Chapter 112: Dances with Wolves

The 63rd Academy Awards red carpet was absolutely star-studded. Legendary actors Gregory Peck and Barbra Streisand, along with middle-aged stars like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, and Susan Sarandon, and younger stars like Tom Cruise and Jodie Foster were all in attendance.

However, what was truly eye-catching was the attendance of pop legends Michael Jackson and Madonna Ciccone, who showed up in extravagant attire.

"No wonder Michael Jackson is now being called a traitor and disgrace by many Black people," Arthur said as he looked at Michael Jackson standing next to Madonna Ciccone. He looked like a completely different person, appearing even whiter than Madonna.

Although Arthur knew that Michael Jackson had vitiligo and was using heavy foundation, his appearance made it hard for people not to accuse him of "bleaching."

Originally considered a spiritual leader for Black people, Michael Jackson was now being harshly criticized, especially by the Black community.

As for Madonna Ciccone, she was a singer always thinking about acting in movies, a woman who wanted the whole world's eyes on her.

As the award ceremony began, Arthur attended the Oscars for the first time. But once the initial excitement wore off, he found it extremely boring.

As expected, Arthur's nomination for Best Original Screenplay with Sleepless in Seattle lost to the screenwriter of Ghost, and he did not get his first Oscar.

But when Kevin Costner accepted the Best Picture award from Barbra Streisand, the applause was thunderous.

Orion Pictures' Dances with Wolves was the biggest winner of the night, securing five major awards: Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture.

Backstage, Arthur congratulated Kevin Costner and the crew of Dances with Wolves before being approached by a Vanity Fair reporter.

"Arthur, Arthur, Dances with Wolves won Best Picture. Are you happy?"

"Of course I'm happy. This is now an honor belonging to the whole Galaxy," Arthur said as he shrugged, while internally he pondered which year Vanity Fair started hosting the Oscar after-parties.

"So, what do you say to those who claim you were just lucky since Orion happened to distribute Dances with Wolves?"

Arthur nodded, "That's precisely my good luck because this film had nothing to do with me!"

"Regarding your public firing of the producer and outburst on The Addams Family set, any explanation?"

Arthur shook his head, smiling, "When someone slows down the film's progress and drags down the entire crew, why wouldn't I fire him? "Do you think my ability is less than his? The Addams Family is the hard work of hundreds of crew members, and it's a project with a budget exceeding $30 million. When a cancer shows up, I just removed it!"

The Vanity Fair reporter threw out another question, "With Orion's high debt, do you have the confidence to save it?"

Looking at the reporter, Arthur said, "Of course I do, otherwise, why would I take over Orion? The Silence of the Lambs is set to be released next month, followed by Scream. I believe the market will respond, and that response is my confidence in taking over Orion!"

"Alright," Arthur cut the reporter off as he saw another question coming. "The Oscars lasted almost four hours. I'm very hungry; I need to find somewhere to eat. I don't like eating those things like KFC or McDonald's, so I'm leaving!"

Finishing his sentence, Arthur left the interview area with Winona Ryder and headed to the theater's cafe, "These reporters really know how to ask questions!"

After ordering, Winona smiled, "But this is the Best Picture award; you are indeed lucky."

"By the way, what were you doing outside during the awards ceremony?" Winona asked.

"Not much, just talking with Al Pacino and Tom Cruise," Arthur replied with a smile.

"Last year, Tom Cruise's Days of Thunder didn't get great reviews, so it's understandable it wasn't nominated. Al Pacino's The Godfather Part III didn't even score a Best Actor nomination, which must sting, I'm planning to cast them in my next two films. Al Pacino for a remake of Profumo di donna, And Tom Cruise in a movie adapted from a stage play I bought in New York last year, about military legal issues, called A Few Good Men."

Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has already adapted A Few Good Men from a stage play to a screenplay according to Arthur's direction.

As a screenwriter whom Arthur valued highly, Aaron Sorkin's talent was beyond doubt. Tom Cruise had completed filming Far and Away and was available for a new project.

Winona Ryder nodded, "Galaxy Pictures has a lot of projects lined up this year, with big-name stars involved too."

Arthur lifted his chin, "This is my first year taking over Orion. If I don't make some big moves, how will I face the banks?"

The entertainment circle is all about climbing high and stepping on the low. Arthur had no background or support and managed to break out thanks to his previous blockbuster script and production.

Now, he suddenly took over the heavily indebted Hollywood distributor, Orion Pictures. Not long ago, he had a conflict with Mel Gibson, and recently, he reprimanded producer Scott Rudin on set.

If anything goes wrong with Arthur, those two guys would definitely pounce on him!

After the Oscars, the award-winning teams and filmmakers usually hold their own celebrations. As this year's big winner, Dances with Wolves was definitely not to be missed.

