America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 846 Martin and Aniston's Oscar Race

Disney Studios, Beauty and the Beast Studio.

A dozen or so people, including Martin and Alan Horn, gathered in a dance studio that had been temporarily converted into an audition room.

The third round of auditions for the female lead is about to begin, and the auditions will mainly consist of singing and dancing.

Producer David Haberman had his assistant bring over several iPads and hand them over to representatives of the Screen Actors Guild and the insurance company.

The latter two displayed impeccable professionalism. They took the iPad, went to the last row, turned off the sound, opened the game, and played it very professionally, without interfering with the audition process of the film crew.

Director Bill Condon asked Martin and Alan Horn, "Shall we begin?"

Martin nodded slightly.

Alan Horn said, "Begin."

There were only three candidates for the final round of auditions: Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, and Emma Roberts.

The latter's aunt, Julia Roberts, is also helping him compete for the role.

Emma Roberts was the first to appear.

The audition consisted of three parts: a short performance, a dance, and a rendition of "Scarborough Fair".

Emma Roberts is a decent dancer, but her singing is only so-so.

However, both Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson demonstrated exceptional dancing and singing skills during their auditions.

Emma Watson has not yet been fully caught up in the changing landscape of feminism, and with over a decade of acting experience, she maintains a high level of professionalism.

Saoirse Ronan needs no introduction; she had been practicing singing and dancing since before "La La Land" and had never stopped.

Martin had already informed her what kind of practice she needed to do.

The auditions have concluded successfully, but the casting decisions still need to be made by the production team's higher-ups.

After watching the audition videos again, most people left the audition room, leaving only Martin, Alan Horn, director Bill Condon, and producer David Haberman.

Bill Condon, a CAA client, didn't hesitate and said directly, "I think Emma Watson is a better fit. She has a higher profile globally and more fans, which would naturally bring a larger audience to the film."

David Haberman was a smart man. He had an ordinary relationship with CAA and knew that the decision-making power was not in his hands, so he simply kept quiet.

Emma Watson and Saoirse Ronan both performed well in their auditions, but Alan Horn, as the investor and producer, did not rush to speak.

This is a Disney project, and Davis Studios is second in line. Although Martin can directly influence Alan Horn's decision, he still needs a respectable reason.

He said, "I chose Saoirse Ronan. La La Land was a huge box office success, with over $1.5 million in North America. Saoirse Ronan's performance as the female lead was very popular, especially the key musical numbers, which were highly praised, proving her market appeal."

Alan Horn also needs a reason, so he remains silent.

Martin continued, "As for Emma Watson, the Harry Potter series is a thing of the past. After leaving the role of Hermione Granger, the two movies she starred in, Noah's Ark and The Bling Ring, were complete failures in terms of both critical reception and box office. Fans only remember her as Hermione. Even if she plays Belle, fans will still think of her as Hermione."

He then pointed out a key point: "I think you all remember what happened at the Disney studio more than a year ago with Emma Watson."

Bill Condon had an image flash before his eyes: Emma Watson covered in yellowish-brown poop on her buttocks and trouser legs, and he instinctively covered his nostrils.

David Haberman couldn't help but speak up: "This incident has seriously damaged Emma Watson's public image."

"Using Emma Watson is a bit too risky." Alan Horn, representing the primary production company Disney, made the decision: "Emma Roberts isn't up to the task, so let's go with Saoirse Ronan."

Bill Condon could recommend Emma Watson, but he wouldn't fall out with the producers because of her, so he immediately stopped talking.

Martin didn't mince words, saying, "I think it's possible."

Alan Horn looked at producer David Haberman: "Give the word today."

David Haberman nodded: "I'll make the call right now."

With the female lead cast confirmed, the third round of auditions concluded, and Martin and Alan Horn left the studio together.

A dozen minutes later, Saoirse Ronan received a call from her agent, officially informing her that she had landed the role of Belle.

Compared to her excited agent and mother, Saoirse appeared calm, because she had long been certain that the role was hers.

The screenwriter Greta Gerwig, the choreographer Mandy Moore, and the second-largest investor are all from the same company. The largest investor also highly respects the opinions of the second-largest investor.

