In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 419 51 Domestic Sensation, Cannes Nomination

The next morning, Yang Guangming was woken up by the ringing of the telephone.

It was Charles calling.

"Yang! Are you up?" Charles's voice was energetic. "Your schedule is packed today! ABC interview at 9:00 AM. CBS interview at 10:30 AM. Los Angeles Times interview at noon. Several more media outlets this afternoon. A producer has invited you to dinner tonight."

Yang Guangming rubbed his eyes: "Okay, I'll get up right away."

After washing up and changing my clothes, I left the room.

Chen Daoming and the others also got up and were having breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

Seeing the bright sunshine, Siqin Gaowa waved and said, "Guangming, come and have breakfast! You'll be busy today."

Yang Guangming walked over and sat down at the dining table.

Chen Daoming looked at him: "Did you sleep well last night?"

"It's alright," Yang Guangming nodded. "Just a little tired."

“That’s normal.” Chen Daoming smiled. “This period has been too exhausting; everyone needs a few days to recover.”

Xi Meijuan asked with concern, "Are you doing a lot of interviews today?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "Charles said the line is full, and it will probably be open until tonight."

"Then eat more." Xi Meijuan picked up a fried egg for him. "Don't go hungry."

Yang Guangming thanked him and ate the fried egg.

After breakfast, Charles arrived on time, bringing sunshine to begin his day's activities.

The ABC interview took place in a small studio. The host was a middle-aged woman, friendly in manner, but her questions were sharp.

"Director Yang, how does it feel to win two Oscars last night?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I'm very happy and excited. This is an affirmation of the entire crew."

"You're only eighteen years old, yet you've become the youngest person in Oscar history to win two major awards. What's your secret?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "There's no secret. It's just about making movies seriously and telling good stories."

Do you have plans for your next film?

Yang Guangming nodded: "I have an idea, but it's still in the planning stage. I'll let everyone know once it's finalized."

The interview lasted for half an hour, and Yang Guangming handled it with ease.

Next came an interview with CBS, followed by an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

The reporters' questions were varied, but Yang Guangming answered them all with composure and humility.

His fluent English and sincere attitude left a deep impression on all the interviewers.

Some people originally intended to deliberately make things difficult by asking a few tricky questions, but Yang Guangming's affability was so strong that reporters who were face-to-face with him were easily influenced by him and unconsciously developed a liking for him.

Thanks to Yang Guangming's handling of the situation, the interviews went smoothly and were very effective.

After the afternoon interview, Charles drove him back to his hotel to rest.

The meeting with the producer that evening was just to discuss potential collaborations; it wasn't particularly important and didn't take up much of his energy.

The next day, March 30th.

Yang Guangming and Chen Daoming participated in a traditional activity for Oscar winners—a visit to Hollywood to leave their handprints.

At the entrance of the famous Grauman Chinese Theatre, Yang Guangming pressed his handprint and footprints on the cement ground and signed his name.

This is the first time that mainland filmmakers have left their mark here.

The scene was filled with reporters and movie fans, and flashes of light were constantly going off.

Chen Daoming and the others stood by, watching Yang Guangming complete the ceremony, their faces beaming with pride.

Siqin Gaowa exclaimed, "Guangming, you have brought glory to Chinese cinema!"

Yang Guangming stood up, looked at the handprints he had left behind, and felt a little emotional.

In the afternoon, they visited Universal Studios and experienced the Hollywood movie production process.

That evening, Charles arranged another private dinner.

The group I met was comprised of young Hollywood directors and screenwriters, all of whom are emerging talents who have risen to prominence in recent years.

The atmosphere at the dinner was relaxed; everyone chatted about movies, creative work, and the future. Yang Guangming got along very well with them and they exchanged contact information.

On the way back to the hotel, Charles said, "Yang, everyone you met these past two days has spoken highly of you. These relationships are valuable resources that you'll need in the future."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Thank you, Chuck, for your trouble."

Charles laughed: "It's your own charm. Everyone who sees you wants to be your friend. I'm just playing matchmaker."

Back at the hotel, Yang Guangming greeted Chen Daoming and the others before returning to his room to rest.

On March 31, Yang Guangming and his group set off to return to China.

