Chapter 355: Mystery Revealed

The Oscar, the most coveted award in Hollywood, has always been a dream for the rich and famous in the industry, including renowned figures like Spielberg and George Lucas.

Some dedicated individuals, like the passionate Daniel Day-Lewis, are willing to uproot their lives for two years in Los Angeles and spend a whole year in relentless Oscar campaign efforts.

A charismatic and free-spirited personality, much like Leonardo DiCaprio, has joined me year after year in this journey.

As we sat in the second row, the camera turned away, and advertisements played on the big screen, Leonardo leaned in and whispered to Martin, "Is it okay if you don't mention running with me?" Martin replied with a smile, "I send you my blessings."

Jack Nicholson, the third member of our peculiar trio, couldn't resist adding his thoughts, "Hurry up and plug your ears. Leo's words must be some sort of a curse."

These three characters have always swayed in their personal stances, adapting to the ever-changing circumstances of Hollywood.

Martin, unbothered by it all, confidently responded, "Leo, if you dare to give it away, I dare to accept it."

Leonardo, with a grin, declared, "Starting this year, I wish for you to run for Oscars for ten years."

Martin echoed the same sentiment, "I wish for you to run for ten years with me. Years later, we'll still be chasing those Oscars."

Leonardo suffered a playful jab and contemplated using three tricks in succession, but Martin quickly reminded him, "It's the Oscars live broadcast; be serious." He teased, "I won't accompany you for that long."

Leonardo, glancing at Martin's side profile, cheekily remarked, "With your looks and figure, who wouldn't be envious of this old man? As you age and gain more life experience, awards will naturally come your way."

Martin replied, "I'll soon change this face, alter my body and demeanor, making people see someone I'm not."

Nicholson, always the joker, turned to the other side and said, "Leo, I've got a knife here if you want to help Martin with his face."

Leonardo took a moment, watching the award guests take the stage, and said to Martin, "Remember this valuable running experience; you'll need it for the next ten years."

Then, Renée Zellweger, last year's Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner, took the stage. She announced the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, and the tension in the room grew.

"Alan Arkin, Martin Davis, Djimon Hounsou, Eddie Murphy..."

The envelope was opened, and the winner was revealed, "Alan Arkin!"

As the applause filled the room, Alan Arkin, in his 70s, stood up, embracing the crew and waving to the audience as he made his way to the stage to accept the award.

Martin had known this outcome, so he maintained his composure, offering a smile and applause.

Host Ellen DeGeneres took the stage, cracked some typical American jokes, and the ceremony moved on to technical awards.

While these were tolerable, the most tedious part of the Oscars was the extended retrospective session. The aging core members of the Academy seemed to indulge in nostalgia more each year, resulting in longer and more drawn-out reminiscences.

As a result, this part of the Oscar ceremony usually had the lowest viewership. Many viewers only tuned back in for the four major awards.

However, there was still a certain charm in nostalgia. The future would bring an unexpected transformation, turning the Oscars into a true carnival for a select few.

Martin was feeling a bit drowsy and had already presented the Best Cinematography award. He decided to slip backstage.

Backstage was a bit chaotic, with crew members and celebrities mingling, taking photos, and chatting. An enthusiastic young woman with long, reddish-brown hair approached Martin, asking for a photo.

"Can we take a photo together, Martin?" She introduced herself as Emily Blunt, a fan of his since his "Zombie Gigolo" days. She even demonstrated the zombie machine gun dance.

Martin, although used to these requests, agreed and posed for several pictures.

"Thank you, Martin," Emily said with a smile.

Martin couldn't help but recall his own early days in the industry and replied, "You're welcome."

Emily left and sought out George Clooney for a similar photo. Martin knew that fame was hard to come by for young stars, and it took more than just disrobing.

Without prying into Emily's personal journey, Martin made his way to the bathroom. On his way out, he bumped into Anne Hathaway.

Anne had cut her hair short, a reminder of their past love, now suddenly shattered by her own actions.

"Martin..." Anne began.

He nodded, "Good evening, Anne. You look as stunning as ever."

Anne asked, "Can we find a time to chat alone?"

Martin pointed at his watch, "Soon. The Best Actor Award has been announced, and my brother has been nominated."

Anne realized he was referring to Leonardo, and the names of the three infamous "villain brothers" had already started circulating in Hollywood.

