America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 331, Page 329: Making History, Becoming Empress Again

In the film industry, the status of screenwriters is definitely not as high as that of television screenwriters, since the final result is determined by the director.

A good script with a bad director will produce a bad film, while a bad script with a good director can produce a good film.

However, this rule is not very applicable to Eric, because once he writes a more detailed script...

Whether it's the director, co-writer, or script doctor, they will only make minor improvements and modifications, but they will definitely not change the overall framework and plot direction. Some important scenes are often even filmed exactly as they were.

After all, the stories he takes seriously are all excellent and mature, stories that have been validated on the big screen in later generations.

Great directors have keen insight, and new directors dare not make rash moves, which results in the director becoming their puppet, a complete reversal of the natural order.

Therefore, theoretically speaking, his award is the most prestigious, at least it best represents the screenwriter community.

This is Eric's second nomination, but he has been nominated for two films this time.

Last year, it was nominated for both "Get Out" and "Blue Is the Warmest Color", so it has actually received four nominations and won once.

Woody Allen holds the record for the most Oscar nominations in history, with fifteen nominations and two wins.

Eric is still a ways off from catching up with the old man, but if he wins this award, he will make history by winning the Best Original Screenplay award at two consecutive Oscars.

Charlie Kaufman is a third nominee, but has yet to win, as are the others, who have been nominated for the first time or once or twice, but have not yet won.

On the big screen, Eric looked calmly at the stage, while the others were somewhat nervous, some pursing their lips and others clenching their fists, their hearts screaming, "I want to win an award!"

However, reality is often cruel, as Scarlett Janssen opened the envelope.

After glancing at it, he let out a soft "Wow!": "It seems the judges chose the mind-bending Inception. The winner is Eric Cooper's Inception."

Wow!

clap clap clap!

Instantly, the applause in the entire Kodak Theater reached its peak, whether it was out of genuine admiration or just to give face.

The entire cast and crew of "Inception" stood up, and Eric hugged everyone, then kissed Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron.

In such a joyous moment, a kiss is perfectly acceptable and has nothing to do with rumors.

Amidst the envious glances of the other nominees, he walked effortlessly onto the stage.

He accepted the golden statuette and hugged the award presenter.

Unexpectedly, Scarlett Janssen leaned in and pressed her face against his, so Eric reluctantly kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, thank you for your applause, I appreciate your blessings."

"I am grateful to the Academy for choosing me. Compared to the other three films, Inception may not be as artistic, but writing it really killed a lot of my brain cells."

"Sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming, and I have to go back and look at the previous part while I'm writing."

"What? This is the third layer of the dream? Isn't Cobb the dreamer?"

"Come on, even I'm confused!"

Hahahaha

At that moment, Scarlett suddenly leaned closer and asked, "Eric, I have a question for you, actually, it's a question on behalf of the audience."

Generally speaking, the speaking time for award winners is limited, with shorter time for smaller awards. The award presenters will simply watch from the sidelines and will not interrupt.

Eric paused for a moment, then said, "OK!"

"The film ends with a freeze-frame on a spinning top, so did Cobb actually return to reality?"

What do you think about this?

"That's why I asked you. You're the director and screenwriter, responsible for guiding actors like me."

Watching Scarlett's alluring, constantly blinking eyes, Neeko and Theron exchanged a glance and simultaneously muttered, "Bitch!"

"He's back. Cobb has returned to reality. The fact that the two children have shown their faces is the best proof."

"But what about the spinning top?"

"That's just a trick by the director."

Scarlett Janssen smiled and gently patted Eric.

"Super bitch!"

After giving their acceptance speeches, the two walked backstage together.

"Did the production team tell you to ask that?"

Scarlett shrugged: "What else? They hope to boost their ratings by having you."

"Okay, Scarlett, how about we collaborate?"

The other person stopped in their tracks: "I remember you were filming 'Dragon Ball,' right? You're starting a new movie so soon?"

"No, I'm not directing, but I will set the framework for the story." Eric pointed to the little golden statuette in his hand.

"Are you interested in comic book movie adaptations? I'd like you to play a female agent, a superhero?"

