Chapter 364: Bombarding Lee Ang

Holding the heavy Oscar statuette in one hand, Murphy unfolded the note with the other.

Due to the academy's aim to make the ceremony more compact, addressing the commonly criticized slow and tedious nature of the event, each winner was allotted just forty seconds to deliver their acceptance speech.

"Sorry..." Murphy quickly started his acceptance speech, but his first word was an apology, "I wasn't able to achieve the set goal of breaking up fifteen million couples and spouses in North America."

A wave of laughter erupted from below the stage, clearly taking his statement as a joke.

"However, I am glad to see that, after watching 'Gone Girl,' many couples and spouses were able to continue on together." Murphy then turned towards where Gal Gadot was seated, "So, here I stand, wanting to thank one person, the most important person in my life."

Though he didn't mention a name, Gal Gadot knew that she was the one Murphy was referring to. She covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling slightly, visibly moved.

Murphy first thanking her was enough to signify his appreciation for her.

Applause began around them, carrying through the entire theater. Gal Gadot managed her emotions, holding back tears, and clapped her hands softly yet firmly.

With limited time, Murphy sped up, "Thanks to the academy and the judges, this award is the best recognition of my work."

He glanced at the note, mentioning each name, "Thank you, Bill Rossis, for being such a remarkable agent. Thanks to Robert Downey Jr., James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill, you four are jerks, but you're my brothers. Thanks to Charlize Theron, you brought the character of Amy to life. Thanks to every member of the crew, your support was key to the film's success. Thank you, Kara Faith, for being my great mentor. Thanks to my friend, who has always quietly supported me..."

Since he couldn't directly mention Ross's name, Murphy expressed his gratitude in this subtle way.

"Thank you!"

Murphy bowed slightly, timing his speech perfectly to end as he was ushered backstage by the host, alongside Scarlett Johansson.

He and Scarlett Johansson didn't know each other, having only exchanged pleasantries on stage, without any further interaction.

Backstage, Murphy participated in a routine interview by the organizers, saying phrases like "I'm very happy to win," and "thank you to the academy for their recognition," before returning to the theater.

The ceremony was nearing its end.

This year's Oscars seemed destined not to favor any film as a grand winner, continuing to distribute awards evenly. "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crash" took home Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing, respectively, but won nothing in major categories like Best Actor or Actress.

"The nominees for Best Actor are..."

Hilary Swank announced the nominees in sync with the big screen, "Philip Seymour Hoffman in 'Capote,' James Franco in 'Gone Girl,' Joaquin Phoenix in 'Walk the Line,' David Strathairn in 'Good Night, and Good Luck'..."

Listening to the nominees, James Franco remained calm, knowing his chances of winning were almost nil.

As expected, the Oscar went to Philip Seymour Hoffman for "Capote," a seasoned actor whose age and experience easily surpassed Franco's.

However, Jon Stewart's jests might have been more interesting than Hoffman's dry acceptance speech.

"'Capote' showed America that not all gays are cowboys—some are effeminate New York intellectuals."

Everything progressed as Murphy remembered. Reese Witherspoon won Best Actress, another Hollywood figure transformed on the Oscars stage.

When Dustin Hoffman took the stage with the large envelope, whether a Chinese director would take home the Best Director Oscar was about to be revealed.

"The following directors have produced remarkable films over the past year."

Listening to Dustin Hoffman announce the nominees, Murphy turned to look at the "Brokeback Mountain" crew; Lee Ang's face was tense with nerves.

"Ang Lee for 'Brokeback Mountain,' Murphy Stanton for 'Gone Girl,' George Clooney for 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' Steven Spielberg for 'Munich,' Paul Haggis for 'Crash'..."

As he turned his gaze back, Gal Gadot grabbed his hand, comforting him, "Darling, you're still young. There's always a chance."

"I understand." Murphy nodded lightly.

Despite saying this, being nominated for Best Director for the first time, it was impossible for Murphy not to feel nervous and eager, even though he knew winning was unlikely.

