

Charlize Theron smiled and tilted her head to look at Scarlett.

The latter scoffed, "I'm sure I'll get a nomination."

Julie narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression showing a hint of surprise: "Oscar?"

Scarlett straightened her back, highlighting her advantage: "Of course!"

After saying that, she glanced sideways at Theron.

Julie smiled, her narrow eyes like those of a fox about to steal a chicken: "As far as I know, Nicole and Naomi also have a chance to win the Best Actress award this year? I wonder how Don will choose?"

“Nicole can’t possibly get two consecutive covers,” Scarlett disagreed. “She already got one last year, and Don has given her enough resources.”

Julie's eyes flashed: "So, Nicole's win last year was really orchestrated by Tang?"

Scarlett realized she'd been tricked and rolled her eyes at her: "Go ask her yourself."

Jolie smiled enigmatically: "I've won Best Supporting Actress, are you sure you don't need my help?"

Ok?
It was only then that Scarlett remembered that Jolie's father and brother were also in Hollywood.

Her father, in particular, holds a prominent position in the industry.

Scarlett was young and a little too proud to admit it.

Charlize Theron didn't care. She picked up the champagne and poured a glass for Jolie: "Miss Angelina, please."

Julie laughed: "I'll use my connections to put in a good word for you."

At this moment, Scarlett recalled more: it seemed like Jolie's father had once won an Oscar for Best Actor.

But she was still young. She opened her mouth, but no words came out; she simply lowered her head and took a sip of champagne.

Julie found it amusing and replied, "Scarlett, I'll help you too."

"Thanks." Scarlett's voice sounded a little strange.

Julie waved her hand gently: "You forgot, you helped me promote my relationship with Tang."

Scarlett suddenly realized that she hadn't forgotten; rather, she had gained considerable exposure from that publicity stunt.

This has drawn the attention of many viewers and media outlets.

The three women were chatting when Tang Wen walked in.

Julie hadn't seen him for a few days, and said directly, "Gentlemen, I won't stand on ceremony today."

After saying that, she took two quick steps, threw herself into his arms, and tilted her head back to kiss him.

Charlize and Scarlett frowned slightly, sensing that something was amiss.

It feels like I sacrificed my "boyfriend" in exchange for something better.
This plot seems familiar...where have I seen it before?

An incompetent girlfriend, or the amazing Angelina Jolie?
The two exchanged a glance, then looked away from each other.

Tang Wen was pulled by Julie towards the bathroom.

"No, I just took a shower this afternoon."

"Oh, Tang, your two women need my help to win the lottery. Are you sure you don't want to listen to me?"

After saying that, Julie turned around and raised an eyebrow with a smile.

Without giving the two women time to react, he increased the force in his hands and pushed Tang Wen into the bathroom.

"Oh, f**k!"

"b**ch!"

Scarlett and Theron, without prior arrangement, both extended warm greetings to Julie, who had just been their best friend.

The former put down his wine glass and chased after her to the bathroom door, but unfortunately, Julie had already locked the door from the inside.

"Angelina! Don't fall into my hands!"

He responded to her.

But it was a satisfied sigh.

Scarlett was so angry that she turned and left.

Inside the door, the steamy mirror reflected overlapping figures, their clothes still in place...

Scarlett went back to the bar, took a sip of champagne, and whispered to Theron, discussing how she would teach Jolie a lesson later!
Theron agreed without hesitation.

These kinds of games in bed can actually enhance a relationship.

One night of absurdity.

noon the next day.

Tang Wen, accompanied by Charlize Theron and Patty Jekins, director of "Monster," arrived at the Beverly Business Club.

Also present were the CAA brokerage team, with a partner personally leading the company director and executive broker.

Yes, Charlize Theron is now signed with CAA.

"The film is scheduled for preview screenings on December 17th. We will arrange special screenings for the Oscar voters at that time..."

This is standard practice at the Oscars; all films aiming for awards must appease the judges.

"Theron made a great sacrifice for the role, and the judges generally liked it. However, it's not without its disadvantages."

The CAA partner looked at Tang Wen and said:

"Tang, you should know that this is Theron's first Oscar nomination. In terms of experience and reputation, she is at a disadvantage."

Needless to say, Charlize Theron has acted in a small number of films and has not won any significant acting awards.

In terms of public opinion, Charlize Theron was previously perceived in Hollywood as a pretty face rather than a talented actress.

