The Greatest Showman #930 - Opening Ceremony

The grand ceremony of the Oscars unfolded with a dazzling scene: red velvet, golden arcades, a black stage, navy blue trim, and a cream halo. As one enters the Kodak Theater, the luxurious, retro ambiance becomes immediately apparent. With each step, it feels as though time is rewinding, transporting you back to the golden 1960s of Hollywood—or even further to the 1920s and 1930s, when the magic of cinema was born.

The 84th Oscars embraced nostalgia as its theme.

Among the nine films nominated for Best Picture, Midnight in Paris transported audiences to the golden age of art in 1920s Paris via midnight travel, Hugo recreated the early magic of cinema, and The Artist told a Hollywood fairytale in black-and-white silent film format as the era of "talkies" began. These three films led the nominations and, along with The Descendants, formed the core contenders in the awards season, quickly emerging as favorites. This lineup clearly showcased the Academy's values for the year.

The Academy is often said to be narcissistic, enamored with its own history. It reminisces deeply about Hollywood's golden age, basking in the glory of past cinematic triumphs and lingering in self-love and self-congratulation. Over the years, films like Sunset Boulevard, The Player, Living in the Dream, and Comet Beauty—which tell stories about Hollywood itself—have been particularly favored. To a certain extent, the Academy seems to prefer directors who both act and direct, continuing this longstanding tradition.

Tonight, the stage arrangements underscored this tradition, and speculation suggested the Best Picture winner would be one of the three frontrunners: Midnight in Paris, Hugo, or The Artist. This was confirmed as the awards ceremony began.

Amid the bustling crowd, Renly spotted Ryan Gosling. "Hey, man! Over here!" he called out.

Over the past year, Ryan, who had starred in three films—Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Ides of March, and Drive—had not received an Oscar nomination but still attended the ceremony as a guest. Upon hearing Renly, Ryan eagerly waved, beaming with enthusiasm. He opened his arms wide for a big hug.

Renly walked over, and the two shared a tight embrace. Ryan chuckled as they pulled apart. "I was texting with Paul just now, guessing if you'd show up tonight."

Renly grinned. "Paul? When did you start talking to him?" He patted Ryan's back. "I'm fine, though, no worries."

Ryan smiled back, clearly concerned. "After we met last time, we exchanged numbers. We were both worried you'd disappear."

Renly laughed. "Next time Paul and I go surfing, you should join us."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Sure enough, you really did disappear for a while."

Renly chuckled again. Looking around, he realized his spot might be blocking others. Just then, Ryan patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. Your seat's right here." He pointed to a sign reading "Renly-Hall" on a piece of white cardboard hanging behind a seat.

This area was in the center of the venue, with the first three rows reserved for the most anticipated guests. Renly found himself next to Ryan Gosling on the left, with Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, and the cast of The Help to his right. In front of him were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, and Martin Scorsese. Behind him were Asa Butterfield and the cast of Hugo.

Renly didn't sit down right away. He scanned the crowd, looking for his crew. "Where are my teammates?" he wondered aloud.

The Crazy, Stupid, Love crew had only three invitations to the ceremony—Renly, Derek Doremus, and Jennifer Lawrence. Despite Crazy, Stupid, Love only earning one nomination for Best Actor, Derek and Renly had received invitations, while Jennifer attended thanks to her successful year. Unfortunately, Felicity Jones had not been able to make it.

As Renly spoke, he spotted Derek sitting in the fourth row. Derek looked visibly nervous, tugging at his suit jacket and glancing around anxiously. In the chaotic environment, he seemed out of place. Renly gestured to Ryan, then made his way over to greet Derek.

"Everyone here is so tall, I feel out of place," Derek murmured with a shy laugh, which made Renly smile.

Returning to their seats, the Help crew had nearly settled in. Emma Stone leapt up, unable to contain her excitement. Ryan, somewhat neglected, mockingly complained, "Emma, I thought we were partners—not Renly!" The banter made everyone laugh, and soon there were pictures and more greetings.

As the guests mingled, Renly's circle of friends continued to greet him until the lights dimmed, signaling the official start of the ceremony. Though the noise of the crowd settled, a buzz of excitement still lingered in the air.

Jessica, sitting opposite Renly, seemed a bit uneasy. Despite her successful career, tonight marked her first time at the Oscars. Her performances in The Tree of Life and The Help had thrust her into the spotlight.

Renly leaned in and whispered playfully, "Should we marvel at how Hollywood thrives on self-importance? Or should we admit that, no matter what, the Oscars still make our hearts race?"

Jessica turned to him, catching the mischievous gleam in his eyes. She couldn't help but laugh and responded, "Who else could see through that except Woody Allen?"

Even the greats—Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Charlie Chaplin—couldn't shake their desire for the little golden man.

Renly shrugged. "Like me?"

Jessica remembered last year, when Renly had missed the Oscars. But tonight, his playful arrogance had a hint of sarcasm, which made her laugh harder.

Realizing her laughter might be too loud, Jessica quickly covered her mouth. Still, the amusement sparkled in her eyes.

Looking up, Jessica saw Renly had turned his attention to the stage. His calm presence seemed to settle her nerves, and despite still feeling the unease in her stomach, she took a deep breath and looked forward, too.

The ceremony had begun.

Tonight, the Academy revisited the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Morgan Freeman announced the evening's host, Billy Crystal, who was hosting the Oscars for the ninth time, a record for televised ceremonies.

After a lackluster performance by James Franco and Anne Hathaway the previous year, the Academy begged Billy to return. Though he had declined multiple times, the Academy's persistence eventually won him over.

The opening featured Billy Crystal in a humorous video, spoofing the year's biggest films—The Artist, Hugo, The Descendants, as well as Harry Potter, Mission Impossible 4, and Puss in Boots. One memorable moment involved Billy's cameo as the hero in Midnight in Paris, where he and Justin Bieber, sitting in a carriage at midnight, traveled back to the golden age of Paris. Their playful banter drew laughter from the audience, including Renly.

As the clip ended, Billy Crystal emerged on stage, imitating the iconic stance of the Oscar statuette. The audience erupted into applause as Billy, continuing his comedy routine, made his way down the stage—only to stop and stand next to Renly and Ryan.

The crowd's cheers reached a crescendo, and the evening's festivities were officially underway.