Saoirse Rodriguez didn't open the champagne at halftime, but they weren't surprised at all by their eventual victory.

This is a well-deserved victory.

Saoirse dismissed her agent and mother, then took out her phone and made a call: "Teacher, are you free this afternoon? Let's go to the dance studio. I've learned a few new dances; I'll show you."

Martin agreed.

Saoirse quickly drove over to warm up and prepare, things like standing splits were already basic for her.

She was somewhat troubled. The unlocking was too fast. What would happen in the future? It couldn't possibly lose its appeal in just two or three years, could it?

Saoirse suddenly remembered another of her teacher's students, the glamorous female singer Taylor Swift, and an idea popped into her head.

"Should I do what she did and form a group of girlfriends? Getting a few friends together like that would be so exciting and full of novelty..."

Saoirse was a good girl who was good at learning. She carefully recalled which actresses she had worked with or knew over the years were around her age, pretty enough, and suitable to be friends.

Half an hour later, Martin entered Saoirse's dance studio.

The music started, and people began to sway; the lively dance made it feel like stepping back into a primitive society.

…………

In December, La La Land's North American box office successfully surpassed $200 million.

The film was also released overseas. Unlike Martin Scorsese's previous film, The Town, which had a more North American background, musicals have an audience worldwide. In its first week of overseas release, the film grossed more than $5000 million.

Along with its soaring box office, "La La Land" has also garnered critical acclaim.

Although the film is set in modern Los Angeles, its visuals, content, and jazz music all carry a distinctly nostalgic feel.

These factors contributed to La La Land's positive reception from audiences and its excellent reputation within the industry.

Older white men tend to be nostalgic.

This is the foundation for winning an Oscar.

In the conference room of Davis's studio, everyone was gathered, including Martin and Thomas.

Jessica turned on the projector, and the projected image showed several of this year's Oscar nominees.

By December each year, the frontrunners for the Oscars are pretty much clear.

"La La Land's primary goal is to win Best Picture." Jessica clicked the mouse, and the screen flipped through the images, revealing the names of three films: "Based on the information we've gathered and our comprehensive analysis of the films, these three are likely the main competitors."

Martin looked at the projection screen, and the movie titles on it were familiar: The Wolf of Wall Street, Gravity, and 12 Years a Slave.

Jessica continued, "Gravity is a Warner Bros. production, directed by Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón. It was released in North America this October and has currently grossed nearly $2.5 million at the North American box office. The film has received excellent reviews, is entirely a female-led production, and is very much in line with current trends."

Thomas chimed in, "Is this a science fiction movie?"

Jessica replied, "It leans towards realistic hard science fiction. In the past, it was very difficult for this type of film to win an Oscar, but a couple of years ago Martin Scorsese won Best Actor for 'The Martian,' so the Oscars' attitude towards science fiction has softened somewhat."

Martin said, "I asked Daniel from Warner Bros., and the focus of this film is on Best Director and Best Picture."

Jessica continued, "The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio."

Martin interrupted her: "The primary goal for this film is to win Best Actor."

Leonardo DiCaprio had a bet with him, so the primary goal of the films he invested in was to win the Best Actor Oscar.

Jessica crossed out *The Wolf of Wall Street*, saying it was the last one: "I think *12 Years a Slave* is our biggest competitor. It has too many advantages: its theme of African American liberation is sound and correct, and the film quality is up to par..."

For a moment, everyone was at a loss for words, because this film certainly had a strong advantage at the Oscars.

Martin opened the computer in front of him and glanced at the contents of the film. He had some recollection of the film.

A nostalgic musical versus Black Lives Matter?

Fortunately, "12 Years a Slave" doesn't have too many negative effects; at most, it's just Black Lives Matter.

If, like in a certain film I remember, it added elements of homosexuality and deformed people to Black Lives Matter, then that would be truly unbeatable.

In Martin's past life memories, films featuring Black characters with special effects would be particularly strong at the Oscars in the coming years.

Black Lives Matter alone is not particularly powerful.

Jessica then added, "The production company behind '12 Years a Slave' is Plan B Films, and the producer is Jennifer Aniston."

