Chapter 58 : The Golden Globe Awards
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen!"
"Tonight, Hollywood's biggest stars gather at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the most prestigious event in the world of film and television—the Golden Globe Awards!"
On the red carpet, countless well-known stars from North America and around the world continue to make their dazzling appearances.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Will Smith…
Many Oscar-level heavyweights have arrived, proving that the Golden Globe Award is not a trivial accolade but one of the most prestigious honors in Hollywood. For Xu Can, it's his first time among so many big-name stars, making him feel quite small in comparison.
"Mr. Xu, it's great to finally meet you! I heard that Iron Man is about to be released. It's a pity we couldn't work together… truly a shame."
Tom Cruise and his wife, Katie, appeared before Xu Can.
Of course, Xu Can is familiar with Tom Cruise. His wife is also an acquaintance—she played Rachel in Batman.
"Tom, it is unfortunate indeed. However, perhaps we can collaborate next time… here's a script that might interest you."
"Oh? Really!"
Tom Cruise was genuinely surprised.
Considering he's a Hollywood veteran who has seen it all, he was just being polite to Xu Can earlier. He hadn't expected this young Chinese man to genuinely want to collaborate with him. But given Xu Can's track record of turning decay into magic, perhaps he really could create something special.
"It's another adaptation, but this time from a Japanese manga. It's about a story of constant death and continuous cycles."
"Like Groundhog Day?"
"It's similar, but darker, with bigger and more thrilling scenes."
"Great!" Tom Cruise's interest was piqued. "Let's discuss it in detail later."
Just as Tom Cruise left, Xu Can remembered he wanted to warn him about his impending divorce from Rachel in 12 years. However, on second thought, he decided against it. The butterfly effects in this parallel world have likely rewritten the future, and nothing is certain anymore.
Next, Brad Pitt, accompanied by the sexy and stunning Angelina Jolie, came over to greet Xu Can.
"Hey Xu, I've heard a lot about you."
"Brad, I love your work, and Angelina, I admire your movies too."
"Thank you."
Angelina Jolie smiled gracefully.
She had just finished filming Wanted, where the male lead was the future "X-Men" star, James McAvoy. In this movie, "Star-Lord" Chris Pratt also played a small role and was slapped by McAvoy.
Angelina Jolie was very enthusiastic and even gave Xu Can a kiss.
Xu Can could feel her toned figure. No wonder Pitt would leave his former sweetheart for her.
"It's a bit forward of me, but I'd like to suggest you get a breast checkup in advance, just to be safe."
"What?" The couple was taken aback.
Xu Can's expression was serious. "My family practices traditional Chinese medicine, and it wouldn't hurt to get checked out."
Seeing that Xu Can wasn't joking, Brad Pitt nodded solemnly. "Okay, Xu, we'll take care of it."
In 2013, Angelina Jolie opted for a preventive mastectomy to avoid cancer. Xu Can's advice might just help them take preventive measures earlier, possibly allowing her to avoid such drastic measures.
Later, Xu Can met many more superstars on the red carpet and on his way to the event, making friends along the way.
Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Scarlett Johansson, Gal Gadot, Jessica Alba… all prominent female stars!
As for male stars, he made sure to keep things professional.
Among them, Xu Can found himself having the most engaging conversations with Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson.
Anne Hathaway was "Catwoman," and Scarlett Johansson was crucial to Xu Can's plans—Black Widow!
"You really want me to join Iron Man 2? The first one hasn't even been released yet, and you're already so confident?"
Scarlett tilted her head slightly, smiling charmingly at Xu Can.
She was at the peak of her beauty, and fortunately, Xu Can was experienced enough to maintain his composure.
"Yes, I'm confident, and I'm sure you'll join."
"Oh? Then I'm looking forward to it."
Though Xu Can was only 25, his confidence and aura impressed Scarlett Johansson. She grew increasingly interested in this "most handsome Spider-Man."
Just as Xu Can was about to enter the venue, Emma Stone, who was looking for her seat, unexpectedly led Kristen Stewart to Xu Can.
"May! I was just chatting with Kristen. Let's head in."
"Hey Xu."
"Hey Kristen."
The two greeted each other awkwardly.
Emma Stone seemed puzzled. "Haven't you two met before? You both gave me a ride home last time; surely you remember each other?"
The atmosphere grew even more awkward. Last time, next door to Emma Stone, Xu Can and Kristen Stewart had an altercation. Kristen, drunk at the time, disarmed herself, but remembered everything the next day. She didn't tell anyone and had been avoiding Xu Can ever since.
"Just been a while since we last saw each other," Xu Can said, trying to ease the tension.
"Yes, long time no see," Kristen forced a smile.
Unexpectedly, Emma Stone wrapped her arms around them both. "How about we go for a drink together after the Golden Globe Awards? You're both my dearest friends."
In their previous lives, Kristen and Emma Roberts were best friends, while Stone and Swift were close. But now, Kristen was Stone's best friend, and Swift was Stone's love rival…
Xu Can suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed by the tangled relationships and wanted to smooth things over.
"Sure, no problem."
Though Kristen had been avoiding Xu Can, she seemed to care about Emma Stone.