Black Widow understood: "A Marvel movie? But I haven't read the comics, so I'm not sure about the story."

"It's okay, just show off your beauty. This is a very charming character."

"When will the filming take place?"

"The project is expected to start around June this year."

Scarlett thought for a moment: "Your boss is personally inviting me, and my schedule is open in June, so it seems there's not much reason to refuse."

After securing Black Widow backstage, Eric felt the role had to go to Scarlett Janssen; he felt it wouldn't feel right no matter who else played it.

Considering the solo movie that Black Widow will be released later, Marvel clearly wanted a sequel to Black Widow to take over her position, but unfortunately the audience didn't buy it.

Just like Iron Man and Captain America, Scarlett Johansson's version is so deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Instead of creating a sequel to Black Widow, it would be better to just introduce a completely new hero; the audience might be more receptive to that.

In short, either don't change the hero, or if you absolutely have to, just bring in a new hero.

Abandoning the benefits of the old heroes may make the start more difficult, but once it is done, it will usher in a new era and another decade.

Eric returned to his seat with the little golden statuette, but his expression immediately turned ugly as soon as he sat down, because the soft flesh on both sides of his waist had been pinched.

"Why did it take you so long to come back?"

"What were you and Scarlett Janssen doing backstage? Other people come back in a minute or two, but you two have been gone for more than five minutes."

"Ouch, stop pinching, the camera's on!"

The three of them immediately resumed their focused expressions as they watched from the stands, but as the camera panned over, their hands came clasped together again.

"I think you're all just jealous to death. What can I do in five minutes? Don't you know my fighting ability? At least an hour."

"Damn it! You two could have arranged a time beforehand; that bitch is seducing you."

"You're right. Look at how she's laughing so hard. She looks like she wants to seduce you into bed."

"It was all at the request of the production team. We only chatted for a few minutes. The purpose was to invite her to play a role in Marvel."

"real?"

"It couldn't be more real, I promise."

"snort!"

"Hmph!"

"The camera is coming over again, let's talk about it when we get home."

The two then released their grip, but their eyes flickered with suspicion, clearly indicating their disbelief.

Eric was helpless; his own hands were dirty, and being too outstanding was also a sin.

Even if you can guarantee that you are disciplined enough, you can't stop outstanding women from flocking to you like a tide. I just made a mistake that all men in the world would make.

Make a mistake, correct it! Correct it, then make the same mistake again! Practice makes perfect!

Then the awards ceremony for Best Cinematography began on stage. The nominees were: Robert Richardson for *The Aviator*, Zhao Xiaoding for *House of Flying Daggers*, Caleb Deschanel for *The Passion of the Christ*, John Matheson for *The Phantom of the Opera*, and Bruno Delbonnell for *A Very Long Engagement*.

The only nomination for "House of Flying Daggers".

Unfortunately, they didn't get either of the two films; they ended up giving it to "The Aviator."

Then, the best makeup award went to "La Vie en Rose".

In the movie, Nicole Kidman plays Piaf, who has a unique makeup style for each stage of her life, from her teens to her fifties.

Moreover, it meticulously recreated the clothing culture of France at that time, and even used makeup to make Nicole, who is 180cm tall, appear petite.

With all these factors combined, winning the award was not unexpected.

A similar case occurred a few years later with "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," in which the male lead portrayed a life from old age to childhood, and it also won the Academy Award for Best Makeup that year.

The Best Original Score went to "Finding Neverland," while the score for "Inception" was relatively less grand, and Hans Zimmer only received a nomination.

Then there are the three technical awards: Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects.

Even amidst competition from excellent films like Peter Parker, The Wizard, Robots, and Polar Train, Inception still managed to win all three nominations.

In particular, the best visual effects are absolutely undisputed. The special effects of the mirror world in the movie would still blow most movies away even ten years later.

It's a pity that "The Hunger Games" only received one nomination for Best Visual Effects, and it was even beaten by its own team.

On stage, Jake Gyllenhaal and Zhang Ziyi appeared together; they were there to present the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The difference was immediately apparent when he opened his mouth; Jake Gyllenhaal exuded confidence and poise, having served as an award presenter many times before.

