Chapter 32: New actress Catherine Jones

After "Yushi Mo" confirmed the protagonist and other supporting roles, the preparation progress was quite fast. Ike was already familiar with how to direct a movie, and with his own modifiers in hand, it basically ensured that his works remain undefeated in the film market.

At the beginning of this year, Ike had already used the "box office afterburner". This function will keep the movies released by their company this year, and the overall box office growth will increase by 30% on the basis of history. Of course, the system responded by deducting his 30 soul value, Ike's soul value became 400 points.

However, at the beginning of the year, the charity rewards for the new year also came. This time, 150 souls were rewarded, and his soul became 550. If nothing unexpected happens, these are enough.

Just as the preparations for "Yester Moment" were completed, the 73rd Academy Awards was held. This Academy Awards ceremony was held in the Holy Auditorium in Hollywood, California, USA on March 25. The host was Stephen Martin, who was hosted by the Academy Awards for the first time, and he was shortlisted for the Emmy Awards.

Ike was nominated for Best Movie, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume, Best Editing, Best Art Director, Best Original Song, Best Photography, Best Sound Effect, 10 Nominations.

Although Ike has won two Oscars and Best Director in a row, this is the highest-level award ceremony in the American film industry and even the world's film industry. It is fake to say that he is not excited or desire. It's just that he is not as strong as before.

A week before the Oscars ceremony, Ike had used modifiers to deduce the results. This time he deduced him consumed 10 souls, and the ending... Haha...

On the way to the award ceremony, Ike said in his heart, "Don't say I'm overbearing, I just want to create a Hollywood history."

"What are you thinking?" Catherine Jones asked in the car, holding Ike's arm.

"Haha, nothing." Ike said, stroking Catherine's hand. Theron did not participate in this Oscar, so Ike's red carpet companion is Katherine, the heroine of "Chicago". The other heroine Natalie participated with Hugh Jackman.

"Oh, my dear, I'm a little nervous now." Catherine said softly in Ike's ear.

Ike held her jade hand and seemed to feel the sweat in her palm. "Don't be nervous, I have a premonition that you can get the Best Actress tonight."

"God, don't scare me, have you not seen how good Julia Roberts is?" Catherine said something unconfident.

Ike smiled, he gently held Catherine's shoulder and said to her, "Why are you so unconfident in yourself? Julia is very good this time, but you are not bad either. Believe me, my predictions have always been very accurate."

"Haha, no matter what, I want to thank you for your blessing." Catherine leaned her head on Ike's shoulder.

"Are you ready for the award speech?" Ike asked.

"My God..." she smiled, "Okay, I'm ready."

"Where did you put it?" Ike asked with a wicked smile.

Katherine took Ike's hand and placed it between her round peaks, then whispered in Ike's ear, "This is it..."

Ike turned his head and kissed Catherine on the cheek, then said, "Let me touch it... see if it's there."

............

When Ike arrived at the awards ceremony in an extended Rolls-Royce, he felt the cheers from the fans and caused a stir among the reporters.

Yes, it was definitely a shocking achievement for the Oscars and Best Director three times in a row. So today the reporter quickly surrounded Ike and Catherine.

Ike is wearing a black suit and a blue bow tie today. He is tall and upright, with a hint of calmness in his handsomeness. However, he is more calm now than he was three years ago. After all, he has seen many big scenes.

Catherine was wearing a purple-red evening dress with a low collar with a deep V-shaped neckline, showing her neck and shoulders. The rounded peaks on her chest were squeezed out of the groove, as if she couldn't see the bottom...

"Director Ike, what kind of outlook do you have for your third time being the Oscar-best director?" asked a reporter.

"Of course I hope to win the award." Ike replied with a smile.

"If you win the Oscar again, you will win the award three times in a row. Oh God, do you think this is possible?" The reporter's implication is that the judges probably won't let this happen.

Ike naturally understood what the reporter meant. It was indeed too terrifying to win the Oscar for three consecutive times. He smiled and said, "I think even if it is only one in 100,000, it is considered possible."

"Haha," the reporter smiled, "Well, then I wish you one hundred thousandth of that."

"Thanks."

After answering a few questions, Ike continued to walk towards the auditorium with Catherine on her shoulder. The red carpet was about 100 meters. Ike and Catherine greeted the enthusiastic fans around them while walking, and went over to sign their names from time to time.

This year's Oscars are a big day for Chinese movie fans. They not only pay attention to Ike, but also pay more attention to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", a pure Chinese martial arts film.

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is indeed a hit. It was nominated for eight nominations including Best Foreign Language Film, Best Picture, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Original Song, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Photography, Best Editing, etc.