"Don't worry about seniority; I'll figure out a way to improve the reputation." Tang Wen had already come up with a plan.

"Oh?"

The CAA partner raised an eyebrow with a hint of curiosity. He had spent half his life in Hollywood and couldn't figure out how to improve the reputation of a pretty-boy actress in a short period of time.

Tang Wen simply smiled and said, "Leave this to me."

The CAA partner had no choice but to suppress his curiosity: "Alright, Theron hasn't won any acting awards before, so we'll have to fight for all the Oscar precursor awards one by one! Especially the Golden Globe for Best Actress..."

"No problem, that's what I meant too."

Theron didn't speak, but gently took Tang Wen's hand and intertwined their fingers.

Everyone else who witnessed this didn't even blink. In this industry, without such a close relationship, why would a famous director like Tang Wen go to such lengths to promote someone?
Young director Patty Jekins secretly envied the many actresses in Hollywood who were heavily supported by the public.

It's nothing more than groveling to the big shots.

But those big shots, including the fallen Harvey, were all old men whose figures had deteriorated and whose appearances were worrying.

Tang Wen is young, handsome, and talented. He is a rare find, a true sugar daddy who is willing to invest so much in a female actress!
Unfortunately, he looked down on himself.

CAA then helped analyze Theron's potential competitors for the prize.

The analysis focuses not on acting skills, but on the background of the production team.

Among the many films, "Love Is Compromise" was produced by Columbia Pictures, one of the eight major studios in the industry.

The female lead, Diane Keaton, previously starred as the female lead in "The Godfather".

She has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress twice and won once, demonstrating her extensive experience.

"Another one is the movie '21 Grams' starring Naomi Watts," the CAA partner said, glancing at Tang Wen and Charlize Theron.

It's obvious that Tang Wen made Naomi Watts famous.

Seeing that the two did not express any particular opinion, he continued, "The production company of '21 Grams' is Focus Features, a subsidiary of Universal."

Focus Features is quite good at making art films.

"The good news is that Focus Features only holds a small share of the investment; the main funding comes from Mexico. According to our internal sources at CAA, they won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival, so they're not particularly keen on winning awards for their actresses!"

Sean Penn won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for "21 Grams," and Tang Wen was there in person. "..."

We talked for half an afternoon, listening to various news and opinions.

Finally, Tang Wen smiled at everyone and concluded, "At present, our chances of winning are very high!"

After a long meeting, everyone, who were feeling a bit tired, perked up at the words.

Tang Wen continued, "The biggest threats to us are Diane Keaton and Naomi Watts."

However, both have their disadvantages. For Diane, her film *Love Is Compromise* is a comedy, and its content is not serious.

"Does Director Tang know the specifics?"

Films aiming for the Oscars will have limited screenings before the Oscar submission deadline, usually in a few theaters in New York and Los Angeles.

Critics and Oscar voters were invited to attend.

The reason for releasing the film on a limited scale is to make it easier for the production company to control word-of-mouth.

Currently, none of the main competitors have started preview screenings, except for "21 Grams," which has already premiered in Venice.

There were no preview screenings for "Love is Compromise," so the plot is currently unknown to the public.

But Tang Wen remembered it vividly because the movie's plot was a bit far-fetched.

"Okay, don't tell anyone." Tang Wen casually gave this instruction before continuing, "Jack Nicholson plays an elderly playboy who is recuperating at his girlfriend's house after suffering a heart attack, and ends up falling in love with his girlfriend's mother... In short, it's a love story."

That doesn't sound very good.

In a country with even a modicum of social ethics, this movie wouldn't have been made.

But Tang Wen knew there was another way to say it: A prodigal son who returns is more precious than gold!
Isn't this just a story of an elderly prodigal son searching for true love?

The older Oscar judges found the story very compelling.

Mother and daughter

in love,

The main character is an older white man.

Wow, this storyline is practically tailor-made for these judges! They seem incredibly immersed in it!

Of course, it cannot be denied that this drama also has its merits.

The film is presented as a lighthearted and humorous comedy with a fast pace, a bold and unconventional plot, and a cast of talented actors delivering solid performances, making for a very smooth overall viewing experience.

Without these advantages, the film's box office wouldn't have reached $200 million.

Tang Wen recounted the plot in detail, which surprised everyone.

The two senior executives at CAA looked at him thoughtfully.

Ignoring their thoughts, Tang Wen raised his voice:

"Our 'The Female Demon' is based on a true story, and the real-life person who inspired it was executed last year!"
The event itself has a strong social impact, and the subject matter is serious and heavy, exploring the themes of justice, gender, and power...