"Let's continue this conversation another day," Martin said as he entered the hall.

Annie watched him walk away, her eyes filled with regret. She quickly clung to the wall, and in a moment of reflection, she lamented, "I've ruined the best love, all by my own doing."

Thoughts of Martin's past scandals brought back heartache. "It's because of me that he no longer believes in love and has become a playboy. It's my fault."

Anne was in so much pain that she decided not to return. Instead, she turned and headed for the door.

She couldn't help but wonder who in Hollywood her age could compare to Martin, and with each passing thought, her heartache grew.

Meanwhile, Martin returned to his seat just as Reese Witherspoon, the previous Best Actress winner, announced the winner of Best Actor: "Forest Whitaker!"

The room erupted in applause as the tall, burly actor stepped onto the stage. All eyes, and camera lenses, were fixed on Leonardo.

Year after year, Leonardo's fixation on the Oscars seemed to deepen.

When the camera panned away, Martin attempted to comfort Leonardo: "Don't be sad; it's not a big deal."

Leonardo nodded, feeling that Martin had finally spoken the words he needed to hear.

"Because it will still be like this next year," Martin changed his tone and said, "It'll be the same next year."

Nicholson added cheerfully, "Leo, the ten years of blessings you wished for Martin have found their way to you."

Leonardo was ready to be done with the conversation. If he could contact Satan, he might consider sacrificing his two teammates without asking for anything in return.

The evening's theme was about respecting the elderly, and it was evident as Helen Mirren, in her 60s, won the Best Actress award.

Then, Spielberg, Coppola, and George Lucas took the stage together.

Three out of the four major directors were present, with Scorsese seated in the audience.

"Don't make the symbolism too obvious!" Coppola began with a playful remark, "The three of us have three Best Director statuettes."

Spielberg followed up, "None of us standing here has a Best Director statuette."

George Lucas, with a hint of helplessness, asked, "Can I admit that I don't have one?"

Laughter followed their banter. After presenting the nomination list, Coppola opened the envelope, and together, they announced into the microphone: "The best director is Martin Scorsese!"

The applause, building for a long time, finally erupted, and Martin Scorsese, with tears streaming down his face, won the award he had long desired, after nearly 40 years in the directing career.

Martin was the quickest to react, turning around to hug Scorsese and exclaiming, "Congratulations, director!"

Scorsese, beaming with happiness, embraced the rest of the crew.

As he made his way to the stage, Martin gestured for everyone around him to stand up. Nicholson, unashamedly, stood in the aisle, waving energetically.

Leonardo, too, turned back and made a standing gesture. This prompted all the guests around to stand up, and soon, the entire audience was on its feet, applauding thunderously.

When Scorsese took the stage, he turned around and saw the three exuberant friends and couldn't help but chuckle.

After sharing some words with old friends, Scorsese accepted the Best Director award and went to the microphone to express his gratitude.

He rattled off a series of thanks, including a mention of Martin. "The success of this film is largely due to the actors. Thank you, Leo; we've worked together for 6 and a half years, and I hope we can continue for another 20. Thank you, Martin Davis, for your courage and spirit. Thanks to Jack, the boss of the Bastard Trio. So, I thank the Bastard Trio for not tearing our team apart but for elevating each other and achieving extraordinary performances!"

With applause filling the room, the camera focused on Martin, Leonardo, and Nicholson.

The three of them stood side by side, sporting sincere smiles and a demeanor reminiscent of Tom Hanks.

Once the camera moved away, Leonardo asked with a grin, "Are we stealing the show?"

Martin playfully responded, "No, stealing the show is when Jack comes on stage and exposes his rear end after winning. That's what we call stealing the limelight."

Nicholson sighed dramatically, "I guess even if I meet God, Leo won't win an Oscar for Best Actor."

Leonardo, with a touch of humor, stated, "When I get that statuette, I'll melt it into two middle fingers and give them to you."

Nicholson chimed in, "Martin, when you win an Oscar, please don't do that. People without Oscars will be too heartbroken, and it could lead to depression."

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro took the stage as special guests for the grand finale.

With their extensive collaborations with Martin Scorsese, there was no doubt about the Best Picture award.

True to expectations, the winner announced by Al Pacino was "The Departed."

Producer Graham King called all the creative staff to the stage to accept the award for Best Picture. Martin also stood on the podium, though it wasn't an individual award.