Chapter 651: Don’t Want Money!

As Leonardo ascended the stage to a chorus of applause, he enveloped Martin and Nicholson in a triumphant embrace, the weight of the Oscar statuette symbolic of his victory.

With grace, Nicholson passed the coveted trophy to Leonardo, marking the pinnacle of his career.

Martin graciously stepped aside, the spotlight now squarely on the newly anointed Oscar-winner, Leonardo DiCaprio!

The applause swelled, a cacophony of adoration washing over Leonardo as he took center stage.

"I'm beyond thrilled. Words can't capture this moment's magnitude," Leonardo exclaimed, fully aware of the Academy's calculated ploy to boost ratings through their trio's appearance.

Grinning, he quipped, "In the past, folks loved asking us Oscar trivia. 'The Iron Triangle has four Oscars collectively, but who's missing out?' Well, now it's five Oscars total, one for each of us!"

Laughter and cheers erupted, punctuating Leonardo's gratitude.

"Thank you to the Academy, the judges, Director Scorsese, my incredible team, and the 'Shutter Island' crew," Leonardo continued, his voice brimming with emotion. "And Kate, you've always had my heart. Martin, Jack, our bond transcends this stage. Here's to a friendship that endures beyond lifetimes!"

With the timer ticking down, Leonardo bid farewell to the mic, exchanging nods with Martin and Nicholson before retreating backstage.

Glancing at his gleaming trophy, Leonardo turned to Martin, admiration in his eyes. "You're a genius, Martin. The unconventional approach paid off."

Martin shrugged modestly. "Just giving Oscar a taste of change in the post-Weinstein era."

Tonight's awards saw Natalie Portman clinching Best Actress, while David Russell and "True Grit" claimed Best Director and Best Picture, respectively.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the glitterati flocked to the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel for the "Oscar Night" festivities.

"Cheers to Oscar!" Leonardo raised his glass, toasting with Martin, Kate, Nicholson, and the others. "Join me at my bash tonight. We'll party till dawn!"

Martin grinned mischievously. "Tonight, Leo foots the bill. We'll drink and feast till he's penniless!"

Leonardo chuckled, teasing Martin. "Quick question for you: of the trio's three Best Actor Oscars, who's left out?"

Laughter rippled through the group as Martin responded with a playful middle finger.

Jennifer Lawrence, seeking Nicholson's company, interjected with a quirky request. "Next time I vie for an Oscar, can you lend me a kid?"

Nicholson chuckled, cautioning, "One-time offer, darling. And keep mum about it, Martin's the mastermind."

Jennifer's eyes widened in admiration, recalling Martin's Cannes Film Festival stunt that had garnered attention. "Got it. Martin's the guru of publicity!"

As the evening wound down, Jennifer resolved to save Martin's trick for her next red carpet appearance, vowing to execute a graceful fall worthy of his expertise.

Martin strolled onto the set of "Gone Girl," a glass of wine in hand, contemplating the film's politically incorrect narrative that had garnered critical acclaim yet failed to secure a single award.

In the distance, Mene's wave caught Martin's eye before he disappeared into the throng of guests, leaving Martin to muse on the simplicity of his friend's existence.

David Fincher's voice interrupted Martin's thoughts. "You, my friend, are a marvel."

Martin nodded solemnly. "Indeed. This was once my ambition – to find a wealthy partner and live in tranquility."

David sighed, lamenting another defeat. "Another missed opportunity."

Undeterred, Martin offered solace. "Regroup. There's always next time."

David's resolve solidified. "'Argo' has all the makings of an Oscar contender. If it doesn't win, I'll bid farewell to the Academy."

Martin interjected with a word of caution. "David, consider waiting until after the 85th Oscars before partnering with Netflix. Hollywood still harbors reservations towards streaming platforms. A premature announcement could taint your reputation with the old guard, who still hold sway in the industry."

David nodded thoughtfully. "Filming won't commence until the latter half of the year. I'll use the first half to visit Tehran, under the guise of artistic exploration."

Martin advised, "Frame it as a cultural exchange."

Interrupted by a visitor, David bid Martin farewell, eager to pursue his Tehran expedition.

Anne Hathaway approached Martin, her eyes brimming with emotion. They retreated to a secluded corner, away from prying eyes.

"I've been a fool," Anne confessed tearfully. "I regret our past, Martin. Can you forgive me?"

Martin's response was gentle. "The past is behind us. There's no need to dwell."

Anne grasped Martin's hand, her words trembling. "But I've never forgotten. I miss what we had, Martin."

She ventured further, "I yearn for the fulfillment we once shared."

Martin's reply was firm. "I'm with someone now. Elizabeth and I are over."

Anne persisted, undeterred. "I'll wait for you, always."

Martin's empathy softened his tone. "Anne, if you need help, don't hesitate to ask."

Anne's eyes widened in hope. "I need a role. A commercial role. Can you help?"

Martin understood Anne's plight. Her fame outweighed her financial security.

Spotting Nolan nearby, Martin promised, "I'll inquire and keep you informed. Your number's still the same, right?"

Annie's eyes sparkled with hope. "I've kept your number, Martin. Hoping for that call one day."

She suggested, "Shall we leave early?"

Martin's schedule was tight. "Jack and I are off to celebrate Leo's Best Actor win. The man of the hour."

Annie assured, "You can reach out whenever."

With a vague reply, Martin excused himself and sought out Nolan.

"Chris, about 'The Dark Knight Rises' script you shared..." Martin inquired about the pivotal role of Catwoman.

Nolan corrected him, "She's not a supporting role. She's the heroine." He added, "Auditions haven't begun."

Martin proposed Anne Hathaway for the role. Nolan, recognizing Martin's reliability, promptly agreed to arrange an audition.

Martin promised, "I'll have her agent contact you."

Following Leonardo's triumph, revelers flocked to his Brentwood mansion for an epic celebration.

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady's unexpected arrival raised eyebrows.

"It's Leo's doing," Martin remarked to Nicholson. "He's pulled a complete 180 since Gisele."

Nicholson chimed in, "Shame they missed the pre-wedding bash."

Martin sighed, "True love, I suppose."

Nicholson chuckled, "Leo's already planning an Asian star-studded soirée."

"If he falters, I'll pick up the slack," Martin vowed.

Meanwhile, negotiations with Samsung Mobile Phones were nearing completion, signaling lucrative prospects for Thomas.

Leonardo approached with a bottle, downing a glass. "To my non-Best Actor self."

Agreeing, Nicholson quipped, "Martin's strategy did the trick."

Leonardo acknowledged Martin's efforts. "You've got the leading actor, Martin. Don't let it slip."

Unabashed, Martin declared, "Next year, the Best Actor votes are mine!"

Leonardo grinned, "Deal."