Charles saw them off at the airport, reluctant to part ways the whole way.

"Yang, go back and get some rest." He hugged Yang Guangming at the airport. "Wait for my good news. The initial public relations efforts have been very effective. The Cannes Film Festival in May will definitely not disappoint you."

Yang Guangming patted him on the back: "Chuck, you've worked hard. You're not only my good friend, but also my best partner. I believe in your abilities and you definitely won't let me down. See you in Cannes in May!"

"Okay, it's a deal."

After seeing Charles off, Yang Guangming and Chen Daoming walked into the airport together.

The plane took off, passed through the clouds, and flew towards the other side of the ocean.

On the afternoon of April 1st, the plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.

As soon as Yang Guangming and his group stepped out of the passage, they were stunned by the scene before them.

The exit of the passageway was packed with people. There were reporters, movie fans, and fans holding flowers.

The banner stretched for several meters and read:

"Welcome back, Director Yang Guangming, with honors!"

Congratulations to "A Separation" for winning two Academy Awards!

"The pride of Chinese cinema!"

The flashbulbs went off instantly, and cheers erupted one after another.

Yang Guangming paused for a moment, then smiled.

He hadn't expected such a large-scale operation.

Chen Daoming said softly from the side, "Guangming, this is what you deserve."

Siqin Gaowa smiled and said, "The atmosphere in China is so much better. It's so different when I'm back!" Yang Guangming nodded and steadily walked towards the crowd.

Reporters immediately swarmed around him, their microphones practically poking his face.

"Director Yang, what are your thoughts on winning two Oscars?"

"Director Yang, what are the plans for the future?"

"Director Yang, when are you going to shoot the new movie?"

With a smile, Yang Ming answered a few questions briefly, and then, with the help of staff, struggled out of the airport.

Han Sanping personally came to pick him up at the airport. Upon seeing Yang Guangming, he quickly walked up to him and shook his hand.

"Bright! Well done!" Han Sanping's voice was full of excitement. "Two Oscars! This is the pride of Beijing Film Studio, and the pride of Chinese cinema!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Director Han, thank you for your continued support."

"Of course, of course." Han Sanping took his hand. "Come on, get in the car. The factory has prepared a welcome ceremony for you."

Yang Guangming looked at Chen Daoming and the others: "Why don't you teachers come along too?"

Han Sanping nodded: "Of course we'll go together. We're all part of the crew, and no one can be left out."

The group got into the car and drove towards the Beijing Film Studio.

A large crowd had also gathered at the entrance of the Beijing Film Studio. Bright red banners were unfurled, and firecrackers crackled and popped, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Chinese New Year.

As soon as Yang Guangming got out of the car, applause and cheers erupted.

Teacher Xie Fei was the first to come over and shake his hand: "Guangming, well done! Your teacher is proud of you!"

Yang Guangming sincerely said, "Thank you, teacher. Without your guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Xie Fei smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "It's all thanks to your hard work. Come on, everyone is waiting for you."

As Yang Guangming walked through the gates of the Beijing Film Studio, he was surrounded by a crowd. Familiar and unfamiliar faces alike greeted him with genuine smiles.

The welcoming ceremony was held in the auditorium of the Beijing Film Studio. The auditorium was packed with people, including employees of the Beijing Film Studio, colleagues from the film industry, and many reporters.

Han Sanping personally took the stage to preside over the event and delivered a passionate speech.

"Today, we welcome Director Yang Guangming back with honors!" His voice was loud and clear. "The film 'A Separation' won two Academy Awards, a historic breakthrough for Chinese cinema! Director Yang Guangming has proven the level of Chinese films to the world with his talent and hard work! He is the pride of Beijing Film Studio and the pride of Chinese cinema!"

The applause was thunderous.

Yang Guangming was invited onto the stage and stood in front of the microphone.

Looking at the densely packed crowd below the stage, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"Thank you everyone." He began, his voice sincere. "Thank you, Director Han, thank you, Beijing Film Studio, thank you to everyone who has supported me. This award doesn't belong to me alone; it belongs to the entire crew, to Beijing Film Studio, and to Chinese cinema."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Film is an art form without borders, but filmmakers have their own homeland. I will continue to work hard to make more and better films and let the world see the charm of Chinese cinema."