Dances with Wolves performed exceptionally well, bringing great fame and fortune to its producer, director, and lead actor, Kevin Costner. He specially organized a celebration party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills!

When Arthur and Winona Ryder left the Shrine Auditorium, Arthur asked, "Tired? Shall we go back and rest?"

"Uh, aren't you going to the celebration party? Orion won Best Picture," Winona Ryder, although a bit tired, didn't want to dampen Arthur's spirit.

"Let's go. Orion will certainly hold a celebration in a couple of days. Tonight, let the crew members have their fun," Arthur said, wrapping his arm around Winona as they walked out.

"Hi, Arthur! Congratulations!" Harvey Weinstein from Miramax came over with a big smile.

"Winona, you look great tonight!"

"Thanks," Winona nodded with a smile.

"Got something on your mind, Harvey?" Arthur, now on equal footing with this guy, questioned. Miramax had a good track record in 1989, but last year hadn't been great. This year's lineup wasn't impressive either.

Last year's Golden Globes, this fatty arrogantly bragged at the Beverly Hilton Hotel about wanting to buy his Scream script. Now, here he was, politely greeting Arthur.

Harvey Weinstein, with a genial expression, proposed, "Arthur, Orion doesn't seem to have many projects now. I think Miramax could deepen our cooperation with Orion!"

Arthur chuckled, "Does Miramax have any good scripts?"

"There are plenty of excellent art scripts. Some independent directors are just missing an opportunity," Harvey Weinstein explained.

Arthur patted the fatty's shoulder, "Good. We should help these talented filmmakers. I hope Miramax can continue to discover excellent young directors like Steven Soderbergh!"

Steven Soderbergh was the young director who previously shot Sex, Lies, and Videotape.

"Orion is heavily indebted and can only dream for now," Arthur said, surprising Harvey Weinstein as he wrapped his arm around Winona Ryder and left the Shrine Auditorium.

Watching Arthur Smith leave, Harvey Weinstein was stunned. Wasn't this guy just lucky to stumble upon Orion's Dances with Wolves? After winning the Oscar for Best Picture, his attitude changed drastically!

Driving an Acura NSX down Beverly Drive towards Palisades, Arthur pondered how Kevin Costner had hit his peak this time!

"Are you close with Harvey Weinstein?" Winona Ryder asked from the passenger seat.

Arthur shook his head, "Not at all. I've only met him once, when Miramax wanted to buy the Scream script."

"By the way, the guy's character is terrible. Be cautious if there's any project involving Miramax. Though trading roles for favors happens often in Hollywood, I don't care about others. You just need to stay vigilant!"

After the Mel Gibson incident, no one would dare try any tricks on Winona Ryder anymore.

Winona smiled sweetly, "Got it. I was lucky enough to get the script for Edward Scissorhands shortly after my debut. Edward Scissorhands grossed over 50 million dollars in North America and received great reviews. So, I'm still getting plenty of scripts now. I have many options to choose from."

"Broke out, huh," Arthur pondered and reminded her, "Take more mainstream commercial films in the future. Indie art films can be a side dish. Regardless, film companies pick actors mainly based on box office appeal. Awards augment fame, complementing each other."

Moreover, the indie film circle is much messier than the commercial one:

Commercial films involve big investments, and for film companies and investors, the primary purpose is to make money. Suitable actors are crucial, and directors or co-producers wouldn't dare mess around with key actors.

Indie films are mostly artistic slogans, with low investments. Producers and directors can mess around as they please. Many young actresses can't avoid being individually auditioned!

"I got it. When are you planning to start shooting Emma?" Winona Ryder asked, touching Arthur's thigh.

Arthur smiled, "Don't worry. Emma is a literature piece, to be shot in the UK, with low investment. It's a co-production by Polygram and Galaxy. I estimate we can start shooting in the second half of the year!"

Soon after they returned to Arthur's Palisades villa, Arthur took Winona Ryder into the bathroom for a shower.

Warm steam reflected off the entwined couple, leaving handprints on the glass door!

"Arthur, do you remember the first night we spent at the Tampa Hotel?" Winona Ryder asked, leaning on the glass door, kissing Arthur Smith who was on her back.

"Yes, of course, I remember!" Arthur responded breathlessly against Winona Ryder. "That night, it's still vivid in my mind..."

Following the successful conclusion of the 63rd Academy Awards, some were disappointed while others were elated.

Of course, as the biggest winner, Dances with Wolves fully established Kevin Costner, who directed, produced, and starred in it, as the brightest star in Hollywood!

At the same time, Galaxy and Kevin Costner's new project The Bodyguard was officially on the schedule.

Arthur's thriller The Silence of the Lambs, on which he had spent a lot of effort, was also about to be released.

*****

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