Chapter 217: Another Bond Girl

Director Pedro Almodovar, who made Volver, was a national treasure of Spain known for his strong individual style.

Charles appreciated this maverick European director, but he valued new Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who directed Babel, even more.

21 Grams and Babel were both highly artistic films directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

"Kate, you look stunning tonight!" Charles embraced and complimented Cate Blanchett.

"Thanks, it's mostly the work of the makeup artists and stylists," Cate Blanchett responded humorously.

"Oh, I see!"

At the charity dinner, while watching Sharon Stone perform energetically on stage, Charles chatted with Cate Blanchett.

Cate Blanchett wasn't considered one of Hollywood's great beauties; with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and graceful figure, she was more of a standard beauty.

However, she had an outstanding aura that gave a very unique feel, and her acting was quite good. But she had always been involved in art films, so her commercial value and fame certainly couldn't compare to her fellow Australians Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts.

Cate Blanchett got married to an Australian shortly after her debut, and they already had two sons.

Also, Cate Blanchett rarely had any scandals, though her husband wasn't always so honest.

"Cate, you rarely do commercial films, right? Last year's The Aviator could count as one, along with your cameo in The Lord of the Rings series as the Elf Queen!"

At that time, Cate Blanchett hadn't yet developed the imposing presence she would have in the future; she was a regular actress in Hollywood.

Her most well-known role was as the Elf Queen in The Lord of the Rings.

Cate Blanchett nodded with a smile and said, "I've always been in art films, and maybe I'm not suited for romance or comedy genres."

Charles smiled; it was indeed the case.

"That film Notes on a Scandal, starring Judi Dench and you, plus the novel itself had a huge impact. I believe the reviews won't be low!" Charles was genuinely impressed with Cate Blanchett. She was serious about films and had a personality.

"Really? But Dame Judi Dench's performance was indeed very powerful. Her rich acting experience taught me a lot," Cate Blanchett admitted she greatly admired the British veteran actress Judi Dench.

Charles nodded and suddenly saw Penelope Cruz signaling to him from a distance.

"Excuse me," Charles got up and gave Cate Blanchett a hug.

"What's up?" Charles asked as he approached Penelope Cruz. He wasn't the kind of person who would just walk away after getting something.

"Do you know about the film Paris, je t'aime?"

Charles nodded, "Sure, it's directed by over twenty people including Olivier Assayas and the Coen Brothers, starring Juliette Binoche, Steve Buscemi, Alexander Payne, and Gena Rowlands. It's a collection of short stories about the twenty districts of Paris."

"I know quite a few people in it. Everyone wants a chance to talk to you. Interested?" Penelope Cruz said quietly.

"A young actress who just entered the acting world played a minor role in Paris, je t'aime. She's a former model," Penelope Cruz added.

Charles glanced at Penelope Cruz. She really was something, using her connections already.

He chuckled, "Sure, who doesn't like meeting pretty girls?"

Penelope Cruz breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want to quickly lose her connection with Charles Capet after finally making one.

Penelope Cruz had found someone to help keep Charles Capet engaged. Too much Spanish ham, maybe trying some Eastern European flair wouldn't hurt?

Charles was surprised that Penelope Cruz introduced him to Olga Kurylenko, a model born in Ukraine.

She had just entered the acting world last year but had become a French citizen at the turn of the millennium.

"Good evening, Mr. Capet. I am Olga Kurylenko. Pleased to meet you!" Olga, who had just transitioned from modeling to acting, was undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to connect with Hollywood's Charles Capet.

"Good evening, Olga. Your performance in last year's debut film The Ring Finger was quite good!" Charles praised, though Penelope Cruz had relayed this information. Olga Kurylenko had won the Best Actress Award at the Brooklyn International Film Festival for her debut in The Ring Finger.

However, Charles hadn't heard of the Brooklyn International Film Festival or The Ring Finger. But he did remember Olga Kurylenko as one of the future Bond girls. She was indeed tall, sexy, and had an Eastern European toughness.

"How about we go out for a drink to celebrate the perfect ending of the Cannes Film Festival?" suggested Penelope Cruz.

Olga Kurylenko nodded in agreement, "I know a few quiet places."

Penelope Cruz looked at Charles and reminded him, "Charles, don't you have a bottle of Romanee-Conti? Let's go to your place!"

Charles looked at both Penelope Cruz and Olga Kurylenko and nodded. This was getting interesting.

"I'll have someone pick you up later!" Charles smiled and gave each of them a kiss.

After Charles left, Penelope Cruz reminded Olga Kurylenko, "I've introduced you. Whether something happens depends on you! Charles Capet is not only young and wealthy but also handsome and talented. He's had rumors with many young actresses."

Olga Kurylenko smiled and kissed Penelope Cruz on the cheek, "I know, he's a big deal, different from other big deals. Just look at Marion Cotillard. Many people envy her now. She met Charles at the Cannes Film Festival four years ago and immediately entered the Hollywood circle."

"The Da Vinci Code has already grossed over two hundred million dollars in North America!" Penelope Cruz teased, "Do you like him? Too many women like him, and he hasn't acknowledged any of them as his girlfriend."

Olga Kurylenko shook her head, "I just hope that after some efforts, Charles Capet will show some indication."

"First, let him remember you," said Penelope Cruz, glancing at Cate Blanchett on the other side talking to Harvey Weinstein.

Compared to Harvey Weinstein, Charles was much better!

...

"Harvey, except for work, let's not discuss anything else," Cate Blanchett dealt composedly with Harvey Weinstein's harassment.

Weinstein Company was currently developing a Bob Dylan biopic, with Cate Blanchett cross-playing as him.

Harvey Weinstein just smiled and reminded her, "Don't you want to go further? No thoughts on the Best Actress Oscar?"

Cate Blanchett shook her head and left Harvey Weinstein's sight directly.

*****

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