Golden Globes.

January 19.

The 1996 Golden Globes—categories for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical, Best Original Score (for the musician), and Best Picture – Comedy or Musical. He was competing in three categories, though he looked at Toy Story 2 with favorable eyes. Last year, the winners were surprisingly unexpected—Ice Age took the spotlight. This time around, in the same category once more: Toy Story 2.

– I love these gatherings – commented Mónica, wearing a tight yellow dress that left her back entirely exposed. White straps extended from her neck down to her lower back, forming an exquisite wave-like pattern that cascaded to the floor, a true work of art crafted by one of many stylists.

Wearing high yellow heels, she stood nearly at his height, gaining an extra eight centimeters. She wore a luxurious lipstick that matched her natural beauty.

Billy wore a blue suit, with a golden tie and pocket square that gave him a charming flair, complemented by a yellow vest that accentuated her dress even more. Having gained some muscle, he looked slightly bulkier—not by much, but the change was noticeable, especially in the way his shoulders had filled out.

– Fix your tie, darling – Mónica said, adjusting it into a straight line. At the Beverly Hilton in Santa Monica, waves of people moved around them. Billy noticed many famous faces throughout the room—people now considered Hollywood's elite—and there was Madonna, incredibly radiant, not even twenty yet, at the peak of her beauty. But Mónica shone like the sun, drawing eyes the moment she stepped out of the hotel; people couldn't stop staring.

The red carpet, set out for the elegant, stood pristine and elevated above what some would call tradition. The women were dazzling, though their differing styles were evident.

Cameras and flashes lit up the space so intensely that it was nearly impossible to see beyond the bursts of light shifting from place to place in rapid succession.

– Billy, from Daily America, do you expect to win on your first nomination? –

– Do you think you can compete against Shine? Geoffrey Rush gave one of the best performances of his career. –

– Rumor has it you're in a showdown with Woody Harrelson over The People vs. Larry Flynt. –

– Do you think this is the year of animated films, breaking Disney's record? –

The questions flew at such speed he barely had time to stand straight, but regardless, they kept moving forward, surrounded by many others promoting their work.

The English Patient had 7 nominations, Jerry Maguire had 3, and Toy Story had 2. Sadly, L.A. Confidential had chosen a later release date, aiming to make its impact next year, alongside Donnie Brasco.

Still, Lux Animation was bound to win something, with investments in films like Evita, Jerry Maguire, The English Patient, and The Portrait of a Lady, which earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

– Your company's been very active in the film world. Any thoughts? – asked another journalist as they moved along and joined the cast of The English Patient, where, fortunately for many, Winona received yet another nomination. Producers, screenwriters, and writers were all present, hoping for recognition for their film.

– You're split between two casts – Winona remarked, well aware of Billy's role in Jerry Maguire, which had been nominated in several categories. She looked stunning in a white dress that revealed her youthful figure, her sensuality amplified by her age.

– I'm hoping for good results somewhere. I saw how much promotion you did—you've been all over the headlines – Billy replied.

– It's every actress's dream, holding that statuette in her hands. To be recognized as the best actress… I've dreamed of raising it in my arms, of feeling proud. I think everyone in acting longs for that kind of recognition – Winona said, stepping over to greet Barbra Streisand, who had made perhaps one of the most romantic films of the time, The Mirror Has Two Faces—a real gem that proved Barbra to be a creative force with a bright mind.

The two women embraced as the cameras snapped away. It was clear each of them craved that social whirlwind, that spotlight. Pixar gave a nod, and for the first time that night, Winona smiled.

– Let's go in – Billy whispered to Mónica, who looked at him with her deep black eyes, as if wanting to say something. Still, she followed him inside, unwilling to part.

…

– It's good to see you, young Carson – said Joel Coen, one half of the Coen Brothers duo, whose fame only grew over time thanks to the kind of films they made. This year's surprise, Fargo, was a full ally to a strong year and full of opportunity.

The ceremony was filled with young faces—it could finally be said that the new generation was stepping forward, unlike the future where older actors would dominate nominations.

As expected, most of the presenters were familiar figures, often connected to the nominated films. Without any particular order, they began with Best Original Score, which went to The English Patient. Gabriel Yared took the stage and gave a warm thanks to everyone in the production group.

Next was Best Original Song, which went to Madonna, who took the stage sensually in a peacock-inspired dress. Her green eyes glowed like lanterns, stealing the spotlight. A brief clip from her film with Antonio Banderas played—it was a gorgeous scene, filmed in Argentina and Hungary, easily one of the year's most captivating moments.

– And now, the dream of cinema… Best Picture of 1996. On screen, we have: The English Patient, The People vs. Larry Flynt, Secrets & Lies, Shine, and Breaking the Waves. The Best Drama goes to… –

The series n split into four panels, showing quick scenes from each nominee. The English Patient took its second award of the night. But for Best Comedy or Musical, the real milestone came when Toy Story 2 won over Evita—the highest-grossing film in history had become a juggernaut at the Golden Globes. The applause was brief, but the triumph echoed: hailed for its setting, storyline, direction, and innovation, it had broken the mold of traditional cinema.

It would be remembered fondly by anyone who watched it in the future.

– It's always a pleasure to see how lucky we are, year after year – said John Lasseter from the podium. – He's finally here. Sadly, not through Pixar, but Billy Carson is perhaps the most gifted young writer in Hollywood. Without him, Pixar would've never reached where it is. That's two in a row… Thanks to Ed Catmull, Alvy Ray, Randel, Jim Gianopulos, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and the members of Team One. –

Mónica squeezed his hand under the table, offering her firm and silent blessing.

– You still have a shot with Laszlo Almásy – Mónica whispered.

– I don't think I can win – Billy replied. Still, there was something inside him calling for that award—maybe it was ego, whispering a hint of possibility, a glimpse of success.

– Well, I don't think you're leaving empty-handed – Mónica said, just as his name appeared on screen for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. With his straight profile shown on the big screen, this was the moment to be dismissed—three nominations under his belt had been enough. He felt the urge to yawn, exhaustion weighing down his face.

– Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy goes to… Eddie Murphy, for The Nutty Professor. –

That was the final blow—his role was completely sidelined, and with that, no other chances. The Golden Globes had slipped through his fingers like water.

– I hope Winona wins, though it'll be tough – Billy muttered, trying to keep his lips from moving on the lit-up screen.

– But… don't you want to win? – She asked.

– I guess… a little. But it'll be hard. At least for the next ten years. My categories lean toward different kinds of performances. –

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