Chapter 432: Who Will Win Best Director?

[Chapter 432: Who Will Win Best Director?]

The ceremony started with the Best Supporting Actress award, and Juliette Binoche won this accolade with her impressive performance. The English Patient got off to a great start.

Everyone congratulated Juliette Binoche. She came up to the stage, surprised yet delighted, and thanked the crew and her family. Near the end of her speech, she deliberately mentioned she forgot to thank one person -- Director Link. She said Link was the director she both most wanted and least wanted to work with.

She explained that working under Link was incredibly stressful, constantly pushing her to the edge of breaking down. But every time she was about to lose it, Link would somehow pull her back only to push her down again, torturing her endlessly.

It was a torment she didn't want to endure twice.

The audience burst out laughing at her joke about Link. When the camera caught his expression, Link looked helpless.

Juliette ended with a "but," saying that working with Link was also the fastest way she had ever grown as an actress; her skills improved greatly -- by about an inch, she joked, measuring with her hands on stage.

The crowd laughed again.

...

Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, and others nodded in agreement, considering Juliette the best spokesperson. They applauded loudly and shouted "Well said!" as she left the stage.

Jodie Foster teased, "Link, listen to this -- so many people have suffered through your torment; maybe it's time for some self-reflection."

"No way! I did nothing wrong," Link replied.

"Link, I hope you don't mind me saying this," Juliette said with a smile after stepping down.

"You spoke well. Next time we work together, I'll try your method to see if I can torment you just as much," Link responded, mock serious.

Juliette was startled and glared at him. "I'm not afraid. Sophie is about to have a baby, so I'll be visiting often, and if you dare bully me, I'll get the little one back."

"You're tough!"

...

The awards continued with Best Supporting Actor. The nominees included Jim Carrey, William H. Macy from Fargo, Cuba Gooding Jr. from Jerry Maguire, among others. Surprisingly, Cuba Gooding Jr. won.

Given that William H. Macy, Jim Carrey, and James Woods from Ghosts of Mississippi had strong buzz beforehand, many suspected the judges might have had bias.

Next were the technical awards -- from Best Cinematography to Best Original Score -- and The English Patient swept six awards: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Editing, and Best Score.

Link won his second Oscar for Best Film Editing thanks to his superb skills.

...

"Damn it! What's going on? Why is The English Patient winning everything? What is our PR team doing?" Harvey Weinstein clenched his fists, watching Link on stage, feeling furious.

Just last month, during the second round of Oscar voting, he had conspired with Ron Meyer, Barry Diller, Woody Allen, and others to block The English Patient, hoping it would fail at the Oscars and hurt Link's box office.

But halfway through the ceremony, The English Patient had already secured seven awards, guaranteeing its status as the biggest winner. Their plan was clearly a failure.

"The film has a great reputation. Among the competitors, no movie dared claim it was better. We can understand why we couldn't win," Woody Allen said softly.

"I don't get it. How could Link, someone who never even went to film school, produce so many great films?" Harvey said sharply, his eyes turning cold. "Should we stir up rumors that someone else actually directed Link's movies?"

Woody Allen shook his head. "If Link came from a film dynasty, that excuse might work. But he's from humble beginnings and built his career with blockbuster hits. No one dares slander him."

"Damn!"

Applause and cheers erupted as Link finished his acceptance speech. Many stood and applauded him warmly. When he stepped down, stars on both sides of the aisle stood to congratulate him sincerely, their smiles genuine.

To Harvey, those smiles felt like salt in the wound, mocking his defeat.

...

Next was Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominees included The Age of Innocence, The English Patient, Sling Blade, Hamlet and The Crucible.

Jodie Foster opened the envelope and, smiling, looked directly at Link's seat. Harvey's heart skipped a beat when she announced the winner: Link for The English Patient.

Another round of enthusiastic applause followed.

"Calm down!" Woody Allen patted Harvey on the shoulder, whispering, "We've lost. Now we just have to keep a low profile and not look like losers."

Harvey took a deep breath, his large belly rising and falling like a toad's.

...

As Link returned to the stage, he hurried to clap and cheer loudly.

"Thank you! Thank you all for the applause," Link began, calming the crowd three times before they quieted. He smiled at everyone and said,

"I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Academy and the Writers Guild. I am not scholarly. Though I loved reading from a young age, I never read as much as many of my peers -- this was a shortcoming I recognized. Since starting in the industry at eighteen, I made it a point to read daily, take notes when inspiration struck, and clumsily write stories like a child.

Fortunately, time rewards those who work hard. Standing here today, holding this award, proves that. I hope my story inspires everyone striving towards their dreams. As long as you have goals and persistence, success will come. Maybe you'll be standing here next, enjoying your victory."

Thunderous applause followed before he continued,

"I also want to thank every crew member who helped bring this script to vivid life. Thanks to the author Michael Ondaatje -- an incredible writer -- and finally, thank you to my family and fans. I love you all!"

Link blew a kiss to the audience, held the trophy to his chest, and bowed.

...

The crowd erupted again, louder than before, like a tidal wave. Ben Affleck, Jim Carrey, Nicholas Cage, Sophia, and Nicole Kidman shouted "We love you, Link!" and "You're the best!"

Link waved, took Jodie Foster's hand, and left the stage, receiving many more congratulations.

"Dear, you spoke so well," Jodie whispered to him.

"Really?"

"Yes, in my heart, there is no one better than you in this world."

