Grand Jury Prize

The brief acceptance speech was imbued with Renly's love for cinema and a heartfelt reflection on staying true to his initial aspirations.

In this moment, Renly finally felt the palpable reality. This was Sundance, unique and unparalleled. More important than the trophy itself was the affirmation of his dreams. Not because his acting had been recognized, but because here, he could find countless dreamers—those abandoned by society, denied by others, tormented by life, and struck by reality. They all trod the path of dreams alone, unafraid of failure, solitude, or pain. They charged forward resolutely.

No one knew when their steps might halt, and no one knew what scenery lay at the finish line. But until exhaustion, they would strive to give their all, pouring out every drop of sweat and blood from their bodies. We fought not to change society, but to prevent society from changing us. Every dream deserves respect.

On this path, he was not alone.

Stepping off the stage, applause resounded once again. This time, not for Renly, but for Robert Redford. This revered director, actor, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, received the highest respect whenever he appeared in Park City each year. Tonight was no exception.

Returning to his seat, members of the cast fixed their eager gazes on Renly. Their faces bore excited smiles, seemingly even more thrilled than the honoree himself.

Jennifer cast an envious look at the trophy in Renly's hands, then stubbornly lifted her chin, feigning nonchalance. "I'm not envious at all. Not one bit."

Her demeanor prompted Renly to chuckle. "I believe you'll win your own trophy soon enough."

Jennifer earnestly nodded, with unwavering confidence shining in her eyes. Her radiance, enthusiasm, and resoluteness brightened her entire being.

As the applause gradually subsided, Robert addressed the microphone, "Once again, it's that time of year when the festival concludes. Every time, emotions are complex. On one hand, we're anticipating next year, hoping to witness even more outstanding works. On the other hand, we're also feeling a sense of loss—the revelry of this year has come to an end."

"I really liked what Renly Hall said earlier." Robert unexpectedly name-dropped, eliciting another round of applause. "Thank you to every person who loves movies. Yes, thank you to everyone who persistently creates, and thank you to everyone who unwaveringly supports films. Being able to gather here to discuss the movies we love is our honor."

"Now, it's time to present the awards." Robert raised the envelope in his hand, gently waved it, and the atmosphere in the room slowly settled down. Behind the excitement, a sense of tension began to build. "This year brought forth many remarkable works, dazzling us. Personally, there are at least five works I truly enjoyed. Luckily, I'm not the one making the decisions."

Similar to the three major European film festivals, the Sundance Film Festival had a jury of six judges who would select the final awards. The jury was fully replaced every year to ensure fairness.

After a brief introduction, Robert didn't continue to keep the audience in suspense. In the World Cinema category, "Happy, Happy" won the prize for the Dramatic category. Meanwhile, "Senna" achieved a triumphant sweep, winning the Jury Prize, the Director's Award, and the Audience Award, undoubtedly becoming the biggest winner in the documentary section.

In 2009, "Precious", walked away with the Jury Prize, the Special Jury Prize, and the Audience Award, mirroring the trajectory "Like Crazy" took initially. It charged forward with momentum, even securing the People's Choice Award in Toronto. Ultimately, it triumphed at the Oscar ceremony, claiming the Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay awards.

Now, "Senna" seemed poised to replicate the developmental trajectory of "Precious", creating anticipation.

Subsequently, in the local category, "Hell and Back Again" secured the Documentary Jury Prize, making people realize that Sundance was nearing its final moments. Only the last award remained: the Grand Jury Prize, Dramatic.

Although the Sundance Film Festival's development had become more comprehensive over time, and the number of awards had increased, the core essence remained unchanged. When people mentioned Sundance, the Grand Jury Prize, Dramatic was the sole focus, similar to the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. It symbolized the festival's pinnacle. Undoubtedly.

The so-called "Jury Prize" specifically referred to the Grand Jury Prize, Dramatic!

If this award could be won, continuing the momentum of the previous three years' winners into the Oscar race was just one of the added benefits. More importantly, the recipient would gain more attention and space. Whether this marked the starting point to enter the vision of major film companies or using the halo's advantage to secure more funding and realize their ideal projects, it would amplify their efforts manifold.

This was validation from Sundance.

So, who would be crowned this year? "Like Crazy"? Or "Tyrannosaur"? Maybe "Martha Marcy May Marlene"? Or perhaps the surprise Audience Award winner, "Circumstance"? And what about the much-acclaimed yet so far unrewarded "Take Shelter"?

