Chapter 643: Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award

Evelyn planned to acquire "Magic" Johnson's shares in the Lakers, and soon met with Philip Anschutz and Jerry Buss.

As for the Chinese-American tycoon in Los Angeles, Patrick Soon-Shiong, Evelyn wasn't too concerned.

After bidding, Evelyn spent $39 million to buy the shares "Magic" Earvin Johnson had in the Lakers.

Soon, the Lakers' official website released news saying that Lakers legend "Magic" Johnson had sold his shares in the team!

At night, at the Staples Center, Charles accompanied his mother Evelyn to the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets.

Aside from the Capet mother and son, Scarlett Johansson, who was still in Los Angeles for filming, also came along.

"How did you manage to buy Johnson's Lakers shares so quickly?" Charles asked.

Evelyn smiled, "Jerry Buss is about to retire, and most of the Lakers' work is now handled by his son and daughter. Youngest son Jim Buss is the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, and daughter Jeanie Buss is the Executive Vice President of Business Operations. Jeanie Buss is very supportive of me becoming a minority owner of the Lakers, and $39 million for these shares is a good deal for Johnson!"

The Capet mother and son, now Hollywood celebrities, were being interviewed by live reporters.

Reporter: "Charles, what do you think about last year's Christmas game where the Lakers were badly beaten by the Miami Heat at home?"

Everyone knew that at the start of the season, the Miami Heat had brought in LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form a Big Three, starting the trend of superstar team-ups.

Charles smirked, "My team is in the East too. The Heat are strong now, but I don't think they'll win the championship!"

Reporter: "But isn't the Miami Heat the favorite to win the championship now?"

Charles: "I know, but I don't like the way they built their team..."

After the game, Charles took Scarlett Johansson back to the seaside villa in Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica.

He didn't join his mother and Lakers' Jeanie Buss for the dinner.

In the bathroom tub, Scarlett Johansson lay on top of Charles, kissing him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"The filming of We Bought a Zoo isn't finished yet?" Charles asked while enjoying the sensation of her in his arms.

"Not until next month," Scarlett replied, splashing water playfully as she leaned against Charles.

"I'm taking a few days off to attend the Golden Globe Awards," Scarlett added, reminding him. "The Golden Globes are somewhat indicative of the Oscars' direction, but Capet's work last year wasn't that popular. Black Swan's industry ratings can't compare to The Social Network and The King's Speech."

Charles laughed, "In the past decade, I've already won three Best Picture awards, and every year, my films get nominated. Now, the Oscars' credibility is getting worse. Do I still need to care about this?"

He then reminded her with a playful touch, "This year, the Oscar committee will give me the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award!"

"So, you're going to this year's Oscars then?" Scarlett asked with a smile.

The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award is named after legendary MGM producer Irving Thalberg (May 30, 1899 - September 14, 1936). It's an award given by the Academy to a producer responsible for consistently high-quality motion pictures.

The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award isn't given annually but might be presented every one, two, three, or more years, unlike the Honorary Oscar or the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which are given every year.

The most recent Thalberg Award was given to Francis Ford Coppola at last year's Oscars, and in 2009, it went to actor and producer John Kelly. The one before that was in 2000.

"I'll go; I haven't been to the Oscars in several years," Charles chuckled. "Otherwise, I might worry that Hollywood will forget about me!"

Scarlett teased, "Is the committee worried you won't go, so they're giving you this award?"

Charles scoffed, "Don't forget, my films have high commercial value but also strong artistic merit. I get nominated for Best Picture every year and have won three times. If not for my age, I would've gotten this award two years ago!"

Charles wasn't like Jerry Bruckheimer or Michael Bay, who mainly made pure commercial films. And unlike Kathleen Kennedy, who worked as Steven Spielberg's assistant. Spielberg won the Thalberg Award in the '90s.

"Alright, we've been soaking for a while. Let's go rest," Charles patted the girl in his arms.

Scarlett sat up and had Charles sit on the edge of the tub. She looked at him mischievously, "Wait, I'm worried you'll misbehave tonight. I need to prepare. I wonder if Eva Green and Kate Beckinsale are still in Los Angeles?"

With that, Scarlett ran her fingers through her wet hair, braced her hands on Charles' thighs, and started doing something intimate...

"Preparing in advance?" Charles appreciated her initiative.

*****

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