"And the Best Director is..." Dustin Hoffman didn't keep the audience waiting, announcing, "Ang Lee for 'Brokeback Mountain'!"

Applause filled the air as Murphy and Gal Gadot stood up with those in the back rows, clapping lightly, watching the first Chinese director ascend the Oscar stage for Best Director.

"Now the Best

 Director goes to Ang Lee."

Watching the director on stage preparing to speak, Gal Gadot whispered softly, "Then, by tradition, 'Brokeback Mountain' stands a good chance for Best Picture."

"Dear." After sitting, Murphy raised his finger, gently shaking it a few times, "This year's Oscar is too obvious in distributing awards. 'Crash' is more likely, and its theme aligns more with the Oscars' taste."

After speaking, he fell silent as Lee Ang began his acceptance speech.

"First, I want to thank many people here and not here..." After listing many names, Lee continued, "This film is not about gays, women, or love, but about love itself. Thank you everyone for your support, thank you to my wife and son, I love you and will always be with you. Although my father passed away during this period, I want to thank my mother in the family."

Switching to the more familiar Chinese, "Also to my compatriots in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. Finally, thank you all for your concern!"

Although this was a standard appearance with a heart for the international crowd, hearing the final words in Chinese, Murphy was the first to applaud, his clapping exceptionally loud.

Gal Gadot, knowing him well, glanced at him in surprise, sensing his sincere congratulations, not just a formality.

"When did he start getting interested in a film like 'Brokeback Mountain'?"

She was quite puzzled, but as the Best Picture was about to be announced, she shook her head and cast aside her thoughts.

The award ceremony concluded with Jack Nicholson opening the envelope, announcing the result. The "Crash" crew, which had the largest attendance, erupted in cheers, performing a major upset by winning Best Picture at the last moment.

The Oscars remain America's Oscars, never straying from the influence of politics and the mainstream American narrative. "Crash," a textbook example of an Oscar-bait film, addressing suspense, thriller elements, racial issues, and human nature, winning Best Picture was expected.

Let's not forget, although there is a significant gay community supporting "Brokeback Mountain," the opposition is equally strong, with over a hundred thousand signatures from an anti-gay alliance, something the Oscars could not ignore.

Moreover, "Crash," which tells a story of racial tension in Los Angeles, resonated more with many of the film academy's judges who are either from or live in the Los Angeles area. Given similar public relations efforts, their choice was predictable.

With this, the Oscars ceremony came to a close. Murphy had won his first Oscar, but several media outlets questioned his winning of Best Original Screenplay over "Crash," suggesting hidden scandals.

However, these voices were few, as the mainstream media focused on "Crash" and "Brokeback Mountain."

Unlike Murphy's united team, both of these crews experienced severe internal disputes due to uneven distribution of rewards at the Oscars.

One of the producers of "Crash," Bob Yerly, not chosen to speak at the Oscars, sued the Producers Guild, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and his crew. According to the rules of the Oscars, only two representatives from the winning Best Picture can speak on stage. The producers' guild and the crew chose the film's writer-director Paul Haggis and another female producer, Kathy Hulman, leaving Yerly out.

However, the troublemaker 'plaintiff' Yerly was also a defendant—Hulman, who had spoken on stage, subsequently sued him for "fraud and breach of contract."

Although the disputes of "Brokeback Mountain" didn't reach the courts, the lead actor and director quickly became estranged.

Heath Ledger, taking the main role, was notably upset about not winning Best Actor. Known for his eccentric personality, he openly criticized director Lee Ang in the media, claiming the director provided no support during filming or the awards season, and even ignored him in his acceptance speech.

Rumors of discord within this crew had been circulating, with media often reporting that Ledger stopped speaking to Lee Ang during the promotional period.

But with Lee Ang already holding an Oscar for Best Director, he saw no need to engage in such disputes, not responding at all. A one-sided fight, Ledger soon quieted down.

However, the disturbances brought by the Oscars didn't end there, as the IRS decided to join the fray, adding to the chaos.

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT