Chapter 320: The Annual Box-Office Leader

The Principality of Monaco, with a population of less than 30,000 and an area of just over 2 square kilometers (including reclaimed land), is the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City. However, it boasts the highest per capita income in the world.

This year, the Principality of Monaco also became a formal member of the United Nations, gaining voting rights. The Grimaldi family has ruled the region since the 14th century.

In the suite of the Paris Hotel, Arthur stood by the window, admiring the Mediterranean night view. At the cocktail party, he had talked extensively with Prince Albert II about tourism industry cooperation.

Gambling, finance, and tourism are the three main economic pillars of Monaco. Arthur couldn't understand how such a tiny place had become a formal UN member with voting rights.

Along with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, these four European principalities are now the only independent sovereign principalities recognized by the UN.

"Arthur, what are you thinking about? Do you want to take a stroll in the Monte Carlo Casino next to the Paris Hotel?" Christiana Reali walked over and hugged Arthur from behind.

"Casino?" Arthur shook his head. "Let's rest early. Tomorrow, we'll explore Sardinia properly."

Compared to Corsica, the scenery on Sardinia was more captivating.

As he spoke, Arthur pulled Christiana into his arms. "Why, do you want to check out the casino?"

Christiana smiled, "I've never been inside before, now I'm here, I'm just a bit curious!"

"Then let's take a look," Arthur kissed her on the lips. "After all, we don't have anything else to do."

Subsequently, he took Christiana to the adjacent Monte Carlo Casino. Monaco, known as an international gambling city, owes much of its fame to this luxurious casino.

Built in the 19th century, the Monte Carlo Casino is undoubtedly Monaco's economic pillar. After World War II, it saved Monaco from bankruptcy.

Moreover, Monaco's laws stipulate that its citizens are not allowed to gamble. The Monte Carlo Casino only serves foreigners!

During Christmas, Hollywood was buzzing with parties and lavish gatherings everywhere in Los Angeles.

The announcement of the Golden Globe nominations intensified the competition for awards.

Galaxy Distribution's Philadelphia, The Piano, and Mrs. Doubtfire were leading in the nominations.

The highly acclaimed Redemption only received two nominations: Best Actor in a Drama and Best Screenplay.

Meanwhile, Se7en achieved a remarkable North American box office of over $100 million and a global box office of over $300 million.

Another film, The Pelican Brief, also earned $90 million in North America and $150 million globally.

Adding to the summer's strong performance from Speed, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, Galaxy surpassed the Big Six Hollywood distributors to become the annual box office leader.

Even Universal Pictures, which released Jurassic Park, lagged behind.

The news that Galaxy became the year's box office champion instantly shocked all of Hollywood!

"Three consecutive years of winning the Best Picture at the Oscars!"

"Overtaking the Big Six, becoming the dominant force in Hollywood!"

A film company less than four years old achieved such success?

And the helm of Galaxy, Arthur Smith, was only 24 years old this year, surprising even ordinary people.

At a drama academy in Los Angeles, Charlize Theron, who had just finished class and was preparing to go home, bought a newspaper from a newsstand.

The cover photo immediately caught her eye. "Is that Arthur Smith?"

Since receiving $20,000 in assistance from a stranger at a beach bar in Malibu, she quickly enrolled in a drama academy for training.

Balancing her modeling career with acting lessons, she felt very fulfilled!

Arthur Smith was usually very low-key, rarely giving TV interviews, and seldom attending film premieres. Even if he attended, he stayed backstage.

He didn't even attend the Oscars at the beginning of the year. Who would have thought his achievements this year would be so massive?

Back in her rented apartment, Charlize Theron was still in shock, sitting on her bed and rubbing her face unconsciously.

Arthur Smith saw potential in me? Otherwise, why would he have funded me?

But he never said who he was. No wonder he mentioned that we'd meet again in the future if I became successful. If I didn't, I'd never have the chance!

Galaxy's ascension to the top spot this year, overtaking the Big Six, surprised ordinary people.

But for the traditional Big Six in Hollywood, it wasn't just surprising - it was a real threat.

This year, the total annual box office in North America reached $5 billion, and Galaxy alone earned over $800 million, capturing a market share of more than 16%!

In Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, at the MPAA headquarters on Beverly Drive, the annual meeting of the Big Seven was held. Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Sony Columbia, Disney, Universal, and MGM all attended.

Universal's Lew Wasserman, 20th Century Fox's Peter Chernin, Sony Columbia's Peter Guber, Paramount's Sherry Lansing, Warner Brothers' Terry Semel, MGM's Frank Mancuso, and Disney's president Frank Wells!

Jeffrey Katzenberg, the chairman of the Disney Film Group, was supposed to attend, but due to ongoing disputes with Disney chairman Michael Eisner, Katzenberg was negotiating his resignation and didn't show up.

Apart from Lew Wasserman of Universal and Peter Guber of Sony Columbia, all others were relatively new, having recently taken the helms of their respective film groups.

Peter Chernin of 20th Century Fox took over after Barry Diller left last year. Sherry Lansing, Frank Mancuso, and Terry Semel all assumed their positions this year.

As the most senior, Lew Wasserman looked around. Approaching retirement, he had no intention of obstructing Arthur Smith. "Ladies and gentlemen, what are your thoughts on Galaxy applying to join the MPAA and becoming the eighth full member?"

Everyone remained silent for a moment. Galaxy had been persistently applying to become an MPAA member for the past two years, but had always been rejected.

Now, Galaxy held the top spot in the North American film market. Should the MPAA refuse them?

This year, Galaxy became the world's number one, yet this top contender couldn't become an MPAA member?

*****

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