Chapter 54: The Oscars

Los Angeles, West Hollywood.

"Tom Cruise sure is amazing, but it's a bit of a shame. At this year's Oscars, Born on the Fourth of July only won Best Director and Best Film Editing," Arthur said as he flipped through the newspaper in his hands, which happened to cover the recent Oscar awards ceremony.

Born on the Fourth of July was a low-budget art film about a Vietnam War veteran, yet it grossed $70 million in North America and $90 million overseas!

Tom Cruise's box office appeal was no joke. A low-budget art film could still earn over $100 million worldwide.

Moreover, Tom Cruise had a strong chance of winning Best Actor at this year's Oscars but lost to Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot.

Though Tom Cruise had previously won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama for this film, how can the Golden Globes compare to the Oscars?

It seems that good-looking people, regardless of gender, are never favored by Oscar judges...

Winona Ryder walked over. "No wonder Nicole was in a low mood when we went shopping yesterday. So it's because Tom Cruise didn't win Best Actor?"

"Are you pretty close with Nicole Kidman now?" Arthur put down the newspaper and looked at Winona Ryder as he asked.

"We've been having meals, shopping, and watching movies together a lot recently. She doesn't have many friends around, and we get along well," Winona Ryder said as she climbed into Arthur's lap.

"She even asked if you were trying for that role in Billy Bathgate"

"That's a CAA package deal. I'm not even one of their clients, so there's no chance. Besides, I'm not some influential rising star," Arthur, who was busy with his own matters, wasn't too concerned.

"Oh, but don't worry. Sleepless in Seattle is doing really well. Nicole and I went to the theater to see it, and we both thought it was great. The box office and reviews are high right now. Arthur, you've made a significant contribution, not just as the screenwriter but also in the production," Winona said, giving Arthur a kiss on the cheek. "I'm proud of you!"

Arthur smiled. "The main credit goes to the director and the lead actors. I'm just behind the scenes."

Winona spoke up again, "By the way, you mentioned Tom Cruise being a bit unlucky. That's because he missed out on Best Actor, right?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes, this might be the closest Tom Cruise ever gets to an Oscar for Best Actor.

The Oscars have many intricacies. Winning requires not just good acting but also the right project, effective PR, and the actor's appearance. Good-looking actors and actresses usually don't get much love from the Academy judges.

In Born on the Fourth of July, Tom Cruise had to play an unattractive character to even get a nomination. Yet, his sacrifice of image, portraying a bald and disabled Vietnam veteran, still lost to Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal of a completely paralyzed man in My Left Foot!"

Winona Ryder blinked. "You sure know a lot!"

Arthur nodded. "Not bad. Independent films are increasingly common now, and winning an Oscar definitely benefits the films and their backing companies. My Left Foot put some effort into campaigning. Miramax played some tricks to get it into the Best Picture nomination, and Daniel Day-Lewis even went to Washington, D.C., to testify on the Americans with Disabilities Act!"

Arthur then kissed Winona Ryder, still in his arms, and said, "I've said before, I'll find a way to get you up on that Oscar stage someday."

"I know, but it's too soon to think about that now," Winona Ryder replied with a sweet smile.

"Let's just enjoy the moment!"

"Alright, let's not talk about that now. How did your meeting with Disney's Touchstone Pictures about Father of the Bride go?" Arthur asked. It had been a month since he left, and Winona Ryder had stayed in Los Angeles.

"I went to audition, and Disney was quite satisfied with me. Jessica said there shouldn't be any issues. Once the contract is finalized, we'll start shooting next month," said Winona Ryder. She had taken on three projects last year, so she wasn't planning to take on too much this year, especially after filming in Ohio for two months.

Arthur nodded. "My agent recently told me that many producers and studios have been approaching me for scripts. When I get an idea, I'll write a script just for you!"

"That's great! Can you play the male lead yourself then?" Winona Ryder wished to act alongside Arthur.

"Well, it's tough," Arthur said, slightly embarrassed. "I've only been an actor for about a year and have only played small roles so far."

"Playing the lead now would likely be a problem for the studios unless it's something like American Pie with multiple leads. They might consider me for that. Or, in a project I finance myself, otherwise, it's hard to get cast in a lead role given my current situation."

"No worries, we all start somewhere," Winona Ryder understood. "You were a supporting actor in Sleepless in Seattle too, after all."

"I believe this film will still boost your recognition!"

"Yes, we'll take it slow. There will be opportunities," Arthur said, thinking out loud.

With the start of Sleeping with the Enemy in production, Orion Pictures had already transferred $4 million to Galaxy Pictures to support the filming of The Silence of the Lambs.

Moreover, the success of Sleepless in Seattle indeed made Castle Rock consider investing in The Silence of the Lambs. Their partner, Columbia TriStar, seemed interested in its international distribution.

If Castle Rock invests some funds and Columbia TriStar pays an advance for the international distribution rights of The Silence of the Lambs...

Arthur could take the North American and international distribution agreements signed with Orion, and Columbia TriStar directly to the bank for a loan, raising enough funds for filming wouldn't be a problem.

Otherwise, he'd have to go to Europe to presell distribution rights, which would be time-consuming and exhausting, and he'd need to find an international distribution agent, who would take a cut.

"Arthur, let's take a break. I haven't seen you in so long," Winona Ryder seductively teased Arthur as she lay in his arms.

"Hm," Arthur kissed the person in his arms and carried Winona Ryder straight to the bedroom.

Winona Ryder, lying beneath Arthur, wrapped her arms tightly around him and whispered, "Honey, I like it when you're a bit rough..."

*****

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