America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 479 Best Supporting Actor

In Atlanta, Robert rushed back to his office, turned on the TV, and tuned to ABC. The Oscars red carpet broadcast had already begun.

Jerome pushed the door open and came in, carrying a case of canned beer.

Robert took it and said, "The red carpet has begun."

Jerome asked, "What are Martin's chances of winning?"

Robert looked at the newly placed 03 Coca-Cola on the old wooden table and said, "Martin never called me to arrange a ceremony for the first two Oscars, but this time he called specifically."

Jerome knew that Robert was the high priest of the Cult of Cola, and immediately nodded: "It seems that Martin is confident of victory."

Cheers suddenly erupted from the television, followed by a deafening, synchronized shout.

"The eternal Coca-Cola Cult! The eternal Coca-Cola God of War! The eternal Cult Leader Martin!"

The two saw on live television that Martin held up a commemorative can of Coca-Cola and drank with many members of the Coca-Cola Cult.

Jerome said, "I've never seen a spokesperson achieve what Martin has done. In two life-or-death moments, Martin won both times with Coca-Cola. His publicity value is unmatched by any other brand!"

Robert nodded: "Martin deserves this lifetime endorsement deal with Coca-Cola."

In front of the Kodak Theatre, Martin took Elizabeth's hand and they went into the media area together. After saying a few routine words, they left quickly.

I've been high-profile enough lately, there's no need to show off here.

As Martin entered the lobby, he encountered Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan Downey.

Donnie opened his arms and hugged Martin, saying, "Congratulations, buddy."

Martin shook hands with Susan first before responding to Donnie: "The results haven't been announced yet; anything is possible."

Susan thought back to four years ago and said, "Martin, you've developed so fast. In the blink of an eye, you've become a superstar."

Martin laughed and said, "I was lucky."

Donnie clenched his fist and bumped into Martin again: "You little brat, how are we supposed to compete with you? It's not fair!"

Martin said helplessly, "That's just bad luck."

Donnie thought about it and realized that was indeed the case. If Martin's skills were even slightly weaker, there would probably be memorial or commemorative events for Martin all over the United States.

He had seen the glory of the peak and experienced the desolation of the valley. Now he was on his way back to the peak. With a good mindset, he nodded and said, "You deserve all of this."

Susan Downey rarely speaks, and it's clear that in front of outsiders, everything revolves around Downey.

The four of them entered the hall together. The two film crews were quite far apart, so they quickly separated.

Martin led Elizabeth to the second row where the Dark Knight cast was seated. Nolan stood up and shook his hand, asking, "Fully recovered?"

The last time he visited Martin in the hospital, Martin was still injured.

Martin smiled and nodded: "The Martin you know is truly back."

Taking advantage of this hospitalization, Martin also got rid of his mental illness and is now fully recovered both physically and mentally.

The crew members who were nominated for Best Editing and Best Sound also came over and bumped fists with Martin.

They all knew that Martin was the most likely winner tonight.

Nicholson and Leonardo arrived one after the other, and they sat right next to Martin.

Seeing Martin bouncing around again, Leonardo said deliberately, "You bastard, you almost made Jack and me spend extra money on custom-made clothes!"

Martin asked in surprise, "What does this have to do with me?"

Nicholson retorted, "Attend your bastard's funeral!"

Elizabeth looked at the three men strangely, completely baffled by male friendship, especially the three idiots next to her who were making all sorts of ridiculous jokes.

"I had no choice. I rolled around at the gates of Hell, but Satan wouldn't let me in," Martin said solemnly. "He said Hell accepts everything, except three things!"

Leonardo readily agreed: "Which three?"

Martin pointed to the two of them, and himself, and said, "Nicholson, Leonardo, and Martin Davis! Because Satan is afraid we'll mess with Him!"

The two old buddies both burst into laughter.

Three bastards, who went through life and death together, became true best friends.

Nicholson then added, "The trio of bastards took down over a dozen armed agents and terrorists, their fame spreading throughout Hollywood!"

Leonardo raised his head, feeling honored.

Without his 11-second 100-meter dash, there would have been no Nicholson's later commanding presence, and Martin would not have been able to take down those thugs.

Martin laughed too: "The three of us working together, even Satan wouldn't dare to take us down, let alone anyone else!"

Leonardo DiCaprio then added, "Today, Nicholson and I will both be presenters."

Martin said, "I was originally thinking of being the presenter for Best Picture, but I've had enough exposure lately, so I'll let someone else have it."

Nicholson added, "There will be a surprise later."

As they were talking, Kate Winslet came over, and Martin got up to hug her.

Kate glanced at Elizabeth, whose face was beaming with a sweet smile. Her depression, stemming from marital problems, instantly lifted, and she said, "Your smile is brighter than the Los Angeles sunshine."

