Chapter 194: As Promised, Fame

The Oscar Awards ceremony was held at the renowned Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Los Angeles Music Center.

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion served as the performance venue for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Opera!

Because the Oscar Awards ceremony lasted almost 4 hours, Arthur did not find the regular award process and stage performances very interesting.

He took a break midway and headed to the bar inside the Music Center.

At that moment, they were presenting the Best Supporting Actor award at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, which was won by the 73-year-old veteran actor Jack Palance.

After an emotional speech, Jack Palance did one-armed push-ups on stage to prove that he still had the energy and was still one of Hollywood's tough guys.

This earned applause from the presenters and the audience!

"Where did Arthur run off to?" Winona Ryder wondered, noting that Arthur had slipped away from his seat after sitting for less than half an hour.

Meanwhile, Arthur was in the Music Center's bar chatting and drinking with Brad Pitt. "The script for Se7en is finished and is expected to go into development later this year!"

Brad Pitt nodded, "I'm currently filming Kalifornia and in talks for another script titled True Romance. I'm one of the main characters, but not the lead, so my schedule is open."

"True Romance, directed by Tony Scott, right?" Arthur inquired.

Brad Pitt was surprised and chuckled, "Arthur, you know about this project too?"

"Galaxy bought a film at this year's Sundance Film Festival, a work by a new director Quentin Tarantino," Arthur explained with a smile. "He mentioned that he had sold two scripts before, one of which was True Romance to Tony Scott."

As for Quentin Tarantino's other script, it had been sold to Oliver Stone and was Natural Born Killers.

"Got it," Brad Pitt understood now, "I liked the story a lot after reading the script; it's quite unique. Didn't expect the screenwriter to also be a director."

"Alright, Arthur, I'm heading back now. Always waiting for your call," Brad Pitt said as he finished his drink and prepared to return to the award hall.

Arthur went to the restroom before returning to the ceremony!

"Oh, it's the Best Original Screenplay award?" Arthur asked Winona Ryder with a smile, "Has the Best Adapted Screenplay award been given out yet?"

"What do you think? Ted Tally just won the Best Adapted Screenplay award for The Silence of the Lambs; this is the film's first major win," Winona exclaimed, "You missed it!"

"Don't worry," Arthur patted her hand, "Wait for the bigger awards."

Sure enough, the Best Original Screenplay award was won by the writer of Thelma & Louise.

Finally, as the Oscars neared their end, it was time to present the Best Actor award: the nominees were Warren Beatty for Bugsy, Robert De Niro for Cape Fear, Nick Nolte for The Prince of Tides, Anthony Hopkins for The Silence of the Lambs, and Robin Williams for The Fisher King.

Arthur glanced at Anthony Hopkins, who was nervously staring at the host on stage, then at Warren Beatty, while the other three nominees were essentially out of contention.

"The Silence of the Lambs, Anthony Hopkins!" the presenter announced the winner.

Applause roared through the room. Despite only about twenty minutes of screen time, Anthony Hopkins' performance was impeccable.

As he received congratulations and passed by Arthur, they bumped fists.

"Jonathan, I think we should get a good spot ready for Jodie," Arthur whispered to director Jonathan Demme beside him.

Jonathan Demme smiled, "Arthur, you're that confident about Jodie?"

"Just watch!"

Next, the presenter for the Best Actress award was Michael Douglas. Jodie Foster's biggest competition was from Thelma & Louise co-stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, who were both nominated, likely splitting the votes.

Unsurprisingly, Michael Douglas announced Jodie Foster as the winner. It was her second time winning the Best Actress Oscar, achieving this feat at the age of 29.

Jodie Foster, dressed in a white suit, exuded a sense of professional beauty as she received congratulations around her.

After hugging Arthur, Jodie Foster also gave Winona Ryder a kiss!

Arthur thought to himself, "Jodie Foster does like women, but kissing my woman?"

"Arthur, three big awards already," Winona Ryder exclaimed excitedly. The Silence of the Lambs had already secured three major awards!

"Take it easy, there are still two more important ones," Arthur said calmly, unfazed, as if this were all part of the plan.

However, Jonathan Demme seemed a bit doubtful about winning Best Director, since The Silence of the Lambs had already nabbed both lead actor awards.

Jodie Foster's acceptance speech was short and clear, giving special thanks to Arthur Smith.

The competition for Best Director was fierce, with Oliver Stone for JFK, Ridley Scott for Thelma & Louise, Jonathan Demme for The Silence of the Lambs, John Singleton for Boyz n the Hood, and Barry Levinson for Bugsy.

The presenter was Kevin Costner, last year's Best Director winner.

Arthur noticed Jonathan Demme's hands trembling slightly with nervousness.

On stage, Kevin Costner smiled as he opened the envelope, glanced at the The Silence of the Lambs team, and announced, "The Silence of the Lambs, Jonathan Demme!"

The The Silence of the Lambs team erupted in celebration. Jonathan Demme kissed his wife and then fist-bumped Arthur in his favorite celebratory gesture, "Thank you, Arthur!"

"Go on, you deserve it!"

Jonathan Demme was visibly emotional as he took to the stage, thanking many people, particularly Arthur Smith for championing the project.

Now it was time for the final and most significant award, Best Picture. Host Billy Crystal made a special joke about The Silence of the Lambs team.

As the live broadcast camera focused on Arthur again, he even flashed a V for victory.

*****

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