That year Huayu

Chapter 1214 Award Ceremony: Perfection, As Wish...

In the dressing room, the three people were breathing rapidly, especially Liu Yifei.

You have to know that according to the convention of Class A film festivals, the selection and invitation of award presenters is also a big deal.

This process often follows a certain trajectory: either the winners of previous awards or big-name guests who have connections with the winners. The simplest and most direct arrangement is for the jury members to present the awards in person.

As for Gong Li, she was already a film queen 25 years ago; even when she served as the chairperson of the jury of the main competition unit of the Venice Film Festival, that was 15 years ago - still a long time ago.

so……

Lin Nan snapped his fingers, and his laughter burst the invisible bubbles on Liu Yifei and the other two's heads:

"Hey, don't be in a daze, and don't let your mind wander. Otherwise, it's easy to get hurt and lose your mindset.

Although I know some people are made of iron from the inside out, I still don’t want this to happen. Because even an iron man is still a human being, and it is inevitable that he will feel emotionally frustrated. ”

"Hey~~ Director Lin, you're so corny." Zhou Xun reacted the fastest and changed the subject immediately.

Shu Chang was next to say, "Yeah, yes, I got goosebumps. Also, I somehow remembered someone's acceptance speech 8 years ago. It's right here. It was even more corny then."

"You underestimate me too much. You know that I have always been calm and have a strong ability to adjust myself..."

"That's true, you are indeed very strong at heart! But... for the first meal after returning home, I still want to order a dish of old duck soup. There is no conflict between the two."

Lin Nan interrupted Liu Yifei's arrogant speech and started to speak in a sarcastic tone.

"Do you believe I can make you into soup?" As expected, the couple is very tacitly connected. Liu Qianqian immediately retorted. In the mirror, her eyes were sharp, and she didn't bring a knife.

Because the four of them didn't want to be disturbed at all, and they needed to conserve their energy for the closing ceremony red carpet, award ceremony and dinner which would start at 4:30 and last for five or six hours.

…

"I think we should have more contact with Director Lin after we go back." Zhang Mo didn't get anything out of Zhang Yimou, but she heard clues from Gong Li; then, she also guessed it.

"Don't think about these crooked things, everything still depends on the work. If your film is not convincing, it is impossible to win an award, especially in an A-level film festival."

Zhang Yimou warned Zhang Mo seriously that at a Class A film festival, at least until the last step, you need to rely entirely on yourself, that is, on your own work.

Indeed, even at the much-criticized Shanghai International Film Festival, no one would question the winners of the major awards in the main competition unit; because they all deserved the honors, not because of connections!

"Okay, okay, I get it. By the way, you and Aunt Gong Li will be presenting awards tonight? Why didn't I hear you say that? She told me."

Faced with his eldest daughter's questioning, Zhang Yimou was helpless, "What good does it matter if I tell you? If they hadn't invited me, I would be busy with the post-production at the company right now."

At this point, an idea flashed through Zhang Yimou's mind, but he was not quite sure. He decided to wait until night and he would know.

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon when the organizing committee staff notified Jiang Xingrou to ask the "Marriage Story" crew to get ready for departure.

Lin Nan estimated that even if they arrived now, they would be arranged to rest in the waiting area; they would definitely not be able to walk on the red carpet until after six o'clock.

But there is no other way. Since the film festival organizing committee has already reminded us, the crew can only move on...

"No need to help me." Zhou Xun refused the assistant's help.

She was wearing a black tube top dress and heavy makeup, and her stern aura perfectly matched the role of a female lawyer; of course, she didn't have much of a broad mind.

Shu Chang wore a floor-length pink printed dress with a cinched waist and bare shoulders. Compared with Zhou Xun, she undoubtedly looked much younger and more beautiful, which was in line with the role of the younger sister.

Finally, let’s look at Liu Yifei. She really changed her dress resolutely at the last minute and chose a pure white women’s casual suit with a strong sense of design.