In this slightly awkward atmosphere, the three of them took their seats in the middle of the venue, waiting for the Golden Globe Awards to start.
...
The competition at this year's Golden Globe Awards was fierce.
Due to its comic book nature, The Dark Knight had difficulty entering the competition for Best Picture and Best Director, only securing nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Score.
Xu Can wasn't too concerned about winning. He was just here to enjoy the experience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here at the Golden Globe Awards. I won't waste time—let's get straight to the awards!"
This Golden Globe Awards ceremony was straightforward. The host didn't appear, and only the presenters came on stage.
"Our first presenter tonight is Jennifer Lopez!"
The first guest presenter was the well-known singer and actress, and the wife of "Batman" Ben Affleck.
"The first award is for Best Supporting Actress. The nominees are…"
As expected, she didn't delay and quickly announced the nominees, finally awarding the prize to Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
Cate Blanchett delivered her acceptance speech in her standard English accent, exuding elegance.
Various Hollywood celebrities then served as presenters, announcing the winners in other categories one by one.
Best Original Song went to Into the Wild, Best Animated Film to Ratatouille, Best Foreign Language Film to The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and Best Screenplay to No Country for Old Men.
Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical went to Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. "Captain Jack Sparrow" has been quite popular in recent years.
The Pirates of the Caribbean series, in which he starred, became one of Disney's top franchises. Recently, it has been one of Xu Can's movies' main competitors.
In fact, the second and third installments of Pirates of the Caribbean were the annual box office champions in their respective years, but their influence was somewhat diminished by the ripple effects of Xu Can's success.
The highest-grossing film of 2006 was Spider-Man, and in 2007, it was The Dark Knight—both Xu Can's movies.
The Disney CEO was reportedly so angry about this that he developed high blood pressure, though Xu Can himself didn't pay much mind to the situation.
Leonardo DiCaprio later presented the award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical to Marion Cotillard for La Vie en Rose.
When the middle-aged DiCaprio and Marion Cotillard stood together and embraced, Xu Can couldn't help but think of the scene in Inception where the two of them exchange glances in front of the hotel window.
Speaking of which, when will Inception be scheduled?
Nolan must have been working on that script for a long time! He's wanted to make that movie for years, but nobody believed in it, so he had to settle for making The Prestige and The Dark Knight instead.
But after the success of The Dark Knight, he could reward himself with Inception.
Rather than letting others benefit from it, Xu Can thought he might as well approach Nolan himself about it.
By the way, one month after its release, The Dark Knight was still unstoppable worldwide, with box office earnings surpassing $1 billion!
It's a pity they missed out on the Chinese mainland market; otherwise, they might have had a chance to break the $1.1 billion record set by Spider-Man.
...
After a series of TV awards were presented, the Golden Globe Awards reached the final stretch, featuring the night's most significant film awards!
"Next, please welcome Scarlett Johansson to present the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture!"
Amid the audience's warm applause, Scarlett Johansson walked onto the stage in a glittering evening gown.
At this time, she was just 24 years old, radiating a captivating blend of youth and maturity.
She had recently starred in The Black Dahlia and The Prestige, where she played a secondary role alongside the two male leads, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Many people regarded her as an up-and-coming star.
Even more surprising, though, was her upcoming appearance in Iron Man 2 as Black Widow, one of the most crucial roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
Xu Can was convinced that Scarlett Johansson was the most suitable candidate for the role of Natasha Romanoff.
Now, let's see if I can persuade her, Xu Can thought.
"...The winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor is…"
Xu Can perked up his ears, waiting for the final answer.
"Xu Can, The Dark Knight!"
Thunderous applause erupted as Scarlett Johansson announced the award.
Xu Can also stood up, applauding and celebrating.
But this didn't matter. People often recognized and admired those who followed such dark paths. Even if Heath Ledger did nothing from now on, even if he had lost his way entirely, this award would ensure he left an indelible mark on history.
He extended his gratitude to the director, Christopher Nolan for presenting such a brilliant Joker to the world.
Amid the warm applause, they left the stage.
Xu Can's heart was filled with mixed feelings, but at the same time, he felt content.
Next, the Best Director award was presented, and as expected, Tim Burton won for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The combination of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp was formidable.
As the night drew closer to the Best Picture award, the tension in the venue increased.
Finally, the award for Best Motion Picture - Drama was announced. The nominees were Atonement, Eastern Promises, The Great Debaters, Michael Clayton, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood.
When Helen Mirren finally opened the envelope and revealed the name…
"The winner is… Atonement!"
The audience erupted in applause.
Atonement took home the biggest award of the night, solidifying its place in film history.
With this, the 65th Golden Globe Awards concluded successfully.
For Xu Can, it was a night of mingling with Hollywood's finest, seeing friends and acquaintances, and making plans for the future.
Hollywood was a place where relationships mattered, and tonight, Xu Can had taken another significant step forward.
--------------------------
From today All advance chapters will be available for just $6
if you feel you can support me more then checkout the other memberships.
20+ advance chapters on Patreon
patreon.com/ihatesakura
1 advance chapter for free on patreon