But this was Zhang Ziyi's first time speaking, and her nervousness made her speech somewhat unnatural. Eric remembered that her English was quite good, but she stumbled here.

"Writers provide excellent stories, while screenwriters are responsible for adapting those stories into screenplays. Below are the films nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay."

"Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor's *Sideways*, David Margo's *Finding Neverland*, and Paul Haggis' *Million Dollar Baby*."

"José Rivera's *The Motorcycle Diaries*, Eric Cooper's *La Vie en Rose*."

Eric's image was projected onto the large screen once again.

Compared to the ultimate awards such as Best Actor and Best Actress, this award is also a focus of attention for the media and the audience.

Because if you get it, it will definitely be making history.

Since the first Academy Awards in 1929, no one has ever won two Best Screenplay awards at the same ceremony.

Forget about winning an award, they haven't even received two nominations.

So Eric has already made history; the question is whether he can create an even greater miracle.

Beside them, Nico and Theron looked anxious, even more so than Eric himself.

Jake Gyllenhaal gestured for her to open the envelope. Zhang Ziyi opened the envelope, remembering the humiliation Eric Cooper had caused her, and cried out in her heart, "It can't be him! Please, it can't be that bastard!"

But things often don't go as planned; the moment she saw the name, she was completely stunned.

Her lips trembled slightly, but Zhang Ziyi managed a weak smile and said, "The winner is Eric Cooper's *La Vie en Rose*."

The entire audience erupted in cheers once again, even more so than when Cate Blanchett won Best Supporting Actress.

A new record has been set, and it's a record that almost no one can break.

Unless someone can be nominated for four films at the same time, and also win an award.

Wake up! Do you really think the Oscars are your personal property?

Eric and Nicole stood up and hugged. The moment they kissed was projected onto the big screen, and you could vaguely see their tongues sticking out. The noise immediately rose several decibels.

He accepted the trophy from Zhang Ziyi without noticing her awkwardness.

It's been over two years, and I'm surrounded by beautiful women every day. You wouldn't even remember them if you were in my shoes.

"To be honest, I'm very excited. Being nominated is already great. I never expected to win an award."

"So thank you very much, judges. Your choice has made history. This is a wonderful night."

"I have to thank Nicole. She's excellent, and her acting skills are undeniable. I hope she'll have the same good luck as me."

"And then there's Howard, he's a master of filmmaking. Without him, even the best script is useless."

"Thank you everyone, this trophy is thanks to your hard work."

Eric walked off the stage to the strains of chanson.

When passing by the Hunger Games set, Gal Gadot snatched the Oscar from her.

Eric's trophies were all kept by her; they belonged to him but he couldn't get them, so he could only look at them and admire them from afar.

Cate Blanchett subsequently won the Best Supporting Actress award for "The Aviator," and the "Queen of Beauty" is at the peak of her beauty today, looking absolutely stunning.

Best Editing also went to The Aviator, while Inception only received a nomination; otherwise, Eric would have taken the stage three times.

The Best Actor award went to Jamie Foxx, who, thanks to his superb performance in "Ray," beat out veteran actor Fuyuki, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, and the future war machine Don Cheadle.

The camera even gave Leonardo DiCaprio a close-up; although he clapped his hands in blessing, the disappointment in his eyes was obvious to everyone.

Leonardo DiCaprio: "Oscars, oh Oscars, what do I have to do to get them for me?"

The academy: "Hmph! You were so arrogant back then, now you'll be serving another ten years!"

After Jamie Foxx stepped down, Sean Penn, the reigning Best Actor winner, came up.

He was clearly annoyed and directly attacked the host, Chris Rock: "Someone doesn't know who Jude Law is, let me tell him."

"Jude Law is an excellent actor. He is dedicated, serious, and has great acting skills. I am honored to work with such an actor."

Without any preamble, she announced directly: "The nominees for Best Actress at the Oscars are: Hilary Swank for *Million Dollar Baby* and Kate Winslet for *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*."

Annette Bening's "Becoming Julia", Imelda Staunton's "Vera Drake", and Nicole Kidman's "La Vie en Rose".

"The winner is—Nicole Kidman for *La Vie en Rose*!"

(End of this chapter)