As a Chinese film, this is the highest peak of history in the Oscars. And Ike also knows that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is unprecedented for Chinese films, or it is still awesome for many years. At least in the next ten years, no Chinese film can reach this level!

When they were almost at the entrance of the auditorium, Ike met the crew of "Crouching Tiger Hidden", and there were many reporters from China. They immediately surrounded me after seeing Ike.

"Wait a moment, everyone." Ike said to the reporter in fluent Chinese with Catherine on his shoulder, "Sorry, I want to say hello to Director Ang Lee first." As he said that, he and Catherine walked up to Ang Lee and shook hands with him with a smile.

Ang Lee naturally dared not neglect Ike's initiative. He knew that in Hollywood today, Ike is one of the top directors. Not only has he won the Oscar for the rest of the year, but this time it was also the third time he was shortlisted. Although he had a good response in the United States this time, he also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director, compared with Ike, he, a director who is also a Chinese, is still much worse.

"Congratulations, Director Lee, your "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is really good." Ike said politely to An Lee.

Ang Lee's dress today is different from the Golden Globe Awards. That time he wore a black Zhongshan suit, and today he also dressed in a suit and bow tie. Because this is an Oscar after all, it is better to wear it in accordance with some Western etiquette.

"Thank you, I have watched your "Chicago" too. I think it is the best song and dance movie." Ang Lee also responded politely.

"Let the two directors take a photo together." A Chinese reporter said with a camera.

The two smiled tacitly, and then smiled at the camera. This shot seems extremely precious to China. This is the first time in the history of Chinese films that two Chinese directors have been nominated for the Oscar for Best Director.

At the same time, on the other side of the earth, movie fans and netizens have been waiting by TV and computers for a long time. This Oscar really excited them, just as Chinese movies have reached the peak of glory today. In view of this situation, CCTV decided that this Oscar will be broadcast live throughout the entire Oscar!

Even if both of them won the award, it doesn’t matter, because being shortlisted as the best director at the same time has already made history.

There is also a debate online about who won the Oslanka. Some people like Ang Lee to get it, and the reason is very direct, that is, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a pure Chinese martial arts film. But some people don't think much about it, and they leave a message like this.

"Can "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" be considered a pure martial arts film? What about being fooled? It is just a Hollywood movie carefully packaged to cater to the tastes of Western audiences. It is far from the martial arts films in the hearts of Chinese audiences. This film is covered with an oriental skin, but it is full of foreign products in its bones. Let's take a look at Ike's "Chicago". To be honest, I'm not a hit on Ang Lee. The level of "Chicago" is more than two levels higher than "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in terms of art and commercial terms!"

Of course, there are many people who oppose this voice on the Internet. "Chicago is indeed good, but you don't need to belittle "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" so much. This movie is still very artistic, at least the wonderful scene is definitely world-class. Also, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is both Chinese actors. From a Chinese perspective, Ang Lee can better represent China. That Ike is an American with yellow skin, and he has a genuine American heart in his bones. Besides, Ike has won the Oscar for Best Director twice. According to the past habits of the jury, I will definitely not give it to him this time. I am optimistic about Ang Lee's winning, and this has been revealed from the Golden Globe Awards..."

No matter what kind of sound, Ike doesn't care much now, because in the movie world, no matter what kind of amazing work you make, the sound of criticism and negation will always exist. This modifier cannot be modified.

Ike then greeted and shook hands with the actors of the crew of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". He and Fa Ge had known each other for a long time, so they naturally had a great chat.

"Brother Fa, I will invite you to my house when I have time. To be frank, I like the soup you make so much." Ike said with a smile.

"Oh, that's my honor." said Fa Ge. "You are amazing. This is the third consecutive Oscar shortlist."

"Haha, thank you. By the way, it's thanks to you for acquiring Shaw Brothers Film Library." Ike said.

"Don't be so polite." Fa Ge shrugged and said.

Of course, Ike also met Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi here. The two of them had cheongsam styles today, revealing the charm of oriental women.

The two became famous throughout the United States through "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". At this time, they were so proud!

"Maybe your choice is right." Ike and Michelle Yeoh said in a low voice while shook hands. Michelle Yeoh of course understood the meaning of Ike's words. It means that Michelle Yeoh rejected a small role in "Chicago" and starred in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

"No, "Chicago" is also very good, I really couldn't get rid of it at that time..." Michelle Yeoh said a little embarrassedly. The reason why she rejected "Chicago" was to put it bluntly because she thought the role was too small and the appearance rate was not enough. With the persuasion of the agent, she refused the invitation from the top Hollywood director Ike.

"By the way," Michelle Yeoh said, pulling Zhang Ziyi to Ike's side, and then introduced, "This is Zhang Ziyi."

