Chapter 472: Capet's Night

On February 22, 2009, the 81st Academy Awards opened grandly at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

The British-Indian co-production Slumdog Millionaire won eight awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Kate Winslet from The Reader won the Oscar for Best Actress.

Penelope Cruz from Vicky Cristina Barcelona won Best Supporting Actress.

This year's Oscars saw Capet as the biggest winner. Before Slumdog Millionaire, Capet had already won the Best Picture for No Country for Old Men and The Departed.

Capet was already a household name in Hollywood in recent years, but tonight's Oscars had Capet directly pocketing ten awards, including the coveted Best Picture.

The whole Oscars ceremony was filled with praises for Capet!

As soon as the ceremony ended, online news and comments were abuzz. The Los Angeles Times directly described the event as "Capet's Night."

...

In Beverly Hills, at the Capet Mansion, Gal Gadot returned right after the ceremony. Charles didn't bother attending the Oscars and preferred to rest at home!

"Hey, why didn't you go to the Vanity Fair after-party?" Charles was a bit surprised to see Gal Gadot back, as she had been quite excited about attending the Oscars.

Gal Gadot smiled, "Aren't you going? You didn't attend the ceremony, and you're skipping the after-party too? Tonight is Capet's night!"

"I'll accompany you later," Charles agreed he should make an appearance. Since My Big Fat Greek Wedding premiered in 2002, Capet had won the Best Picture Oscar three times in seven years.

"Let's go, heading to the Sunset Tower Hotel is a good idea. We can meet some people."

The Vanity Fair Oscars after-party was held at the Sunset Tower Hotel, known as the Governor's Ball.

Last year, many stars supported Hollywood's writer's strike, and Vanity Fair canceled the Oscars party.

This year, despite the economic downturn, Vanity Fair had already announced they would resume the Oscars night on February 22, 2009!

Tonight's Vanity Fair after-party was full of stars. Besides the winners and nominees from the Oscars, many other big names were invited.

Charles made a low-key appearance at the Sunset Tower Hotel, but it quickly caused a stir.

Just a quick glance showed that Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, who had past ties with Charles, along with Penelope Cruz, were all there.

Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Scarlett Johansson, Eva Green, and Kate Beckinsale, with whom Charles maintained connections, also attended.

Other big-name guests included David Geffen, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Pierce Brosnan, Beyonce, and Madonna.

"Charles, congratulations! Capet's performance tonight was truly impressive," said Harry Sloan, Chairman of MGM, as he shook Charles's hand.

Charles smiled, raised his glass, and clinked it with Harry Sloan's, responding, "Tonight's Oscars night seems more low-key than before, not as extravagant."

Oscar viewership was declining, and the financial crisis had affected not only the organizers but also reduced advertising revenue for fashion magazines like Vanity Fair and Variety. The Oscars' influence was visibly waning.

MGM, managed by Harry Sloan, was also in debt. Although Quantum of Solace grossed nearly 600 millions in North America and globally, MGM's other films did not perform well at the box office.

Recently, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that MGM was $3.7 billion in debt, sparking speculation that MGM might seek a sale, though Harry Sloan vigorously denied it!

Sipping his drink, Harry Sloan sighed, "It's surprising that Capet Pictures, founded in 2001, is now valued higher than an old film company like MGM."

"Harry, we must look forward. Besides, MGM had its glorious days," Charles patted Harry Sloan's shoulder.

"You know, it was MGM that led the creation of the Oscars. They have over 170 Oscar trophies in their trophy room!"

MGM's 4000-title library and the distribution rights to the James Bond series were still enviable.

After chatting with Harry Sloan for a while, Charles talked to director Danny Boyle. Slumdog Millionaire had won Best Picture and Best Director!

Charles sincerely congratulated Kate Winslet, who finally won Best Actress. Though it was for The Reader and not Revolutionary Road with Leonardo DiCaprio, she had finally fulfilled her dream.

"Charles, thank you," Kate Winslet hugged Charles.

"Your performance was excellent, well-deserved," Charles replied with a smile. Soon, Kate Beckinsale joined for a photo-op.

Kate Beckinsale congratulated Kate Winslet with an envious look, her eyes burning hotter as she gazed at Charles.

Marion Cotillard, Reese Witherspoon, and Kate Winslet - actresses from France, America, and Britain - all became Oscar winners with Charles's help.

Charles looked at the many women around him, reminiscent of the experiences Harvey Weinstein often enjoyed?

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.