America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 332, page 330: The Demoness's Game, hehe.

In this year's Oscars, the most popular choices for Best Actress are Hilary Swank and Nicole Kidman, while the other three are considered less popular.

However, just as Eric had planned in advance, "Million Dollar Baby" was released at the beginning of last year.

It moved everyone at the time, but as time goes by, many parts of the story are inevitably forgotten.

With nearly 10,000 members on the Oscar voting committee, there are so many movies to watch that not everyone has the time to rewatch them all.

"La Vie en Rose" is still showing in theaters, and many judges have just seen it. So, whose performance do you think left a deeper impression?

In addition, MGM spent millions of dollars on marketing and publicity, so they can only feel sorry for Hillary Swank.

On stage, Nicole excitedly held the trophy—her second Oscar, just a year later.

Katharine Hepburn won the most Oscars, a total of four.

She certainly can't compare to this kind of legendary figure from the last century.

But at least since the beginning of this century, she has received three nominations in four years, winning twice. So, who among actresses can be more beautiful than her?

"Hehehe"

Unable to contain herself, Nicole chuckled to herself, immediately eliciting a chorus of soft laughter from the audience.

"Sorry, sorry, I was just thinking that my salary could go up a bit more."

Hahahaha

The initial chuckle turned into a loud laugh.

There's a common saying that winning Best Actress will bring three years of bad luck, but this award proves that's not true.

"I think the key lies in the actors' eye for choosing films. For example, 'La Vie en Rose' is a good movie."

"It was after last year's Oscars when Eric presented me with the script and invited me to participate. I was immediately captivated by it."

She looked at Eric and smiled sweetly, "Everyone has put in a lot of effort for this movie. Thank you Eric, Howard, and everyone in the crew."

"And my co-stars, you are all the best actors, without a doubt."

"I also want to thank the college. This is a wonderful night, one of the most important moments of my life. Thank you so much!"

Bang bang bang bang

Whether they admitted it or not, all four competitors had smiles on their faces. Amidst applause, Nicole walked off the stage with her Oscar.

"I want one too," Theron said, pouting.

"Huh? Didn't you already have one?"

"I only have one, but Nico has two. I want another one."

"Win another one! You think the Oscars are run by our family? Are you really leaving no room for other actresses?"

"I don't care, I can't have less than Nico."

Eric shook his head. Although he wasn't the President of the United States, winning an Oscar for Best Actress wasn't something you could just do on a whim; it wasn't that simple.

"Promise me you'll get a reward tonight, okay?" Theron said enticingly, tilting her head.

"Ahem. What reward? Tell me first, I'll think about it."

"Didn't you want to play a female demon game? Darling, write another good script and tailor-make a character for me, and I'll fulfill your fantasy."

Eric shuddered. "Are you serious?"

"I promise."

"make a deal!"

The so-called "Monster's Game" is naturally the one for which Theron won the Best Actress award, in which she played a lesbian.

Eric has always wanted to bring the Olsen sisters together with other women, but after so long, it hasn't really happened.

At most, they can all lie in one bed, but if they want to comfort each other, that's another matter.

If winning an award for Best Actress could bring about great harmony, I'd be willing to create a role tailored just for each of them.

Just pick from the movies that won Best Actress awards in later years, such as "The Reader" which won Kate Winslet, "Room" which won Marvel Grandma, or even "Three GG Cards" which won Frances McDormand.

If Theron were to change her physique again and use makeup, it wouldn't be impossible for her to portray a fifty-year-old leading lady.

Just then, Nicole returned happily with the trophy, her eyes almost curving into crescents.

Eric chuckled and said, "Happy?"

"Of course, I love you, darling."

"Love alone isn't enough. How are you going to thank me?"

"Tell me, I'll agree to anything you say."

"I want to play the game of the female demon!" Eric threw out Theron's conditions directly.

Seeing her somewhat hesitant expression, Eric continued to urge her on: "You just said you'd agree to anything I asked, and this is an Oscar for Best Actress, the highest honor for an actor."

