Chapter 710: Old Friends and Old Rivals

In the opulent study of Davis Manor, Elizabeth Olson gracefully lowered the metal curtain, seamlessly connecting the projector to the laptop. As Thomas's data materialized on the screen, Martin, Leonardo, and Nicholson turned their attention to the display with keen interest.

Handing the remote control to Martin, Elizabeth said with a warm smile, "I'll arrange for lunch from the kitchen. You gentlemen can delve into your discussions."

Recognizing her pivotal role in providing logistical support, Elizabeth took charge, allowing the others to focus on the impending Oscar race.

With a confident stride, Leonardo rose from his seat and activated the laser pointer, directing their attention to the projected images. "These are your main contenders for the Oscar," he declared.

As Martin poured steaming black tea for them, he offered sagely, "Winning the prize means not just understanding your own performance but also sizing up your competition."

Nicholson, his voice tinged with nostalgia, remarked, "Times have certainly changed. It's not about being the best; it's about being better than the rest."

Martin, ever the realist, interjected, "If I find myself up against a slew of industry titans at the Oscars, count me out of this futile pursuit for the award."

Leonardo, the eternal optimist, countered, "Believe in yourself. The competition isn't as formidable as you think!"

Fixing his gaze on the screen displaying the contenders, Martin observed the lineup featuring George Clooney in "The Descendants," Gary Oldman in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," Sean Penn in "The Tree of Life," and Matt Damon in "Moneyball."

Nicholson wasted no time in dismissing Sean Penn's chances, stating, "With two Best Actor Oscars under his belt and lackluster promotion, he's hardly a threat."

Martin nodded in agreement, recalling Jessica Chastain's insights into "The Tree of Life" and its primary focus on Best Director and Picture.

Adding his assessment, Leonardo remarked, "Clooney's enthusiasm may be commendable, but his favor with the academy pales in comparison to mine."

Nicholson, known for his blunt honesty, scoffed, "Clooney's a TV heartthrob with a questionable acting pedigree. Playing Batman doesn't help his case. A nomination would be a stretch for him."

Reflecting on the dynamics of the industry, he mused, "Perhaps in six or seven years, as the influence of these old guard diminishes, the Oscars will evolve. But for now, their legacy casts a formidable shadow."

Martin nodded in agreement with Nicholson's assessment. "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, with Gary Oldman, lacks the North American backing crucial for Oscar success," he concurred. "Without a strong foothold in the local industry, the competition for Best Actor becomes even more daunting."

Nicholson nodded solemnly. "Indeed, the Oscars are primarily a North American affair. Without the support of local players, it's an uphill battle, especially in such a coveted category."

As Leonardo's laser pointer highlighted Matt Damon's name on the screen, Martin's confidence didn't waver. "Matt Damon and I go way back," he remarked, recalling their shared history.

"Our acquaintance dates back to our rivalry for 'The Departed' role," Martin elaborated, reminiscing about the twists of fate that followed.

Leonardo chimed in, emphasizing the strengths of Damon's contender, "Moneyball's baseball theme and its biographical nature hold significant appeal for the judges, giving it an edge over 'The Martian.'"

Nicholson interjected with a sip of his tea, narrating the tumultuous journey of the film's adaptation. "The saga of 'Moneyball' is intertwined with another familiar face, Brad Pitt," he recounted, detailing the challenges they faced in bringing the project to fruition.

Martin sighed, feeling the weight of competition from his old connections. "Competing against old friends is never easy," he lamented.

Leonardo, ever the strategist, pointed out Warner Pictures' continued support for Damon. "With Warner Pictures backing him, Damon has a formidable advantage," he remarked, hinting at the complexities of their industry alliances.

Nicholson set down his cup decisively. "For our trio to excel, Martin must secure the prize swiftly," he declared, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. "And to do that, we need to neutralize our main competition—Matt Damon."

With a determined gesture, he outlined their next move. "With 'The Martian's' theme lacking dominance, targeting Damon is our ticket to success. It's time to tip the scales in our favor."

Leonardo's gaze bore into Martin, seeking guidance. "You have history with your old rival. How do we handle this delicately?" he inquired.