Her long wavy hair and bright makeup perfectly match her aura of a strong woman who decisively walked out of marriage in the movie!

On red carpets like this, men are always the least eye-catching. Even though Lin Nan has good looks, he can only wear the same old suit...

"Set off."

…

This Lido Island is really not very big. The only reason it is famous all over the world is because the Venice International Film Festival is held here.

Therefore, when all the crews, filmmakers, media and tourists were gathering towards the red carpet and the venue, the crowds could be described as shoulder to shoulder. At a glance, it was like a surging tide of people, a huge sea of ​​people.

Looking at the scene outside through the car window, Lin Nan felt a little emotional.

The last time I saw such a scene was two and a half years ago in Berlin, when "Manchester by the Sea" won the Golden Bear and Silver Bear for Best Actor.

As for the Shanghai International Film Festival? It's not as lively as the three major ones, and its influence is even more different.

The journey of four or five miles took Lin Nan and his group an hour to walk again after eight years.

As the distance got closer, the noisy sound became louder and louder in my ears... At around five o'clock in the afternoon, the crew of "Marriage Story" officially arrived at the red carpet.

The crew and filmmakers who just stepped onto the red carpet have also been waiting here for nearly an hour. Yes, it is the Chinese film "The Taste of Rice Flower".

"Director Lin Nan, please follow me over here first..." Under the focus of many media cameras, Lin Nan and four others followed the etiquette staff to a building nearby.

"It's Director Zhang and his team." Liu Yifei had good eyesight, and she saw Zhang Mo as soon as she entered the waiting area. Zhang Yimou was chatting with Gong Li, and there were one or two foreign filmmakers laughing with them.

"Director Lin, it's up to you tonight." Zhang Mo also noticed this side and came over with a smile.

"Then I'll take your good words and hope so." Lin Nan nodded in thanks, then watched Zhang Mo and Liu Yifei start chatting.

To be honest, the number of Chinese-language filmmakers at this year's Venice International Film Festival is indeed a bit sparse. This is Lin Nan's most intuitive feeling at the moment.

To be precise, the number of Chinese-language filmmakers eligible to attend the closing ceremony is much less than in previous years.

But then again, there aren’t many Chinese-language films nominated, so how can those people expect to make it to the closing ceremony?

Outside, the red carpet host called out Matt Damon's name, and it was "The Village" that was on the red carpet.

"Melody", "Zama"... "A Family", "Solo Dance"... "Fate, My Love"... "Give It All"...

After more than twenty film crews had passed by, it was finally the turn of "Marriage Story" at a little after six o'clock.

"Lin Nan?"

"Well, let's go."

Lin Nan did not hold Liu Yifei's hand, but walked alone on the outside, protecting the three of them on the inside. The crew, now on the red carpet.

The sun has already set on the sea level, and the sky is red. The red carpet at this moment is truly beautiful. The host is also introducing:

"Welcome to the main competition unit film crew - Marriage Story... Director Lin Nan is an old friend of the Venice Film Festival. Eight years ago, he won the Golden Lion Award for the first time here, and also gave the Best Actor Award to Matt Damon... Welcome to the leading actress Crystal Liu, she is also an old friend of Venice, but this is her first time here..."

"Crystal, can we interview you? How much are you looking forward to the Volpi Cup Award tonight?" The host handed the microphone directly to Liu Yifei.

"Huh? I was expecting that much!"

Liu Yifei's abrupt answer even surprised Lin Nan and the other two. She smiled and used her two hands to gesture, which was exactly the size of the Volpi Cup.

The host was completely amused and couldn't stop laughing for a while. After a while, she looked at Lin Nan and said, "Then Director Lin Nan's expectations should be this big, right?" As she spoke, she gestured the size of the Golden Lion Award. Yes, it is indeed much smaller than the Volpi Cup!

“Hahaha…yes, it’s that big.”

Soon, Lin Nan and the other three stopped in front of the autograph wall, and the moment they walked into the venue, the setting sun in the sky completely sank below the sea level.