Hearing Michelle Yeoh's introduction, Ike smiled and shook hands with Zhang Ziyi.

"I have long admired Director Ike's name. I am honored to see him today." Zhang Ziyi stretched out her hands to shake hands with Ike.

"Haha, thank you, the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" you played is great." Ike replied politely, and he introduced Katherine to the two. The couple started chatting together.

From a certain perspective, the Oscar is an exchange and gathering for outstanding filmmakers around the world. Even without winning awards or even nominations, there are still many people willing to attend, which is a very good place to socialize.

At 8 o'clock in the evening, night enveloped the beautiful Los Angeles. In the sacred auditorium, the best filmmakers of the year were gathered together, and everyone gathered together. With the appearance of the host, the 73rd Oscars officially began!

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Holy Auditorium." The host Stephen Martin walked out of the backstage in a straight black suit and bow tie. "God, it's so starry tonight, which makes my eyes blurry. Sorry, please allow me to put on my eyes first." As he said that, he took out a pair of glasses from his pocket.

All the stars in the audience laughed. The Oscar host asked for humor and was good at creating a relaxed atmosphere at the tense award ceremony.

This was Stephen Martin's first Oscar host. He seemed a little nervous at first, but he quickly got into the state.

"Last year, countless excellent works were presented to the audience, such as "Chicago". Oh God, the musical and dance films are alive again. I have loved musical and dance films since I was a child. Now I really have to thank director Ike, who made the musical and dance films exude vitality again." Stephen Martin said with a smile, and the large screen in the auditorium tangential force Ike also waved to the camera with a smile. Catherine and Natalie on the side also smiled.

The two girls were shortlisted for the Best Actress Competition this time, which is rare in the history of Oscars.

"Of course, Gladiator is good, as well as Drug Network and Never Compromise." Stephen Martin continued to talk, "The most elusive thing is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon..."

At this time, the camera looked at Ang Lee's crew, and everyone was smiling and facing the camera. "Why is it elusive? You should know that the name of the movie is "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", but I didn't see the tiger or the dragon in the movie. Later I realized that they were all hidden..."

"Haha!" There was a burst of laughter from the audience. This was a very interesting explanation. Ang Lee also shook his head and smiled.

After a relaxed and humorous opening remark, the awards ceremony officially began. As usual, some technical awards were awarded at the beginning, and the highlights were put behind.

Among the previous awards, "Chicago" won the best sound effect, best art director (props, set), and best editing. Three awards. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won the best original music and best photography. "Gladiator" won the best visual effect, "Grievance" won the best makeup. "Almost Fame" won the best original script, and "Drug Network" won the best adapted script.

The competition for the best foreign language films is between "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", Taiwan, "Love is a Bastard", Mexico, "Don't Go Way", Czech Republic, "Everyone Famous/All Celebrities", Belgium, and "The Taste of Others/Meeting 100% Coincidence of Love" in France.

This is an award that Chinese audiences are more looking forward to. The award presenter is Australian movie star Nicole Kidman. She opened the envelope and said with a smile: "The winner is... Congratulations to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"..."

"wow!" A cheer came from the crew of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and the audience also looked at them.

Ike also gave Ang Lee sincere applause, after all, it was the first time that Chinese-language films won this honor. Ang Lee walked towards the podium and excitedly took the trophy from Nicole. He touched his forehead and began his acceptance speech, "Thank you to the Oscar Academy, thanks to all the crew members..."

"You said, can people in ancient China really fly up like in the movie?" Catherine beside her lowered her head and asked Ike quietly.

"Haha, what do you think?" Ike asked back.

Catherine shook her head and smiled.

The award ceremony continued, and in a moment it was time to present the best actress. At this time, Ike turned to look at Catherine and Natalie. Both of them had a serious expression and looked very nervous.

The guest presenting the Best Actress is exactly the two starring actors of Ike who are about to shoot the movie "Time and Time", Julian Moore and Meryl Streep. I wonder if this is a coincidence.

The two first introduced the list of shortlists: Julia Roberts, "Never Compromise", Katherine Zeta-Jones, "Chicago", Natalie Portman "Chicago", Julia Binoche "Chocolate", Laura Linni "Please Hold Me Again".

"The one who won the Best Actress of the 73rd Oscar is..." Moore smiled and opened the envelope, then handed it to Meryl Streep. Meryl smiled at Moore, and then pronounced the name...

Several actors were very nervous, and the audience was silent. Only Ike sat relaxed on the chair. He gently held Catherine with his hands and signaled her to relax. Roberts, who was not far away, put his hands together in front of his chest!

"The winner is..." Meryl said, "Catherine Zeta-Jones...Chicago!"
To be continued...