Chapter 923 - Eleven Nominations

"After seeing the nomination list, I don't know how to express my shock other than sighing."

"You could scream—that's what I did."

"It's unbelievable. If it were any other film, I might suspect some behind-the-scenes manipulation at the Oscars. But this is 'The Lord of the Rings'. If it hadn't received these nominations, then the Oscars would truly have lost their credibility."

"Am I the only one who thinks Laila might win Best Director this time? Sure, she's still young, far from the age most voters prefer, but I believe she can do it!"

"You're not alone. I've already bet with my friends that if Laila doesn't win Best Director, I'll treat them all to a fancy dinner. But I think I'm going to win!"

Every corner of the internet where discussions could be found was flooded with news about Laila and 'The Lord of the Rings'. Under her overwhelming shadow, other films that should have shone brightly were tragically pushed out of the spotlight.

Aside from speculating how many awards 'The Lord of the Rings' might win, people were also buzzing about whether Laila, at just 27 years old, could take home the Best Director trophy and set a new record for the youngest winner.

On one hand, many hoped she could make history. On the other, some hesitated, recalling a famous article titled "Ten Reasons Why Laila Shouldn't Win Best Director".

Meanwhile, in the fashion world, Janet's name was on everyone's lips overnight, as she was once again nominated for Best Costume Design at the Oscars.

No one in the fashion industry doubted her taste or her keen sense of style. In the realm of film costume design, she had achieved honors that many professionals spent their entire careers striving for but never attained. The most frustrating part? She did it all as a side project, not even a full-time costume designer for films.

Best Costume Design isn't typically one of the most high-profile awards. Even for the most popular films, how many people remember who designed the costumes?

But Janet was different. Her reputation in the fashion world was already stellar. She rarely missed the biannual fashion shows, and each time, she brought a fresh wave of trends. Whether it was her pirate theme, Baroque style, retro vibes, or any other inspiration, her designs always had a captivating charm.

Not every designer can create costumes for films. It takes someone who understands the movie, the characters, and the narrative to design outfits that truly fit. It's not just about making the characters look pretty, as many might assume.

Speaking of Janet, we can't forget Xiao Yao, the genius who brought the art of disguise to the Oscars. He constantly pushed the boundaries of makeup effects, transforming people into any character without leaving a trace of flaws. His skills allowed Laila to achieve any look she envisioned, ensuring stunning results.

It's safe to say that without the collaboration of these two, Laila wouldn't have been able to create this version of 'The Lord of the Rings', which surpassed the original in many ways.

However, Laila did have one regret. She realized she had been influenced more by the original work than she intended. If she had given the main characters more prominence, allowing them to shine brighter instead of making the film feel like a grand ensemble piece, perhaps she could have also made a mark in the acting categories.

If that had happened, she might have even broken some award records.

The eleven nominations sent Hollywood into a frenzy. The last time such a phenomenon occurred was when 'Titanic' swept the world with its box office dominance.

While her earlier film 'Chicago' had also made a splash, it paled in comparison to this. Whether in terms of buzz or impact, the two weren't even in the same league.

This left other Oscar contenders, including some highly confident films, in a tough spot. They had expected 'The Lord of the Rings' to be a strong competitor, but not to this extent. Aside from the acting categories, the film left little room for others in nearly every other award.

This year marked the 80th anniversary of the Oscars, and on such an important occasion, 'The Lord of the Rings' was destined to make history. There was no way it could stay under the radar.

The Oscars are a globally watched event, and as soon as the nomination list was released, it spread like wildfire across the increasingly connected world.

When the news reached the East, the internet exploded.

Laila, known for her affinity toward the East, had always left a positive impression on people there. She had even appeared at the Spring Festival Gala with Roy, delivering a hilarious skit and a beautiful song that won over countless hearts.

When the news broke that 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' had received eleven Oscar nominations, people marveled at her achievements while revisiting her life story.

Her seemingly charmed life was more inspiring than any motivational film.

"She's only 27! Suddenly, I feel like I've wasted my life. What should I do?"

"Same here. At least I'm still a junior in college—I've got a year to turn things around."

"My family doesn't allow me to idolize celebrities, but they made an exception for Laila! They all love her."

"I've watched every one of Laila's movies multiple times, including her early horror films. Even after all these years, they still scare me to death!"

"Exactly! No matter the genre, her films are all classics. You can watch them over and over without getting bored!"

Not only was the internet singing her praises, but even official media outlets held her up as a role model. In the past, people might have found such praise for a foreigner excessive, but after learning about Laila's journey, no one saw it as inappropriate.

Here was someone who had overcome illness, directed a film at 18 with just $100,000, and went on to earn $300 million globally. She had broken numerous box office records, and above all, she was known for her dedication and hard work.

When someone smarter, wealthier, and more beautiful than you are still working hard, what excuse do you have to slack off?

Laila's fans spanned the globe, and her story was known worldwide. In every country, she was a symbol of inspiration.

Some people give up when faced with difficulties but look at Laila. She wasn't without her struggles—she faced criticism, danger, and countless challenges. Yet, she kept moving forward with unwavering determination.

Don't just envy her current status or see her eleven Oscar nominations and think she's just a lucky woman. Ask yourself: if you were in her position, could you work harder than she did?