…

In the venue that can accommodate nearly a thousand people, the crew of "Marriage Story" had no relatives and was surrounded by foreigners.

Lin Nan and the others even looked at them for a long time. Zhang Yimou and his daughter sat a little far away, as did Gong Li. The seats of Zhang Ziyi and a few others were even more remote, after all, they were just ordinary guests.

At 7 o'clock, the red carpet ended and the performance of the closing ceremony and awards ceremony officially began. It was mainly composed of pure music, symphony, ballet and other programs. Lin Nan was not very interested, but the three women were enjoying it.

At exactly eight o'clock in the evening, when the chairman of this year's jury appeared on the stage to give a speech, everyone knew clearly that the most important moment was about to begin.

"Here it comes!" Liu Yifei exclaimed softly, reminding Lin Nan not to look around.

"...First, let us announce the winners of the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement... They are: Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Thank you for their contributions to the film industry over the past 60 years..."

As two 80-year-old filmmakers, a man and a woman, appeared on stage, the audience burst into applause.

Because the filmmakers who can win the Lifetime Achievement Award at a Category A film festival, especially those at the three major film festivals, are almost all world-renowned celebrities!

"This award from the three major film festivals is the most difficult to win, right? Not only do you need to have a work, you also need to have experience! These two are trembling, if they get a little excited later, Tsk tsk tsk tsk..."

Zhou Xun muttered quietly, going off topic. She even looked at Lin Nan, “Director Lin, I’m looking forward to your first Lifetime Achievement Award, especially from an A-level film festival.”

"If you're not 40 years old, don't even think about it, because you're not qualified!" Liu Yifei was amused.

"As for this award, I can only say that the later the better. Anyway, I won't expect it in the short term." Lin Nan replied with a smile.

Think about who wins this kind of award at a Category A film festival? Either they are aging filmmakers or pure genre film directors, like Jia Zhangke.

"…The winner of the Best Newcomer Award at this year's Venice Film Festival is: Charlie Plummer, "Racing Pete", congratulations."

"Xixi, you seem a little nervous?" The awards were being presented on the stage and the audience was applauding, but Shu Chang was tearing down Liu Yifei's stage.

"I don't."

"Obviously, you have it. I can't be fooled by your subconscious little actions."

"If I say no, then there is no." Liu Yifei glared at Shu Chang.

"The film awards for other categories have been presented one after another in the past few days, and there are only a few tonight. The Best Actress award will be presented in less than half an hour. Aren't you nervous? Who are you trying to fool? Hehe..." Zhou Xun also joined the teasing camp.

"Okay, okay, I'm nervous, okay? Even though this is the second time, but... I'm just nervous." Liu Yifei muttered softly. She looked at Lin Nan, and her brows frowned even deeper.

"Don't look at me. I've done this so many times and I already have the Golden Lion, so of course I'm not nervous. Even if I'm nervous, I'm nervous for you." Lin Nan said smoothly, trying to avoid irritating Liu Yifei.

"snort!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, so corny again."

"Shh~~Hiss~~" Following Zhou Xun, Shu Chang pretended to be unable to bear it.

"Huh? Why did Director Zhang disappear all of a sudden? He is also an award presenter?" Zhou Xun suddenly exclaimed.

Lin Nan and the other two heard the sound and looked over immediately. As expected, only Zhang Mo was left there. Zhang Yimou and Gong Li were gone. In addition, Zhang Ziyi, who was farther away, was still in his position.

"Don't worry about it, just watch the award ceremony carefully." Lin Nan muttered silently, but he was actually a little suspicious.

At this time, someone else had taken to the stage.

"…The winner of this year's Venice Film Festival Special Jury Award is: Warwick Thornton, "Sweet Country", congratulations!"

…

"…The winner of the Best Screenplay Award at this year's Venice Film Festival is: Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Congratulations!"

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

…

After two awards were presented, the atmosphere on the scene reached a boiling point. Because next, the most important awards would be presented.

"Hmm? What's going on?"

"Director Zhang is really the award presenter today?"