Seemingly serene, Sundance this year had ignited a fierce battle of excitement. Now, the answer lay within the envelope held in Robert's hand, and gazes instantaneously grew fiery.

Robert didn't hesitate at all. He opened the envelope, glanced inside, then lifted his gaze with a triumphant expression. "Oh, so it's this film." However, he uncommonly refrained from immediately announcing the result. He paused slightly, eliciting a low murmur from the crowd. Robert chuckled even more merrily, "Don't disturb me, I'm savoring one of the few privileges I have. Let me digest it first."

His relaxed and humorous tone set laughter echoing throughout the screening hall.

"Excellent. The winner of the Grand Jury Prize for the 27th Sundance Film Festival is," after savoring the moment, Robert spoke once again. His tone paused, he lowered his head to look at the card, confirmed the answer again, then with determination, he continued, "Like Crazy!"

A momentary blankness filled the scene, followed by a tsunami of applause that surged from far to near. The roar reverberated in the screening hall, creating waves of echoes that resonated in succession. From all directions, the applause rushed in, shaking the very foundation of the hall, causing the world to tremble. The crowd, now standing shoulder to shoulder in a bustling crowd, appeared boundless, like a vast ocean stretching in every direction.

"Like Crazy", this year's recipient of the Jury Prize. It was as if everyone had gone mad.

Renly stood up and immediately saw Jennifer leaping up, raising her right hand high, her eyes shining as she looked at Renly. However, Renly pretended not to notice, glanced beyond Jennifer, and saw Drake frozen in a state of shock, his face filled with disbelief and astonishment. His open jaw seemed almost dislocated, unable to close.

His peripheral vision swept, catching Jennifer still holding her right hand up. Her exuberant smile showed no signs of being deterred. She kept her gaze fixed on Renly, leaving him no choice but to shake his head in resignation. He then raised his right hand. Jennifer took a big step forward, followed by a leap, forcefully slapping Renly's right hand and completing the celebratory high-five.

A crisp and loud "smack" resounded, swiftly engulfed in the applause from the audience.

After passing Renly, Jennifer separately high-fived Felicity, Charlie, and others, before circling to Drake. She clapped continuously, her face full of admiration, offering her profound respect.

Renly noticed Drake appeared dazed, as if his brain had stopped functioning. He had to approach him, pat his shoulder, and shouted into his ear, "Drake, go up on stage to accept the award!"

But Drake's reaction lagged a few beats. In the end, Jennifer, Felicity, Charlie, and the others all approached, joining Renly's group. They wildly pounded Drake's back, the fierce motions producing muffled thuds. Drake winced, gritting his teeth, hopping onto the stage as if fleeing. His bedraggled appearance elicited collective laughter from the audience.

Taking the trophy from Robert's hands, Drake seriously examined it, unwilling to part with it. His gaze lingered on the trophy for a long while, but the audience was patient, no one hurried Drake to make his acceptance speech. Everyone stared at him in silence, seemingly able to feel the surging emotions emanating from him.

After a long pause, Drake finally spoke, "I apologize for my lack of decorum. I'm just a bit surprised, surprised to find myself standing here, receiving the Jury Prize." Drake's words carried a tinge of melancholy, his eyes unintentionally reddening slightly. "This is a very special and personal film. I genuinely hope someone can see it, and I hope that everyone who watches this film can seize the opportunity, capture every moment, and not miss out on that someone."

Suddenly and unexpectedly, Drake choked up, tears welled in his eyes and began to roll down. He had to take two deep breaths before continuing, "Thank you, Sundance, for providing me a platform to showcase myself. Otherwise, this film would have been nothing but the rambling of a dreamer. Thank you, Ben York Jones, for co-writing the script with me. Thank you, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, for accompanying me in creating this work."

He paused slightly, Drake awkwardly wiped tears from his cheeks, "Lastly, thank you, Renly Hall. Thank you for giving this film its soul and for composing the closing theme. Thank you for not rushing me for payment, for taking the risk of doing this project for free. Thank you."

As he concluded, the audience burst into laughter. Drake himself was breaking into a smile through his tears. He took a deep breath, then lifted the trophy in his hand high, conveying everything without words.

Tonight, it was as if everyone had gone mad.