The Greatest Showman #1228 – Unknown Item

Steven Spielberg turned and walked away, leaving Renly standing there, confused.

Unknown item?

This was a tough start.

As everyone knows, Steven Spielberg is one of the busiest and most prolific figures in Hollywood. His creative energy and spark have remained strong, producing countless director and producer projects.

Take 2017 as an example: Steven first completed the filming of the commercial movie Ready Player One, and during its post-production, he found time to shoot the biographical film The Washington Post. Before the latter's editing was completed, the former had been released. By December, The Washington Post had premiered and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Then, in March of the following year, Ready Player One hit theaters and was a major hit with audiences. Steven didn't stop there—he dove straight into remaking West Side Story and working on Indiana Jones 5.

Despite being over sixty, Steven remains one of Hollywood's top movie creators, constantly at work. What's more impressive is that these are just a few examples. He's also involved in projects like the Transformers series and Men in Black series, where he's often listed as a producer, offering advice or guidance, but his name carries weight. There are many such projects, with multiple films in the works at any given time.

Even with Renly's two lifetimes, predicting all of Steven's upcoming projects would be impossible.

"A coin buys your current thoughts," a voice interrupted Renly's reverie. It was Hugh Jackman, smiling as he sat down beside him.

"Steven Spielberg," Renly replied, smiling back.

Jackman chuckled heartily. "Does a British greeting have to be so formal? I know who you are, and you know who I am. Why not just say you like my performance?"

Renly shrugged gracefully, unfazed. "So, is this how Australians do it?" he asked smoothly. "I really enjoyed your performance in Les Misérables."

Jackman narrowed his eyes, studying Renly for a moment before asking, "Are you serious?"

"I'm serious," Renly replied calmly, meeting Jackman's gaze. "But I didn't care much for the movie."

Jackman looked puzzled. "You didn't like the movie version but prefer the six-hour version? That's an odd choice."

"Why not?" Renly said casually. "Six hours means you can truly develop the character, refine the performance, and bring out the essence of the role. Why refuse?"

Jackman was left slightly speechless, but Renly continued, "In the movie version, 'Take Him Home' was poorly executed. I don't believe it was your performance that was lacking—it was the director who didn't give you enough room to shine."

The Les Misérables movie, directed by Tom Hooper, had many shots focusing solely on Jackman's face, particularly during the "Take Me Home" scene, but it ultimately missed the mark. The shots felt too static, ignoring the emotional connection between Jean Valjean and Marius, making Jackman's performance feel distant and exaggerated.

Jackman opened his mouth in disbelief. "God, you're insane. This is the Oscars. Aren't you worried I'll punch you on the spot and throw you out?"

Renly grinned. "Just tell me to 'fuck off,' and that'll be that."

The air froze for a moment, but then Jackman burst into laughter. "I told Debra I would like you."

Renly blinked, confused, but Jackman explained, "After the movie came out, the media kept comparing the movie version to the theatrical cut, again and again. It's annoying—they just want to make headlines. But that doesn't mean I have to cooperate."

Jackman's smile softened as he added, "Debra didn't like you at first. She thought you were too young, selfish, and arrogant. She was right, but I always believed you're a great actor. You'll come to appreciate us in time, and I like you for your inner pursuits, not just your performance—because you're a lunatic."

Renly smiled warmly. "Please tell Debra I like her too. I'd love to visit you both next time."

Jackman's expression became tender as he spoke of Debra. "You make everyone who's not yet started a family envious," Renly added with a knowing look.

Jackman grinned. "Well, we've been through a lot together. She's my biggest supporter."

"But," Jackman added with a twinkle in his eye, "don't talk about this in front of Tom and Cameron. They're not actors, and they don't get our communication style."

Renly raised an eyebrow, amused. "Even actors don't always understand my style of communication."

Jackman laughed, shaking his head. "So, you know you're an asshole?"

Renly shrugged, giving an innocent look. "I might be, but I don't care."

Jackman smiled again, "If the Academy was hoping to see us fight, they're going to be disappointed."

Renly smirked. "Don't worry, even if they can't see it, they'll figure it out."

Just as they were talking, Jessica Chastain trotted over in a flowing gown. Renly stood up quickly, extending his hand to help her, showing gentlemanly courtesy as he helped her back to her seat.

Jessica exhaled and greeted Jackman with a bright smile, but lowered her voice as she sighed. "I just had to say hello to Emmanuelle Riva—Hiroshima Mon Amour and The Lonely Mind are my favorites. Her performances are so moving."

She glanced around at the other guests, eyes widening in realization. "I'm not the only one who thinks that way," she whispered conspiratorially, raising a finger to her lips.

Renly smiled. "Don't worry, the broadcast hasn't started yet."

The lights in the Dolby Theatre began to dim, and the stage lights flickered on, signaling the start of the event. The buzz and noise in the theater began to settle as anticipation filled the air. Renly and Jessica exchanged a knowing glance, both lightly laughing, ready for the Oscars to officially begin.

Before they knew it, the Oscars had reached their 85th year. Throughout its long history, the ceremony had birthed countless classic moments, with the host always under the spotlight.

The infamous 2011 hosting by James Franco and Anne Hathaway, still fresh in people's minds; Whoopi Goldberg's disastrous debut in 2002; Chris Rock's biting humor in 2005—these moments had become a part of Oscar lore.

Last year, Billy Crystal's ninth turn as host had become less exciting, with Crystal himself longing for a fresh face. After much deliberation, the Academy decided on a new direction and chose Seth MacFarlane as the host for this year's ceremony.

Who was Seth MacFarlane?

Known for his work in the comedy world, MacFarlane had gained fame with his voice work in Family Guy and later became a successful writer, director, and actor. His film Ted had been a massive hit, propelling him further into the spotlight. With his comedic timing and style, he was an unexpected yet fitting choice for the Academy, who hoped his humor would resonate with younger audiences.

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, the atmosphere in the Dolby Theatre turned electric. The stage was a constellation of stars, glowing with anticipation for the night ahead.