Chapter 195: Best Picture

The Best Picture award was presented by the seasoned Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. Nominations include Galaxy's The Silence of the Lambs, Columbia TriStar's The Prince of Tides, Warner Bros.' JFK, Columbia TriStar's Bugsy, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

On stage, Paul Newman opened the envelope and took a quick glance before handing it to Elizabeth Taylor in surprise. "Taylor, it's your turn to announce!"

Elizabeth Taylor smiled after seeing the name, "The Silence of the Lambs, Galaxy!"

"Oh," The audience quickly became lively with rounds of applause and whistles.

The Silence of the Lambs won all the heavyweight awards!

Winona Ryder, who was holding Arthur's hand, let out a sigh of relief and threw herself into Arthur's arms, giving him a kiss.

"See, I told you not to be nervous," Arthur patted Winona and got up, shaking hands with people around him.

Arthur Smith, young and dashing, walked up to the stage; The Silence of the Lambs exists because of him!

"Congratulations, Arthur, it's great to have young talents like you in Hollywood," Paul Newman gave Arthur a hug.

"Thank you, I will do my best," Arthur smiled back, then Elizabeth Taylor handed the trophy to Arthur Smith.

After the hug and a cheek kiss, Elizabeth Taylor sighed, "Youth is wonderful!"

Arthur smiled, "Ma'am, I'd love to go back to Hollywood's golden era and compete with the studios back then!"

Elizabeth Taylor laughed heartily, "In that case, I might have become one of your actresses."

Arthur approached the microphone. As the producer of The Silence of the Lambs, three producers could be on stage, but credit also goes to the director and actors. Unfortunately, they didn't want to come up anymore because The Silence of the Lambs stole the spotlight tonight!

Arthur looked at the trophy in his hands until the applause died down, "Thank you, everyone. Galaxy Orion now has two Best Picture trophies. But rest assured, I'll strive to win this award again next year!"

Then, Arthur waved the trophy and leisurely walked backstage.

The Silence of the Lambs became the third film after 1934's It Happened One Night and 1975's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to win the five major Oscars: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay.

Once the results were out, no need to guess what the newspapers would write!

Backstage at the theatre, the winners were celebrating and getting interviewed. The crew of The Silence of the Lambs, as the biggest winners, were at the center of attention.

Galaxy prepared a grand celebration banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. As soon as the award ceremony ended, everyone headed to the hotel.

"Hurry, straight to the hotel," Arthur pulled Winona Ryder into a stretch Lincoln and ordered the driver to leave. There were too many reporters!

"Phew, these guys?" Arthur ruffled his hair after sitting down. "I felt like several hands were pulling at me just now."

Winona Ryder laughed, "Tonight, you're absolutely the center of attention, especially as the youngest producer to win Best Picture. You've made Hollywood history. The media surely wants more stories from you!"

Arthur set down the trophy, "Actually, it feels pretty good. No wonder so many people pursue an Oscar moment."

"By the way, want to delay the trip to Europe by a few days? Join the company's celebration!" Winona Ryder suggested.

Arthur shook his head, "No need, let's go tomorrow night. Europe's interesting right now, aside from Germany's rapid economic growth, the rest of the EEC isn't doing well."

Due to upheavals in Eastern Europe, with the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina held a referendum for independence. The Bosniaks and Croats agreed, but the Bosnian Serbs boycotted the vote.

The Bosnian War was about to break out!

Russia was in shock therapy mode, and with Europe so intriguing, I couldn't miss a visit there.

That night, the celebratory banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was grand and solemn. Attendees included renowned directors like Steven Spielberg and his wife, Oliver Stone and his wife, Ridley Scott and his wife.

Big stars like Kevin Costner and his wife, Tom Hanks and his wife, Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, and Galaxy's top executives.

Dianne Feinstein, running for California's U.S. Senator, also attended, along with bank representatives and media personalities, making it a star-studded event.

"Did your support rate increase after participating in the BET show?" Arthur chatted with Dianne Feinstein on the side.

"A bit; calling for fair enforcement has garnered a lot of support from the African American community," Dianne Feinstein smiled.

Arthur nodded, "Remember the Rodney King incident last year where he was beaten illegally? The four white officers will be tried in federal court in Los Angeles by the month's end. I suspect there's a big chance they'll be acquitted. You should be wary of the gangs in South Central L.A. and Compton. Something will definitely happen."

Dianne Feinstein nonchalantly said, "The Rodney King beating video discontented many African American groups. When the court's verdict comes out, there will surely be protests. That's no biggie."

Arthur looked at Dianne Feinstein, "Growing up in L.A., I know what it is like. Anyway, you should publicly appeal for calm when the time comes. The lawlessness in the African American community in L.A. over the past two years is out of control. It's best to have your team conduct a survey."

Arthur didn't worry about casualties, only hoping Dianne Feinstein would quickly rise to power. Mayor Tom Bradley's land approval for Galaxy's Glendale was still pending.

A change was necessary; Tom Bradley, the black mayor, worked too slowly. Once Dianne Feinstein became California Senator, supporting an L.A. mayor wouldn't be hard.

Someone had to take the fall for the L.A. riots. In L.A.'s council system, the mayor's powers were less than in cities like New York or Chicago, which have a mayor-council system.

Running for mayor in cities like L.A. or Washington, D.C. was much easier!

"Yes, L.A.'s gang problem has indeed grown. I get your point," Dianne Feinstein thought Arthur was suggesting she propose handling the gangs to the council.

"More or less," Arthur didn't care; after all, he was leaving the U.S. tomorrow. Let it happen!

*****

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