HWI 143

Hollywood What If Chapter 143

"I would like to thank the entire production crew, the cast, my father, and my brother. Without you, it's impossible for me to reach this stage. Thank you very much."

Kazir smiled and the audience applauded. Kazir Grey looked like a rugged, handsome man. Over six feet tall, broad shoulders, and a dark short beard. A masculine kind of handsomeness.

He waved his hand and left the stage. The coordinator motioned for him to go backstage and Kazir Grey walked confidently... Hiding his awkwardness.

'If I know I'm going to win, I should have prepared a speech.'

He didn't think he would get the award. Especially when they didn't have any PR (Public Relations).

"Sir, you can go back to your seat when the commercial starts."

The coordinator said while another presenter introduced the nominations for Best Actress.

"Congratulations, Director Grey."

Robin Williams reached out for a handshake.

"Thank you, Mr. Williams." Kazir accepted his handshake.

The two were at backstage waiting for the commercial. They were both holding Oscar statues.

Honestly, Kazir felt awkward because Robin Williams was part of Good Will Hunting. Everyone strongly believed that Good Will Hunting would win Best Original Screenplay, but Kazir unexpectedly won it.

"Haha, you don't have to be embarrassed. These things happen sometimes. We can't predict the future."

"That's right."

Kazir Grey could not agree more. It seemed that his knowledge was slowly becoming useless against the unpredictable flow of time.

"By the way, congratulations in advance. Taken might get two awards tonight."

"You mean the Best Actor award?"

"That's right. Jack Nicholson is the strongest contender, but the impact of Taken last year is enormous. It spread awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. The movement it created caused a massive change in society. It's so influencial."

Kazir nodded. He knew that an organization had been created to help people suffering from this kind of injustice. Moreover, Liam Neeson had become an ambassador for the movement. Maybe the members of the Academy would vote for Liam Neeson because of that. Considering that the Academy loves to shower itself with humanitarian work.

"You know what they call Liam Neeson these days? They call him the Rescuer. Some call him Daddy Rescuer... So yeah, you get the gist."

Well, Liam Neeson was famous for having roles that involved saving people. The Taken trilogy, Non-Stop, and Schindler's List. Just some of the movies he was in that were about saving people.

"Honestly, I'm skeptical about only getting three nominations. With the good influence that Taken has spread, I think you deserve a Best Picture nomination as well."

Robert Williams added. He had no grudge against Kazir Grey or the Taken crew. In his opinion, making a connection was better than holding a grudge. Making a good impression was the best choice. Maybe they could cooperate next time. After all, Kazir Grey was a great director.

"I have only one answer: Paramount."

"Understood, have a nice day."

With one word, Robin Williams knew the answer.

Paramount was one of the investors in Titanic. It could not share its resources, especially for a movie like Taken. Taken was completely owned by Grey Pictures, it would be pointless for Paramount to promote the movie.

Besides, Kazir knew that Titanic would win most of the awards this year, so he had no reason to waste his money on PR.

'It is impossible to beat Titanic. So it's better to choose a better year to compete instead of facing a huge boat.'

That was the best answer in this situation. However, Kazir didn't expect to win an Oscar without any PR.

'I guess this is another achievement I can be proud of.'

Perhaps Kazir was not confident in his movie. He didn't expect that he would win even though Taken had a very strong influence last year.

A few minutes later, the audience started clapping again.

Helen Hunt went backstage. She saw Robin Williams and Kazir Grey talking. She smiled and greeted them, and they congratulated each other on the awards they had won.

Unfortunately, Helen Hunt didn't have time to talk to Kazir Grey because the coordinator told them to return to their seats.

Kazir Grey sat down and sighed. He was happy, of course.

"Congratulations, Kazir." Liam Neeson was happy for him.

"Liam, I think you are going to win Best Actor."

At first, Kazir was skeptical about Liam Neeson's chances of winning the statue. But after what he experienced, he felt that Liam Neeson would win.

Robin Williams was right, the impact of Taken was not just a simple action movie. It opened a lot of people's eyes. And for that, the Academy deserves to give them an award.

'I regret that I didn't give Liam too many emotional scenes. The Academy loves explosive acting.'

"I hope so."

Liam Neeson laughed nervously. He knew his role was too weak against Jack Nicholson's. But this was his second chance to get nominated, and it would be foolish of him to pass up the opportunity.

Luckily, CAA was great at PR and they helped him a lot.

"Liam, let's set up a time to talk. I have something to tell you."

"I hope it's not something bad, right?" Liam Neeson looked at him.

"I don't think it is."

"Of course. If I win Best Actor, I'll take you to a nice restaurant."

"Nah, I'm good with fast food restaurants."

The two laughed.

When the commercial ended, the live broadcast resumed.

This time, the Best Actor presenter, Frances McDormand, smiled into the camera.

She announced the nominations. Five cameras were directed at the nominated actors.

Liam Neeson kept his smile on and showed a calm expression. However, he was sweating on his back.

Winning the Best Actor award was very important to him. He dreamed of getting one, especially after his nominations for Schindler's List. He wanted one, a proof of his achievement in the industry. And an Oscar statue was the best way to prove it.

He clenched his fists and hoped his prayers would be answered.

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