"What prizes does he give out?"

When Zhang Yimou, invited by the host, stepped onto the podium with the card, Lin Nan and the others were a little nervous for a moment, because Zhang Yimou had never revealed this matter before.

Director Zhang is indeed internationally renowned. At this moment, a large number of foreign filmmakers gave warm applause to his appearance on stage.

"It's either Best Director or Best Actor. Generally speaking, these are the two awards given in that order!" Lin Nan gave the answer.

"Lin Nan?" Liu Yifei's eyes sparkled, and she temporarily ignored her own affairs.

"For some reason... I feel more relaxed!" Lin Nan looked directly into Liu Yifei's eyes and jokingly said something that seemed to be possessed by a demon.

"Forest?"

Matt Damon's voice floated over from not far away, in Chinese.

Lin Nan and the other three all looked over. Matt was being "provoking". He and Lin Nan were competitors for the Best Actor award.

Director Lin rolled his eyes at him decisively, and Liu Yifei followed suit.

On the stage, Zhang Yimou has already spoken.

"…The winner of the Silver Lion Award for Best Director at this year's Venice Film Festival is: Lin Nan, for "Marriage Story". Congratulations."

Even though he had won many awards before, even though he had some vague guesses just now, even though he was very relaxed before... but when he heard his own name at this moment, Lin Nan couldn't help but feel happy.

"Director Lin, congratulations! You owe me another movie..." Zhou Xun struck while the iron was hot and laid a trap.

"Brother, congratulations, there's another new trophy in Sissi's account."

"Lin, I knew it was you..."

Unlike the others, Liu Yifei was very ladylike at this moment. She just sat there, looked up at Lin Nan, and clapped her hands with a smile, "Happy birthday, this gift is great!"

Lin Nan couldn't help but stretch out his right hand and pinch Liu Yifei's face. It turned even redder in an instant.

"Let go, there are so many people here."

Suddenly, laughter broke out in the arena; Lin Nan took a step and walked towards the aisle.

On the stage, Zhang Yimou watched and waited with a smile on his face. In just half a minute, he handed over the Silver Lion trophy with outstretched wings.

Lin Nan half-bent his body and took it with both hands, "Thank you, Director Zhang."

"You're welcome. It's yours." Zhang Yimou patted Lin Nan's shoulder with a smile and then went backstage.

Standing in front of the microphone, Lin Nan raised the trophy and looked at it, as if he was talking to himself, or as if he was giving a speech of thanks for winning the award:

"Well, I wish myself a happy birthday first! This is the most memorable birthday present I have ever received. I will definitely eat two more pieces of cake at the dinner later."

There was roaring applause from the audience, and many people even shouted and sent birthday wishes. However, Matt Damon's whistle was a bit too much!

"Actually, I want a Volpi Cup for Best Actor! Mm, that's big, hahahaha..."

Under the jeers of most people at the scene, Lin Nan began to get serious:

"Thank you Venice Film Festival, I gain a lot every time I come here. Well, I will come more often in the future, and I can even come whenever you call..."

Lin Nan was at a loss for words, so he just used his heart, and it turned out to be very effective.

"Come on, come on, hand over the second best director trophy from the three major film festivals quickly." Shu Chang pretended to urge Liu Yifei like a lackey.

"Take it, take it." Lin Nan smiled speechlessly and handed it to her.

"Lin Nan, who's next?" Liu Yifei was not busy putting the trophy in her arms like before, but was concerned about the Best Actor Award, because Lin Nan was also competing for this award.

"If he wins the Best Director Award, then it's highly unlikely that he'll win the Best Actor Award. Didn't you see that Matt is even more excited because he has one less competitor?"

Liu Yifei immediately looked at Matt Damon in the distance, who was waving at her happily.

"Okay then. But it's almost my turn." Miss Liu's voice was a little soft, but she still couldn't help feeling nervous.

"What? You're not being stubborn anymore? Look, your hands are shaking slightly. Hiss... stop twisting..." Lin Nan became obedient and didn't dare to tease the tigress anymore.

