Chapter 476: Recovered and discharged

In the wake of the dock incident, Martin found himself scooping up nearly every Best Supporting Actor award during the bustling awards season. It was as though fate had conspired to tuck these accolades securely into his pocket.

From the esteemed Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award to the cherished People's Choice Award and the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Award, each trophy found its place in Martin's possession. Even at the Golden Globe Awards, which he couldn't attend due to prior commitments, Thomas graciously accepted the honor on his behalf.

A heartfelt video from Martin, showcasing his determined rehabilitation exercises, emerged. He not only expressed gratitude for the awards but also reassured his loyal supporters of his imminent hospital discharge.

The film that would likely secure an Oscar, "The Dark Knight," also happened to be Martin's most prominent supporting role. Riding on Martin's success, the film's DVDs became a hot commodity, raking in over $300 million in North America alone. Its international release was a further triumph, amassing a box office total exceeding $550 million overseas.

"The Dark Knight" wasn't just a domestic hit; it soared to a global box office of $1.162 billion, surpassing even the revered "The Lord of the Rings 3" and securing the second spot in global box office history, just behind "Titanic."

Excitedly entering Martin's space, Thomas announced, "Good news!"

Martin, pedaling on a spinning bike, paused to inquire, "Has Warner Bros. pre-paid my share of 'The Dark Knight's' North American box office?"

Thomas replied, "That'll come in a few months. But the fees from Nokia and Coca-Cola endorsements will be transferred to the company's account and then to you shortly."

Martin's Coca-Cola endorsement, a modest $10 million annually, came with a profit share from sales of the Martin commemorative Coke, ensuring an income matching his endorsement fee.

Admiring the Golden Globe Award, Martin remarked, "This feels like my first heavyweight win."

Bruce chimed in, "What about the Saturn Award?"

"It doesn't hold a candle to the Golden Globe," Martin affirmed.

Thomas added, "Absolutely, while the Golden Globes might not directly determine Oscars, their media impact far exceeds that of the Saturn Awards."

Contemplating his awards, Martin mused, "Looks like I'll need a special room for these."

Thomas grinned, "Absolutely, especially with the possibility of Martin Davis Day in Los Angeles and a Presidential Medal."

Martin, tempering the excitement, remarked, "Let's not celebrate prematurely until the Oscar nominations are announced."

Realizing his slip, Thomas touched his head sheepishly. "My bad."

And amidst the conversations about accolades and future plans, Martin declared, "Once the Oscar luncheon's done, we'll aim for another wave of popularity."

The following day, Bradt paid another visit, bearing incredible news. Thanks to LAPD's fervent support, the Los Angeles City Council sanctioned the creation of "Martin Day." Plans were in motion for a grand press conference post Martin's recovery and discharge from the hospital.

After extensive deliberation, Martin and Thomas settled on late January, aligning with the crucial Oscar voting period, for the momentous occasion.

Recently, at the opulent Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the Oscar nominees luncheon unfolded. Among the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, Martin's name shone brightly alongside competitors like Philip Hoffman, Josh Brolin, and Robert Downey Jr.

Oscar's dwindling ratings prompted the Academy's substantial revamp, appointing Hugh Jackman as the awards ceremony's host.

Three days post-Oscar nominations, Martin readied for discharge. Outside the ward building, three pristine Cadillacs awaited. Bruce and Thomas, bags packed, joined Martin and Elizabeth, who carried a bag, bidding farewell to the attending doctor.

"Thank you," Martin expressed earnestly.

The doctor smiled, noting, "All part of the job."

Martin handed the doctor two boxes from Elizabeth, a hand-carved Coca-Cola Joker figurine. The doctor hesitated at its worth, but Martin clarified Lily had crafted it, a labor of love.

Acknowledging the gift, the doctor accepted. Martin, then, gratefully thanked the nurses, gifting them alike, before departing downstairs.

"He's such a gentleman."

"Never acts like a big star. Even when we falter, he's gracious." "Much better than other Hollywood stars!"

Downstairs, as Bruce maneuvered the Cadillacs, they faced a horde of reporters and fans. Live cameras glinted in the reporters' hands, nearly blinding Bruce.

Fans holding flowers clamored, "Martin! Martin!"

The road to the medical center's entrance was blocked by youths in red cultural shirts, eager for news on Martin's condition.

Realizing evasion wouldn't suffice, Martin signaled readiness. He tapped the front seat, prompting Bruce to open the Escalade's sunroof.

Deafening cheers erupted as Martin emerged, waving to the frenzied crowd. He held up an electronic loudspeaker, declaring, "Hello, everyone! I'm Martin, fully recovered."

Flexing his muscles, he assured them, "My arms and legs are in perfect shape. Thank you all for your concern. I'll be back to work soon!"

"Martin! Martin!"

"Martin, Coke forever God of War!"

"Thank you for your love!" Martin beamed. "I've been away for so long. Can I head home first? I'm worried about relatives on the streets. If any are there, I'll let you know, and please come help..."

Laughter ensued as fans, urged by others, made way for the vehicles.

Hospital security, aiding in the dispersal, eased the traffic, allowing journalists to proceed.

Amidst the fervor, a reporter boomed, "Martin, when's the interview?"

Martin hollered back, "Press conference coming soon!"

LAPD arrived promptly, restoring order. Bruce maneuvered the Cadillac, navigating through the crowd.

At the fringes, a dozen girls in white wedding dresses emerged, brandishing signs proclaiming "I love Martin." Led by Toni and Aisha, they swayed, chanting, "We love Martin!"

Stalling the vehicles, the girls danced and sang their adoration. Martin, compelled, surfaced from the sunroof, reciprocating, "Love you too!"

"Yeah!"

Blowing kisses, Toni and her friends cleared the way.

As Martin settled back in, Elizabeth remarked, "Being a star is truly exhausting!"

"No worries," Martin smiled. "This is a cakewalk compared to my past."

Regardless of fatigue, I felt worse at rock bottom, miserable, broke, and exhausted.

The Cadillacs drove on.

"Martin loves me!" Toni swooned. "But why hasn't he called? I waited for him in New York."

"You didn't call me either," Aisha retorted.

Toni queried the others, "Did anyone get a call from Martin? We swore not to betray each other!"

"Nope."

"Me neither."

None had received Martin's call.

Toni proposed a proactive approach, eyeing Aisha. "Martin's in North Sunset Boulevard. Your uncle's there. Can he help?"

Aisha shook her head. "Too risky. We're too many."

When the others dispersed, Aisha whispered to Toni, "Large group, easy target."

"Just us?" Toni queried.

"Still tricky," Aisha replied. "The community's strict."

Fidgeting, Toni brainstormed, "What if we pretend to work there?"

Aisha, impressed, promised to inquire about job openings through her uncle, urging secrecy.

Toni emphasized, "Don't tell anyone."

Acknowledging, Aisha vowed, "Understood."

The eldest and second eldest of the group, plotting against their sisters.

News of Martin's discharge flooded media outlets, trending atop Google searches. TMZ's live truck tailed Martin to Sunset Boulevard North.

Next day, a press conference at Los Angeles City Hall with Martin buzzed the media. Meanwhile, nominated actors Downey Jr. and Hoffman expressed frustration.

Though familiar with Oscar PR, cheating via high-end tactics astounded even seasoned industry players.