Martin's response was swift and decisive. "It's simple: Harvey Weinstein," he declared, his tone carrying the weight of a calculated strategy.

He elaborated, pulling no punches. "Taking on Harvey Weinstein isn't just about industry politics; it's about American political correctness. Matt Damon's deep ties with Weinstein, alongside the Affleck brothers, are well-documented. They've been complicit in Weinstein's coercive tactics against women," Martin explained.

Leonardo nodded, the memory still fresh in his mind. "Yes, Damon faced accusations from several victims. However, the media's focus was diverted by Weinstein's scandal, leaving Damon relatively unscathed," he recalled.

Nicholson, ever the pragmatic one, sought concrete evidence. "You orchestrated the Weinstein expose. Surely, you have something tangible against Damon," he pressed Martin.

Martin nodded, acknowledging the lack of direct evidence against Damon. "While there's no smoking gun implicating Damon in a crime, there's ample proof of his complicity. He wielded influence behind the scenes, particularly after Affleck's influence waned. Many conversations were recorded, showcasing Damon's coercion tactics," he revealed.

"While these revelations might not have made waves under normal circumstances, they could sway Academy voters during the critical Oscar race, akin to Weinstein's smear campaign against 'Saving Private Ryan,'" Martin surmised, turning to Leonardo for direction.

Leonardo, embodying the mantle of leadership, spoke with conviction. "In the face of Weinstein's reign of terror against actresses, Damon's silence and complicity demand accountability. It's our duty to seek justice for those affected," he declared, his words resonating with a sense of moral obligation.

Martin deferred to Leonardo's authority. "You're calling the shots now. I'll follow your lead," he affirmed.

Nicholson, ever the pragmatist, urged swift action. "No time for dawdling. We need to move fast. With less than two weeks until the Oscar votes, we must ensure the news breaks before the end of the month," he reminded them sternly.

Leonardo shut down the computer and projector, signaling the end of the meeting. "Martin, gather your team. We have tasks to delegate," he instructed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

"We need to act swiftly, and discretion is paramount," he stressed, his tone brooking no argument.

Martin wasted no time, immediately reaching out to his associates to convene for dinner that evening.

Exiting the study, Leonardo and Nicholson proceeded to the living room, ready to execute their plan with precision.

Martin sought out Bruce urgently, recounting the latest developments and issuing a stern directive. "You need to take charge of this," he instructed, emphasizing the importance of Judy's insights into the victims' experiences. "Communicate with Judy and uncover the extent of Matt Damon's coercion..."

Bruce nodded solemnly, fully grasping the gravity of the situation. "I'll handle it right away," he affirmed before swiftly departing the villa.

As he drove, Bruce dialed Judy's number, the sinking sun casting an ominous glow over the horizon. He couldn't help but worry about his own health, fearing the toll his sacrifices might take on his body in the long run.

"I hope I won't suffer from pelvic osteoporosis or femoral head necrosis in my later years," he mused silently, steeling himself for the tasks ahead.

Judy's response on the phone was resolute. "We can't let Martin's Oscar bid falter, can we, Bruce?" she affirmed, echoing Bruce's commitment to the cause.

Bruce arrived at TMZ headquarters, ready to collaborate with Judy and gather crucial information. Later, he escorted the determined CEO home, another night marked by sacrifices for the greater good.

Meanwhile, at Davis Manor, Martin's PR team convened over a lavish dinner, strategizing for the upcoming challenges.

With "The Martian" firmly established in the awards circuit, their focus shifted to managing potential competitors.

Thomas had secured lucrative sponsorships from major brands like Coca-Cola and Samsung Mobile, totaling $8 million.

The WMA agency had thrown its full weight behind Martin, forsaking other clients like Natalie Portman to concentrate on his campaign.

Disney Pictures, extending the North American release of "The Martian" to coincide with the Oscars, promised increased revenue if Martin secured the coveted award.

Both Davis Studio and Disney employed traditional strategies, while a select trio handled off-site plans with ruthless efficiency.

In a competitive Oscar year, Martin faced formidable rivals vying for the Best Actor accolade, making every strategic move critical to his success.