The applause rang out again and lasted for a long time.

After the welcoming ceremony, Yang Guangming was surrounded by reporters and gave interviews to more than a dozen media outlets.

He finally managed to get away around 6 p.m. and go home to reunite with his parents.

The Oscars have generated unprecedented buzz, with extensive media coverage.

The People's Daily published a front-page article: "my country's young director Yang Guangming wins two Oscars."

The Guangming Daily headline read: "A Glorious Moment for Chinese Cinema".

The China Youth Daily used an even bolder headline: "An 18-year-old genius director conquers Hollywood."

On television, the news broadcast spent nearly two minutes reporting this news.

The host announced in a solemn voice: "At the 68th Academy Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles recently, the film 'A Separation,' directed by young Chinese director Yang Guangming, won two awards: Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay. This is the first time in Chinese film history that a film has won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and also the first time a Chinese director has won the Best Original Screenplay award."

The scene then cuts to Yang Guangming accepting awards on stage twice, his handsome appearance and composed demeanor leaving a deep impression on the audience.

The news report also interviewed several people in the film industry.

Xie Fei said to the camera, "Yang Guangming is my student, and I've watched him grow step by step. He's talented, and what's even more remarkable is his diligence and composure. This award is well-deserved."

Han Sanping also gave an interview: "Yang Guangming is a collaborating director with Beijing Film Studio and a hope for Chinese cinema. We will continue to support him and help him produce more great works."

The media coverage continued for several days, and the buzz remained high.

Major newspapers, television stations, and radio stations are all discussing Yang Guangming, "A Separation," and the future of Chinese cinema.

Some call him "the pride of Chinese cinema," some call him "a genius director," and others call him "China's shining light at the Oscars."

Sunshine Ming's photos graced the covers of major magazines. The image of him holding an Oscar statuette on the Oscar stage became headline news in countless media outlets.

Internationally, the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay don't usually have that much influence, but Yang Guangming is too young, and his genius is too dazzling. Media outlets from all over the world have seized on this hot topic and reported on it extensively.

The New York Times headline read: "Chinese director Yang Guangming makes Oscar history."

The Los Angeles Times said, "An 18-year-old genius director conquers Hollywood."

The Times wrote: "The Light of the East: A New Era for Chinese Cinema".

The report included interviews with many well-known directors and actors.

In an interview, Francis Ford Coppola said, "Yang Ming is a very talented young man. I watched 'A Separation' and was deeply moved. His films have a special power that makes people think and feel. I believe he will become an important force in world cinema."

Robert Redford said, "I've met and talked with Yang Ming. He has a very deep understanding of film and a very pure pursuit of art. He is a true filmmaker, not the kind of commercial director who chases fame and fortune. Of course, he is also a true genius, so genius that it doesn't inspire envy."

Mel Gibson said, "I met Yang Guangming on the red carpet and we chatted for a bit. He's very humble and sincere. It's rare to find a young man like him. I look forward to working with him."

Many Hollywood actors have also expressed their anticipation of working with Sunshine Ming.

Tom Hanks said, "A Separation really moved me. I would love to work with director Yang if I had the chance."

Susan Sarandon said, "Yang's script is really well written. The dialogue, the subtext, it's brilliant. I hope to have the opportunity to act in one of his movies."

These international media reports were then reprinted by domestic media, sparking a new round of heated discussions.

Yang Guangming's name quickly became a hot topic of conversation.

That evening, Yang Guangming sat in his study, looking at the overwhelming news reports, but he felt very calm.

He knew that all of this was temporary.

The hype will fade, and attention will shift. What truly matters is whether he can consistently produce more and better works.

The buzz surrounding the two Oscars was so intense that, even on April 10th, media coverage of the two awards hadn't completely died down when the 49th Cannes Film Festival officially announced the nominees for its main competition.

Director Yang Guangming's film "Love" unsurprisingly appeared in the main competition list.

Director Yang Guangming's film being selected for the Cannes Film Festival's main competition is not surprising given his achievements, but his decision to attend the festival for two consecutive years is somewhat unusual. (End of Chapter)

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