"Okay, but I can only try it once. If it's uncomfortable, I have to stop."

"No problem, don't worry, baby, I'll definitely make you feel amazing."

Julia Roberts, the big-mouthed beauty, walked onto the stage.

She was wearing a black dress with a very tight bodice that accentuated her large breasts, making them appear as if they were two half-bowls.

"It is a great honor to present the Best Director Award. Every nominee is a master in the field of film and has extraordinary skills."

The nominees are: Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby", Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator", and Tyler Hackford's "Ray".

"Eric Cooper's *Inception*, Alexander Payne's *Sideways*."

The five people's portraits are displayed at the top and bottom of the big screen, and each person's status is different.

Grandpa Fuyuki leaned back in his chair, looking calm and collected.

Old Martin looked serious; everyone knew how much he wanted this award, but unfortunately, it was changed to a stabbing incident at the last minute, so it's hard to say.

Taylor Hackford grinned widely, his white beard suggesting he was thrilled to have been nominated.

Alexander Payne also looked serious, his hands constantly rubbing together.

Julia Roberts opened the envelope and announced in her magnetic voice, "The winner is Clint Eastwood's *Million Dollar Baby*!"

Wow!

Instantly, the entire audience stood up and erupted in applause.

Eric first sighed, then stood up and applauded.

This was the award he wanted most, although many others believed that Best Picture was the ultimate prize.

However, the Best Picture award is actually a recognition of everyone involved, including lighting, special effects, editing, sound effects, sound recording, action choreography, acting, and directing.

Every department involved in the film industry works together to create a masterpiece.

Best Director, on the other hand, is a recognition of a director's personal ability, and for a director, this award symbolizes the highest honor.

Fortunately, it was Mr. Fuyuki who won the award. As his fan, Eric was disappointed but also offered his blessings in a magnanimous manner.

"Thank you, thank you everyone."

"I want to thank my family, my wife and mother, especially my mother, who is 84 years old this year."

The camera panned to the old lady, who clapped her hands happily.

"This movie was filmed in just over 30 days, and I must thank everyone."

"For an old man like me, winning an award is a happy thing, and I will continue to make films in the future."

As the old man stepped down from the stage, the ceremony came to its final moment, and Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand walked up hand in hand.

"Tonight, we are delighted to announce the winner of the Best Picture award."

"These films have elevated the status of everyone involved and brought honor to the entire film industry."

The nominees for Best Picture are: Mickmanjak's *The Aviator*, Warren Sankov's *Finding Neverland*, Eric Cooper's *Million Dollar Baby*, Eric Cooper's *Inception*, and Michael Langdon's *Sideways*.

Best Picture is usually awarded to the film producer, since Hollywood is a producer-centric system where whoever controls the economy controls the overall situation.

So Eric appeared twice more.

Dustin Hoffman glanced at the contents of the envelope and quietly told Barbara Streisand, who then loudly announced, "The Oscar for Best Picture goes to Eric Cooper of Inception."

*Clap clap clap*

Roar!

Wow!

There were no upsets, and the result is undisputed.

Eric gave a call, and the dozen or so members of the Inception crew walked onto the stage together to receive the award.

He handed the microphone to others: "I've said enough. I hope you can give us more time to speak."

Then Bell, Heath Ledger, Tom Hardy, Hans Zimmer, Varela, and others took turns saying a few words.

The production team checked the time and, although they were already three minutes overtime, they still did not choose to stop.

For many of these people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it would be incredibly inhumane to interrupt it.

Moreover, Eric Cooper himself said that given his current standing, the Academy and the ABCs would still have to give him some respect.

Finally, amidst enthusiastic cheers, the 77th Academy Awards came to a close.

"Let's go to the Vanity Fair dinner. I can't take it anymore. I'm too hungry for my age."

Grandpa Fuyuki waved his hand, intending to pull Eric along with him.

He glanced at Nicole: "Never mind, I don't want to attend the banquet, I'm a bit tired."

"Inception was the biggest winner, MGM won so many trophies, how could you not attend? There are so many reporters waiting."