"You two are just showing off your affection, because the Best Actor winner is about to be announced on stage," Zhou Xun reminded them.

I looked up and saw that it was indeed being announced.

"…The winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at this year's Venice Film Festival is…"

Sure enough, it wasn’t Lin Nan, but it wasn’t Matt Damon either.

"Sissi, calm down."

"Yifei, you still say you have a normal mind?"

Shu Chang and Zhou Xun were comforting Liu Yifei, who clenched her fists and took deep breaths.

Lin Nan reached out and held Liu Yifei's fist, and she relaxed a little.

In Lin Nan's opinion, if he hadn't told Liu Yifei that Gong Li would be presenting the award, Miss Liu would never have been so nervous.

But now that she has said it, she will inevitably have emotional feedback, because she will unconsciously have more expectations in her heart!

It’s Gong Li for sure!

Her appearance treatment was exactly the same as Zhang Yimou's. She walked to the center of the stage amid the applause of the audience. She was wearing a black dress, with an intimidating aura, and she smiled and waved to everyone.

"Hello everyone, it's an honor to be back on the stage in Venice. Tonight, I will present the Best Actress Award to you. Well, it will be a very dedicated and serious actress..."

Gong Li opened the card in his hand, then looked up, smiled, and solemnly announced:

"The winner of the Best Actress Volpi Cup at this year's Venice International Film Festival is: actress Liu Yifei, "Marriage Story", congratulations!"

Gong Li's voice echoed in the venue, and hundreds of eyes swept towards the "Marriage Story" crew, followed by thunderous applause.

"She got it?"

At this moment, Zhang Ziyi couldn't believe her ears. She looked in the direction of Lin Nan and the others with her eyes wide open. A feeling of sadness suddenly surged in her heart. She had worked hard for so many years...

On the other side, Zhang Mo was also shocked. She swallowed her saliva subconsciously. Gong Li presented the award, and I really... got it?!

"I, I, I..." Liu Qianqian could no longer hear the sounds at the scene. She held Lin Nan's arm and kept saying "I" excitedly for a long time.

"Do you want me to sign with you?" Lin Nan asked, gesturing with his hands. He was also very excited, and Zhou Xun and Shu Chang were also so excited that they were speechless.

"Stop it!" Liu Yifei said harshly with red eyes, almost crying.

"Hold on, don't cry. Hurry up and go up, Sister Gong Li is waiting for you." Lin Nan whispered to comfort her.

"Um."

Liu Yifei should have looked heroic in her casual suit, but her red cheeks and tearful eyes had completely destroyed the beauty brought by the makeup; instead, she looked much softer, with a hint of stubbornness.

Walking onto the stage, Liu Yifei half-bent her body and took the golden Volpi Cup for Best Actress from Gong Li with both hands. The trophy is more than five times larger than the palm-sized Golden Lion or Silver Lion trophies.

"Thank you, Sister Gong Li."

"You're welcome. Just ask your director Lin to ask me to play the leading female role." Gong Li also made a rare joke, and then completely gave the stage to the queen of the night.

"An acceptance speech?"

Holding her Volpi Cup award, Liu Yifei stood in front of the microphone, muttering to herself.

She used to draft her acceptance speech in her mind often and had prepared for a very long time, just waiting for this day...but at this moment, she just wanted to express what was in her heart at the moment.

"Hello everyone, I am actress Liu Yifei, and I am very honored to receive it... This Volpi Cup award is a little heavy, but I can carry it.

The person I want to thank the most is my husband. Director Lin Nan, it seems that you have not only forgotten that today is your birthday, but also that today is our two-year wedding anniversary!

But it doesn’t matter, I will consider this Best Actress trophy as a gift from you, the best gift!

Hey, I also have a grand prize trophy from the Venice International Film Festival, and it’s much bigger than your two lions.

Although maybe not as lovely as them, no, better looking than your two lions, because this is my Volpi Cup for Best Actress…”