At this point, his tone became resolute:
"Realistic themes have the advantage over comedies!"

Inside the room, CAA's agent and director Patty both nodded, their faces full of agreement.

However, the CAA partners did not appear overly excited.

He knew that Tang Wen and Naomi Watts had a close relationship.

Will Don really go all out to help Theron win the award?
After chatting for a while, the CAA partner didn't mince words and asked, "Naomi Watts is also a strong contender for the award, right? Should we try to sabotage her?"

Naomi Watts is a WMA contract actress, so CAA executives won't be lenient with her.

Tang Wen disagreed, but he reassured her: "You CAA can invest resources with confidence. After the film's preview screenings, the feminist community will follow up with support for Theron."

“Okay.” The CAA partners wouldn’t stand up to Tang Wen directly. For them, no matter who Tang Wen supported, they would find a way to help Theron win the award.

Moreover, after observing for several hours, he realized...

Theron, who is usually very opinionated and aloof, becomes as gentle as a kitten in front of Tang Wen.

The matter of qualifying for the Olympics is so important; it clearly concerns her future!
But an entire afternoon passed, and she barely uttered a single word.

Whatever Tang Wen says goes.

If she offends Tang Wen, there's no guarantee that Theron might terminate her contract with CAA one day.

After discussing it, the others left one after another.

Only Theron and Tang Wen remained in the room.

Charlize Theron closed the conference room door, her eyes softening as she turned away.
"Should I talk to Naomi?"

Tang Wen patted his leg, and Theron sat down before coming over, placing his long legs on the sofa.

"What to talk about?"

"She let me have my way this time, so I'll help her next time."

"No need for that trouble, I'll do it." Tang Wen picked her up and carried her to the rest room inside.

Charlize Theron is nearly 1.8 meters tall and quite heavy, but when Tang Wen held her, it really felt like he was carrying a large cat.

And emotionally, I feel happier holding her.

Theron gazed tenderly at Tang Wen with eyes as clear as lake water: "What I mean is, I can't just do nothing, can I?"

Tang Wen didn't care about these trivial matters: "Okay, you can ask her out. As long as we don't fight, I won't interfere."

"Of course not."

"There's one more person you need to contact."

Theron paused, her body stiffening suddenly, and asked cautiously, "Man or woman?"

Snapped!
With a crisp crack, Theron covered her shapely buttocks and obediently apologized, "I'm sorry, I was overthinking it."

"She's a woman!" Tang Wen said irritably, "Do you think I'd push you out?"

Putting aside others, Charlize Theron is not like any random model or actress who just pops up on the scene.

Due to her unique experiences in her family of origin.

She had placed her heartfelt affections in Tang Wen.

Therefore, she wasn't afraid of anything else, except that Tang Wen, for his own benefit, would make her...

Tang Wen was still furious and gave her a few more slaps: "If there's a next time, I'll hang you up and whip you."

Theron bit her lip and let out a soft hum: "This time it will be enough."

There was no reluctance in her voice, only anticipation.

Tang Wen: No, you don't have some amazing attribute, do you?

Feeling a little embarrassed by his gaze, Theron buried her head in his chest: "Who do you want me to contact?"

“Frances McDormand,” Tang Wen said, placing his hand on her smooth thigh and uttering the name of an actress.

"Her? She's quite old and has won many awards. Could she influence the Oscar vote?"

"Not the Oscars! She's the jury president for next year's Berlin Film Festival. I've already had someone investigate her background, and I'll send it to you later. You just need to find an opportunity to talk to her, according to her preferences."

It's really just about showing your face.

Charlize Theron's film "Monster" was also submitted to the 04 Berlin Film Festival.

In the original timeline, this film won two Best Actress awards.

This is now Tang Wen's goal.

If you can accomplish the task of promoting someone, you've already completed half of it.

"Don't force yourself to help me improve my reputation and public image if it's not easy," Theron said breathlessly.

Tang Wen smiled: "It has already begun."

Charlize Theron's name is widely known in various countries in later generations, thanks in part to her works.

There is another "rumor" whose truth is hard to discern and should not be ignored.

The renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, who later visited Lolita Island, once said: "Even in an infinite number of parallel universes, you would never be able to date Charlize Theron..."

Tang Wen is trying to find a way to get Hawking to say those words again.

(End of this chapter)