"No, no, I've been too busy lately, and I'm so sleepy right now."

Grandpa Fuyuki gave him a suspicious look, then turned and left, saying "Young man."

Eric took a few photos of the waiting reporters outside the Kodak Theatre, then ran away.

The Olsen sisters didn't attend tonight; instead, they stayed home and watched TV.

"Why are you back so soon, Eric?"

"Stop talking nonsense and come take a bath with me."

"Huh? Now? What's wrong with you? You look like you're about to eat someone alive."

"Nico and Theron promised me they'd play the devil's game, and nobody's allowed to sleep tonight," Eric said, tossing down his shirt.

Outside, several cars stopped one after another.

Nicole, Theron, and Gadot are all back. As soon as they walk in, they see Eric taking off his pants.

"Now? I'm hungry, let's eat something first."

"Take a shower first, then we'll have plenty of food for you. Do we have any cream at home?"

Mary looked excited: "Yes, I just bought it this morning. Do you want some?"

"Also, bring cherries, grapes, basically any fruit you can get."

Elizabeth and Gadot already knew what the group was talking about, and their ears instantly turned red.

"You guys play, I'm not joining in. Elizabeth, go to my room and watch a movie."

"Um."

Seeing the two trying to escape, how could they let them get away with it? Now was the perfect opportunity, and of course they had to catch them all in one fell swoop.

Eric grabbed the girl and lifted her up in his arms with a little effort.

Although Gal Gadot was quite strong, she couldn't withstand the combined strength of the four of them and was quickly subdued.

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

As the sunlight shone on his face, Eric slowly opened his eyes.

What meets the eye is a scene of debauchery.

He was holding Ashley on his left and Mary on his right, his head resting on Theron's chest, while Elizabeth lay on his chest.

If the paparazzi were to capture this scene, the whole world would be in an uproar.

hiss.

I moved slightly and immediately felt a soreness in my lower back, a sensation I had never experienced before.

Even if he drank half a bottle of health-preserving wine last night, it wouldn't be enough; the amount of exercise he did was just too much.

"Sigh! If this continues, I'm afraid I'll really die in bed."

"Honey, what are you muttering about?"

Gadot rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked groggily.

"It's nothing. You did quite well last night, you were very skilled."

"Pah! What do you mean by skilled? This is the first time I've ever done something like this. I learned it from Ashley and Mary."

"Then you are a gifted baby."

Eric pinched Gadot's cheek, then suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, honey, I remember that girl Judy, didn't she take you on vacation once? She didn't bother you, did she?"

Gadot's face turned red again: "Can you please stop having such dirty thoughts? We were just having fun."

"Heh. Is this a question of whether I'm naive or not? I've known that girl for seven years, don't I know what kind of person she is?"

"Really, no, we just traveled around, had drinks, and chatted. Judy is a really nice person."

"Are you sure she didn't try anything inappropriate after you got drunk?"

"Hey, we're not drunk, and don't treat me like an idiot."

"That's true, that's strange. So what did you all talk about?"

"She said all sorts of random things, and she also shared a lot of her innermost thoughts. But you've known each other for seven years, so why does it feel like she doesn't understand you at all?"

"What do you mean?"

"Judy asked you a lot of questions about you, such as your love life, family situation, and attitude towards love."

"I think you should care about her more. The Barrefaeli incident was a huge blow to her, and she was in a lot of pain during that time."

"After all, it was a two-year relationship, and she poured her heart and soul into it. Unfortunately, she met a heartless ingrate."

"You know Judy is the kind of person who prefers to be alone. She would never show her vulnerable side to others unless you take the initiative to show her concern."

"So you should show her more care and concern, or invite her over for the weekend. She's someone you can trust."

Eric nodded silently. Judy had been acting increasingly strangely lately.

Not long ago, he even pulled down his pants and got his hands on him. Although they have been honest with each other for years, Eric sees them as just good buddies.

"It seems she really has something on her mind. I'll try to talk to her about it sometime."

(End of this chapter)