Thomas, Bruce, Emily, and Jessica all turned their attention to Martin.

Martin said, "No wonder Aniston asked me to talk to her tonight, it seems it was about this."

Thomas asked, "On our side?"

Martin stated, "Public relations and promotion are proceeding normally; the primary goal is to win Best Picture."

The others readily agreed.

After a brief Oscar-themed meeting, Martin went to the penthouse suite at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel after get off work.

After waiting a short while, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie arrived together.

Martin brought over a bottle of good wine, poured a glass for everyone, and said, "It's so hard to see you all."

Julie immediately launched into her usual monologue: "You never bring Elizabeth out to play with us, and I always end up playing with Jenny with you, which is pointless."

Aniston picked up her drink, nearly spilling it on Julie's face, and snapped, "You think playing games with me is funny? Have you forgotten how you rammed Martin from behind last time?"

She looked at Martin: "This piece of trash is addicted to playing the saint, following the UNHCR around the world to boost his reputation, and he's almost thrown away his job as a Hollywood star."

Julie said casually, "Don't let my lack of filming in the past two years fool you; my status and prestige haven't diminished at all, they've actually risen. I now earn more for a single film than you do, even though you're actively making movies!"

Aniston was speechless for a moment, because what Julie said was true.

She took a sip of her drink: "In this magical era, movie actors don't make films..."

Martin handed Julie a glass of wine and said to Aniston, "I saw your film '12 Years a Slave' and thought you had a real grasp of the times."

"She's got the pulse of the times?" Jolie started her sarcastic mode again: "If it weren't for you, Martin, she would have been screwed over by Pitt."

Aniston corrected, "It was you and Pete!"

Julie replied, "I made it up to you. Every time you were with Martin, I rammed into Martin with all my might."

This scoundrel brought up the old topic again: "Martin, you have so many lovers, bring a few more out so we can all have some fun together."

Martin ignored her and asked Aniston, "Are you aiming for the Oscar for Best Picture?"

"That's right, the PR team the company hired believes that the biggest competitor is 'La La Land'." Others might not know, but Aniston knew how upright Martin Scorsese was: "That's why I specifically asked you out to discuss what to do."

Julie moved closer to Martin, put her arm around his shoulder, and said, "Jenny is afraid that you'll have a fair fight with her."

She looked at Aniston: "Isn't that right, Jenny?"

Aniston shrugged. "Our relationship is so deep and long-standing, we can't just smear each other over something so trivial, can we? The Oscars promotion these days... sigh, it's all Harvey Weinstein's fault. He not only has to promote himself but also smear his competitors in order to guarantee an award."

Julie said, "Harvey Weinstein pioneered this approach, and Mr. Martin Davis popularized it, creating a fair and square strategy for winning awards."

Martin did not refute this, saying, "La La Land has long been eyeing Best Picture, and your 12 Years a Slave also wants to win Best Picture. We are competing fairly, without smearing each other."

Aniston was well aware of her own limitations: "It's going to be hard for me to beat you."

"That's true, it's not fair," Julie suddenly laughed, thinking of something funny, and said, "Jenny is an Oscar newbie, while you have plenty of experience winning awards. There's no way Jenny can win."

Martin shrugged: "So, we're just competing normally."

Julie looked at Aniston, then at Martin: "I have a good idea that will neither let the competition hurt our feelings nor hinder our relationship."

Martin put his arm around her shoulder: "Tell me about it."

"You two have a real, head-to-head competition." Julie believed her words, and Martin and Aniston both understood: "If Martin wins, 12 Years a Slave is out of the Best Picture race; if Janet wins, La La Land is out."

Aniston, full of fighting spirit, asked, "How do we compete?"

Julie said, "It's simple, you two see who can make their opponent fly into the air and surrender in the shortest amount of time!"

She encouraged Aniston: "Women have a natural advantage in this area! Jenny, go for it, take down Martin!"

Martin stretched out his right hand, looked at his long, strong fingers, and thought of the big shot in the acting group in his previous life, who was nicknamed Kato Monkey. He had specifically sought advice and learned from Kato Monkey, and then practiced it countless times after coming here!

This special Oscar competition has begun.

(End of this chapter)