Elizabeth smiled and said, "Thank you, Kate. You are my most admired actress. I was hopelessly infatuated with Ruth when I was a child."

Kate nodded slightly to her, then said to Martin, "Good luck tonight."

Not far away, Harvey Weinstein cast a concerned glance, secretly marveling at Martin's incredible luck in escaping death and even turning misfortune into blessing.

Beside him, Georgina Chapman was also looking at Martin, her eyes sparkling.

Compared to the fat, unkempt old man beside him, Martin was the real man.

Should we invite Martin over to the party another day?

Harvey turned around but didn't notice anything unusual about his wife, because his mind was entirely on Martin.

Quentin Tarantino's big-budget World War II film was rejected by Martin Scorsese. Harvey Durant once considered using Ben Affleck, but Affleck was too deeply involved in the controversy to extricate himself.

Because Martin Scorsese has been known for his accurate selection of films and roles in recent years, after news of his rejection of Quentin Tarantino's new film spread, several A-list male stars who received invitations from Harvey Durant all gave vague responses, causing the project to progress very slowly.

Harvey and Quentin even auditioned Matt Damon, but the latter lacked the swagger needed for the lead role.

Thinking about his own predicament and looking at Martin on the other side, Harvey felt even more resentful. If nothing unexpected happens, Martin will win an Oscar tonight.

Music started playing, and with Hugh Jackman's entrance, the awards ceremony officially began.

This talented male star, who can sing and dance, delivered a splendid opening song and dance performance, and ended the song with the lyrics of "I Am Wolverine".

Next to Martin, Nicholson and Leonardo got up to go backstage.

The latter specifically said, "The surprise is coming soon."

Martin had some suspicions, as there had been rumors that the Academy had come up with many innovations for this year's awards ceremony in an effort to salvage the declining ratings, such as the lineup of award presenters.

As in previous years, the first award presented was for Best Supporting Actress, and this year five presenters appeared together.

The number of award presenters varied, breaking away from the rather rigid pattern of the past.

After Hugh Jackman made a joke about the Santa Monica Pier shooting, it was time for the Best Supporting Actor award.

Martin sat up straight, feeling a little nervous, but mostly expectant.

Elizabeth gripped the edge of the seat tightly, even more nervous than Martin. She licked her red lips slightly and murmured, "God bless!"

At home in Beverly Hills, Lily, who was watching the live stream, stood up, then plopped back down on the sofa, laughing happily.

Because she saw the presenters, unlike the five for Best Supporting Actress, there were only two – Nicholson and Leonardo!

The eldest and second eldest of the trio of bastards appeared together to present a Best Supporting Actor award!

Either of these two individuals could easily be the presenters for Best Picture, yet they both presented the Best Supporting Actor award.

The answer is self-evident.

Nicholson spoke first: "Leo, the two of us together have three Oscars. What are your thoughts on winning an Oscar?"

Leonardo, with his signature wide-eyed glare and furrowed brow, roared, "Don't say we're combined, you clearly have three, and I don't!"

Nicholson pointed to the large screen behind him: "A new Oscar winner for acting is about to be born."

Accompanied by clips from the movie playing on the big screen, Leonardo DiCaprio read aloud: "The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are Josh Brolin, Philip Hoffman, Martin Davis, Robert Downey Jr..."

Nicholson opened the envelope, took out the card inside, and placed it in front of the two men.

Leonardo leaned over and said together, "The winner is Martin Davis!"

Martin cupped his face in his hands, overwhelmed with surprise and excitement, feeling extremely happy—it was the best feeling imaginable!

Elizabeth opened her arms and hugged him tightly.

Martin kissed her, then stood up and hugged Nolan and the rest of the crew one by one.

The entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Angelina Jolie, whose seat was on the other side, stood up and applauded, gesturing for everyone around her to stand up as well.

The same goes for Aniston, who is sitting in the middle.

Many guests in the front row stood up and applauded.

Martin strode onto the stage, his ears filled only with applause.

More and more people stood up, as if propelled by a wave, and the audience in the back rows also stood up.

When Martin reached the edge of the stage, everyone in the Kodak Theatre stood up and applauded!

Martin walked onto the stage and received the heavy Oscar statuette from Leonardo DiCaprio.

Leonardo hugged him and patted his back hard, so hard that Martin hurt.

Nicholson, on the other hand, was enjoying the show with amusement.

In Atlanta, upon seeing Martin receive his Oscar, Robert and Jerome opened champagne, poured themselves a glass, and clinked glasses in celebration.

At home in Beverly Hills, Lily jumped up, shouted, tore open a bottle of wine, and started drinking.

At this moment, Coca-Cola's Martin commemorative edition Coke, which was distributed throughout the United States, sold out!

(End of this chapter)