Jodie bit her lip and looked at him with sparkling eyes; the usually tomboyish woman showed a hint of charm that made people secretly smile.

"Stay calm. There are cameras."

They sat down in the front row. Jennifer gazed at Link admiringly, holding his hand tightly behind the chair. Her palm was even warmer than before.

Nearby, Nicole Kidman from the Batman Forever crew looked at Link with intense eyes, her slender legs crossed.

"You spoke well, like a real inspiration," Juliette Binoche watched his profile from the back row.

"Now you're flattering me? Too late. Next time we work together, I won't go easy on you," Link laughed.

Juliette snorted lightly, unimpressed by his threat.

...

Awards continued. The Best Original Screenplay went to Ethan and Joel Coen -- the famous Coen brothers -- for Fargo.

Nicholas Cage presented Best Actress. Nominees included Susan Sarandon for Dead Man Walking, Kristin Scott Thomas for The English Patient, and Frances McDormand for Fargo.

Susan Sarandon won, sweeping nearly all major awards earlier in the year for her role.

After Susan's speech, Mel Gibson presented Best Director. The nominees were films The English Patient, Fargo, The People vs. Larry Flynt, Secrets & Lies, and Shine.

The winners were the Coen brothers for Fargo.

A wave of surprise spread through the audience, like a giant chandelier suddenly crashing to the ground. Many found the Coen brothers' win unbelievable.

Out of politeness, everyone applauded the winners.

...

"Yes! Yes!!" Harvey pumped his fist excitedly.

"The People vs. Larry Flynt didn't win," Woody Allen reminded him.

"Doesn't matter. As long as Link doesn't win, I'm happy whoever else takes the prize -- especially Coen brothers," Harvey chuckled.

"In truth, giving Best Director to them was unfair," Woody told Harvey. "Fargo is niche, and in both artistry and impact, it doesn't measure up to The English Patient."

"Heh, that's good. This award should have gone to Link. Since we managed to keep it from him, our plan worked. It feels great to screw Link over a bit," Harvey leaned back, grinning widely, letting out his frustration.

...

"Why? That award belonged to Link. Why give it to the Coens?" Monica, at her Seattle Sunrise Villa, frowned in anger.

"The Academy probably envies Link's youth and intends to hold him back," Lily said, rubbing her belly looking ill.

"It's too much," Sandra Bullock shook her head. "The English Patient is clearly better than Fargo on every level. They're just ignoring facts and risking the Oscar's reputation."

Julianne Moore expressed regret. "If Link had won Best Director along with Editing and Screenplay, he'd set a new record with three Oscars. Too bad the jury wouldn't grant him that."

Diana comforted the group. "Link is young. It's okay to lose now. He'll win next time, maybe for an even better film. Don't get upset; it's bad for your health."

"We're not that fragile," Monica smiled, patting her rounded belly.

...

The next prize, Best Actor, went to Geoffrey Rush for Shine.

Francis Ford Coppola took the stage to present Best Picture. The nominees were Fargo, Jerry Maguire, Secrets & Lies, Shine, and The English Patient.

"And the 69th Academy Award for Best Picture goes to ... The English Patient!"

Cheers erupted. Monica and her friends instantly rejoiced but Diana reminded them to be careful with their pregnancies.

...

"Yes!"

The English Patient team went wild with excitement. Danny DeVito and the film's executive producer Saul Zaentz accepted the award. Link, though a producer, showed little interest in the ceremony.

"So close. Couldn't beat The English Patient on this," Harvey said darkly.

"Though the Oscars sometimes have backstage dealings, they heed public opinion. Having blocked Link earlier, they had to give Best Picture to The English Patient to silence backlash," Woody Allen analyzed.

Harvey scowled but knew there was nothing to do. At the Oscars, quality matters beyond PR.

He hoped the next year's awards would see Miramax films snatch accolades from Guess Pictures.

...

As Celine Dion's graceful voice sang the closing song, the 69th Academy Awards wrapped smoothly.

Outside, Link and all the winners posed for photos and held interviews. The Coen brothers approached Link to express admiration for The English Patient, and Link gracefully congratulated them.

Harvey Weinstein also greeted him with a forced smile, lamenting Link's lost Best Director prize and cursing the Academy's backstage politics, suspecting it was a ploy by the Hollywood Big Seven Studios to block Link's win.

Link smiled indifferently.

Michael Ovitz congratulated him on winning two Oscars and expressed sympathy for missing Best Director; Link responded with a smile.

...

"Link, let's get going."

As they left the interview area, Nicole Kidman put her arm through his, her voice as sweet as honey.

She looked stunning in a golden halter dress, skin fair and glowing. Her tall, graceful figure had filled out beautifully since knowing Link, curves unfolding perfectly. Every man around couldn't help stealing glances.

Though Nicole was one of the most eye-catching celebrities tonight, Link had seen her beauty many times and wasn't distracted.

"Why the rush?"

Link felt heavy but resolute, holding Jennifer's hand with his left while wrapping his right arm around Nicole's soft waist.

Nicole leaned into him, cheeks flushed. "I missed you. Really missed you."

Sofia puckered her lips nearby, about to tease, but Link pulled her into his arms.

"Let's go. Time to celebrate."

Link smiled softly, gathering his girlfriends as they climbed into a luxury car.

As the car drove off, Nicole rested her head against the rear window, gazing at the dazzling neon lights outside. She opened her mouth excitedly, like a child tasting rainbow candy.

*****

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