Chapter 290: Award Presenter

In the living room of the villa, Louise, standing behind the long bar, took charge and mixed a cocktail for Martin, placing it in front of him.

Martin lifted the glass, took a sip, and commented, "I've certainly improved my mixing skills."

Louise playfully remarked, "It's not as delicious as the cocktails you concocted. I still remember that penicillin you made for me in Atlanta. It was divine, like a remedy for a soul plagued by alcohol."

Understanding her reference, Martin went behind the bar, picked up a fresh cocktail shaker, and prepared a glass of penicillin.

Louise raised her glass, took a sip, and let the flavors dance on her taste buds. She described the experience, "The initial sharpness and intensity are like a sudden explosion, but in the next moment, it turns smooth, mellow, and sweet. The excitement lingers, just as it did initially."

Martin raised his glass and clinked it with Louise, saying, "As long as you enjoy it."

Leaning against the bar, Louise discussed the potential Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor with Martin. She highlighted that with his current fame, influence, and the quality of his role and film, there was a chance if he was willing to invest resources.

She asked if he had brought the contact details of the people she requested. Martin retrieved the address book and handed it to her, containing information of parents of those he saved during the Burbank Middle School incident.

Louise carefully examined the address book, singled out two individuals, and pointed them out, "This person was promoted to Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter at the end of last year. This publication holds great sway in the industry. Ask Thomas to contact him."

She continued, "This is a senior executive at the Screen Actors Guild, a key member of the Screen Actors Guild Awards Nomination Committee. He has the power to recommend actor nominations, including writing your name onto the shortlist. The Nomination Committee then votes to decide whether to nominate or not."

Given Burbank Middle School's connections, Martin inquired, "Is this directly related to an Oscar nomination?"

"It's closely related," Louise affirmed. "Most members of the union are also part of the film academy, which comprises Oscar judges. If you secure an actor nomination from the union, your chances of getting an Oscar nomination significantly improve."

Louise pointed out a few more names, suggesting that Martin should save those favors for a more critical moment.

With her extensive experience, Martin trusted Louise's advice.

Pacific Pictures would also leverage their personal connections to secure nomination votes for Martin.

Toasting to Louise once more, Martin acknowledged, "With your guidance, the path ahead has once again become clearer."

Savoring the penicillin's impact in her mouth, Louise eventually suggested, "Then stay with me tonight."

Martin checked his watch and agreed, "There are still two and a half hours until dinner. You can do whatever you like, and I'll be here."

Louise playfully inquired, "Girlfriend?"

Martin chuckled, "Blake is quite easygoing and doesn't demand too much. Just don't stay up all night when she's in Los Angeles."

Louise hopped onto the bar, having finished the alcohol addiction-curing penicillin, and now she wanted to experience the soul-healing penicillin.

Her temperature soared, and she needed a metaphorical fever-reducing shot.

Around 5 o'clock, Martin left Louise's house and once again encountered Elizabeth Olsen.

She was descending from the hillside park with her dog.

However, Martin, now more resolute and less interested in flirtations, kept his distance and drove away.

Elizabeth spoke to her golden retriever, saying, "Potato, that looked like Martin's car. Didn't he see us?"

The dog barked in response.

Elizabeth and her dog crossed the street and entered the house.

The two sisters had returned.

Mary Olson beckoned to Elizabeth and inquired, "Liz, do you really want to enter the entertainment industry?"

Elizabeth thought of Blake Lively's success and affirmed, "I want to become a star."

Mary cautioned, "This path won't be easy."

Ashley Olsen, however, argued, "It's much easier than starting from scratch in an unfamiliar industry."

The descendants of Hollywood insiders often find their way into the entertainment industry or related fields, as the groundwork has been laid in a previous generation.

Mary, younger but insightful, acknowledged, "Fair point."

Elizabeth was eager and asked, "Have you found a suitable role for me?"

Mary reminded her, "You're a newcomer with no experience. It won't be that simple."

Elizabeth recounted her past involvement in two 1990s movies, her role as a prominent member of the school theater group during those years, and her regular participation in the Coty Community Theater Company.

Mary, however, injected a dose of reality into her dreams, noting that the path to stardom was not as simple as Elizabeth might think, and their sisters couldn't guarantee her success.

Ashley then presented several job recruitment notices, primarily advertising contracts she could help Elizabeth secure.

Mary specified that these were for job opportunities she could facilitate. Elizabeth, recognizing the disparity between her dreams and reality, took a closer look at the recruitment notices.

Each notice was for advertising contracts. The first advertised a cosmetics brand, followed by one for Green Arrow chewing gum. It wasn't until the third notice that Elizabeth's interest was piqued.

The third notice pertained to Coca-Cola's advertising recruitment. It was seeking a model or actress under 20 years old to portray a saint standing alongside the leader of the Coca-Cola cult. The role required a beautiful appearance and an infectious smile.

Elizabeth inquired, "Mary, the role of the saint in this advertisement, does it involve starring with the church leader?"

Mary confirmed, "Yes, it's Coca-Cola's annual commercial for this year."

Ashley added more details, "In this commercial, the role of the saint is opposite Martin Davis, the lead star."

Thinking back to the traumatic incident at Burbank Middle School, Elizabeth realized that without Martin, there was a 99% chance she would have died like the other victims. He had been her light in what felt like a hellish situation.

If asked if she believed in light, Elizabeth would undoubtedly say she did. Though the memory had dulled somewhat, the image of that moment was indelibly etched in her mind.

Elizabeth selected the Coca-Cola recruitment advertisement and asked her sisters for help in securing the role.

Mary accepted it, saying, "Shouldn't be a problem."

Elizabeth's smile was radiant, reflecting her gratitude, and she expressed her love to her two sisters. Ashley playfully responded, "Doesn't that mean you will hate us, if ww can't get it?"

Elizabeth called her golden retriever, to accompany her in rehearsing the play, and she waved goodbye to her sisters.

On his way back to the Cotis community, Martin called Thomas to provide the contact information of the two people who could potentially help with an Oscar nomination.

Agents excel in managing interpersonal relationships.

Although the 78th Academy Awards had yet to take place, Martin was already preparing for the next Oscar season.

The crew of "The Departed" had initiated their awards campaign, ensuring that Leonardo, Nicholson, and Martin would walk the red carpet at the Oscars. Jack Nicholson was set to present the Best Picture award.

WMA and Coca-Cola's support ensured that Martin would not only grace the red carpet but also serve as a presenter for the Best Documentary award.

For Leonardo, standing on the red carpet was sufficient to make him the center of attention.

With the awards show approaching, Blake Lively had adhered to a rigorous diet plan to prepare for her appearance.

Observing her figure, Martin noted that there was no need for such extreme measures. However, Blake, driven by the industry's body image standards, felt there was room for improvement.

She explained that she consulted a professional nutritionist and bodybuilder, who had designed a strict meal and exercise plan. The plan included just two meals a day, consisting of two hard-boiled eggs and a few almonds for breakfast and some vitamin supplements for dinner. She also planned to abstain from water on the day of the award ceremony to avoid bloating.

While Martin acknowledged the pressure on actresses to maintain their figures, he urged Blake to avoid extreme methods, emphasizing the importance of her health.

Blake agreed and promised not to resort to such methods.

Next, Martin and Blake went to select a dress for the upcoming event. While Blake didn't have a sponsored brand, Martin insisted on buying a dress rather than renting one, as it would showcase her beauty better. He assured her that they could rent jewelry if needed, and for himself, Armani had reached out to WMA to provide him with a suit.