Chapter 643: Oscar Nominees!

Nestled in the opulent confines of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Martin lounged in his lavish private suite, awaiting the impending nominees luncheon. Leonardo and Nicholson, his trusted confidants, joined him, the atmosphere tinged with anticipation.

Leonardo, adjusting his tie with a casual air, broached the topic. "Annapurna Pictures has clinched the rights to those two scripts at a hefty price. What's your take on it?"

Martin cut to the chase. "We can still salvage this. Those scoundrels have no ties to Annapurna Pictures."

Nicholson, ever the pragmatist, fixed his gaze on Martin. "Larry Ellison's offspring may not frequent Silicon Valley, but they've certainly set their sights on Hollywood. Let's not act hastily; they're not to be trifled with."

Leonardo interjected, "She's backed by a father worth nearly 30 billion dollars."

Nicholson's tone shifted. "By publicly announcing the acquisition of 'Seventh Son' and 'Transcendence,' she's essentially declaring war!"

Martin echoed the sentiment. "We've always been the ones making moves, but now a woman's stirring the pot, and a troublesome one at that."

Leonardo interjected, "This is Hollywood, not Silicon Valley!"

Nicholson's eyes gleamed with a sudden idea, piquing Martin and Leonardo's interest. Despite their reservations about tangling with Megan Ellison, Nicholson's suggestion intrigued them.

"It's evident from her bold actions that she's emulating her eccentric father," Nicholson began his analysis, drawing from his wealth of experience. "Her demeanor exudes arrogance and toughness. But individuals like her have a weakness: break their arrogance and toughness, and they'll bend to your will, even becoming submissive."

Martin mulled over the idea. "It does hold merit."

Leonardo nodded in agreement, recalling similar scenarios. "Remember Nxivm? Some of Raniere's female conquests came about like that."

Nicholson's call snapped them back to the present. "Bruce!"

Bruce obliged, projecting a full-length photo of Megan Ellison onto the screen.

Nicholson pointed at the image, his voice brimming with conviction. "Martin, Leo, seize the initiative! Display your masculine charm, conquer her, and make her subservient to your desires! I have every confidence in you!"

Martin, taken aback, shook his head resolutely. "I have principles. I won't stoop to such levels."

Leonardo was more blunt. "No flowing golden locks? Pass. Too masculine? Pass. Poor body proportions? Pass. I won't go there."

Nicholson, exasperated, retorted, "You're missing the bigger picture! Controlling Megan means access to billions. Think about it!"

Martin remained steadfast. "You're leading us down a dark path."

Leonardo suggested, "Let's explore alternative avenues."

Nicholson sighed, visibly disappointed. "Taming a billionaire heiress would be a feat of grandeur."

Martin rose from his seat, glancing at the clock. "Let's go. The luncheon awaits."

The trio descended the grand staircase into the hotel's opulent ballroom, a hive of activity buzzing with the anticipation of the impending luncheon.

"Shutter Island" and "Gone Girl" crews mingled nearby, while across the room, the "Inception" team held court.

Martin exchanged pleasantries with familiar faces, including Christopher Nolan and David Fincher, both vying for recognition at the Oscars, aiming for Best Director nominations.

As Martin concluded his greetings, a radiant Natalie Portman approached, her pregnancy evident, her star power undeniable. She leaned in, her voice hushed. "Have your company's promising scripts been pilfered recently?"

Martin's expression darkened. "That's precisely what's happened."

Natalie, ever earnest, offered her assistance. "I've consulted various astrologers and diviners worldwide. Some believe my current state could reverse bad luck. If you're in need, I'm here to help."

Martin declined graciously. "Thank you, but I've managed to shake off misfortune."

Natalie's smile was warm. "The offer stands. You know where to find me."

Despite the rumble of conversation around them, Martin sensed Natalie's sincerity. "Nate, I wish you every success."

Natalie replied, "You're halfway there."

As the luncheon was about to commence, Martin settled at his table. Mene, from the "Inception" crew, approached. "Boss, should I handle Annapurna Pictures and Megan Ellison?"

Martin was puzzled. "Handle them how?"

Mene elaborated, "Take action against them?"

Martin chuckled, patting Mene's arm. "No need. Megan was born in '86."

"I saw her in the paper. She looks older," Mene persisted.

"If she's over 30, I'm on it; if over 40, count me in," Mene assured, prompting a pat on the back from Nicholson. "You've got my admiration, old man!" Nicholson exclaimed.

Mene remained humble. "I've learned from the best."

Nicholson, equally genuine, admitted, "In some ways, you're better than me."

Leonardo interjected, "Don't forget, Megan Ellison is here too."

The trio glanced towards Megan and her brother David, seated nearby.

Nicholson made a suggestion. "Let's meet her after the luncheon. If all else fails, Martin, you can woo her the old-fashioned way."

Martin sighed. "I won't betray my principles."

Both Nicholson and Leonardo fell silent, acknowledging the absurdity of their banter.

Suddenly, the clack of high heels drew their attention. Someone jostled Martin's chair, apologizing profusely.

Martin turned to see Jessica Chastain, her fiery locks and retro makeup striking. "My apologies, Martin. I was clumsy."

Martin waved off the apology with a grin. "No harm done."

Impressed by his demeanor, Jessica introduced herself. "I'm Jessica Chastain, a fan of your work."

She pulled out a Coke logo, revealing her allegiance. "Greetings, leader. I'm a member of the Coke Cult."

Martin grasped Jessica Chastain's hand firmly. "Thank you for your unwavering support."

Jessica Chastain responded earnestly, "You're our leader, Martin. Supporting you is our duty."

"Let's catch up later when we have a moment," Martin suggested, gesturing towards the stage where the ceremony was about to begin. With that, their conversation came to an end.

As Martin observed the new Academy President, Tom Sherak, and the host, Emily Blunt, making their way to the stage, his mind drifted to Ridley Scott's upcoming film, "The Martian," in which Jessica Chastain played a pivotal role. However, he quickly refocused as the nominations were announced.

Emily Blunt's voice rang out, "The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are Christian Bale, John Harkes, Mene Christie..."

Mene couldn't contain his excitement, grabbing Martin's sleeve. "Boss!"

"This is a testament to your dedication," Martin acknowledged with a proud smile.

Mene recognized the significance of this moment – the culmination of years of hard work and the opportunities afforded to him by Martin.

As the nominations for Best Actress were unveiled, Jennifer Lawrence embraced Nicholson ecstatically, grateful for the opportunity he had given her with "Winter's Bone."

Tom Sherak announced the Best Actor nominations, and unsurprisingly, Leonardo was among them.

Both Christopher Nolan and David Fincher found themselves nominated for Best Director.

With the expanded Best Picture category, all ten slots were filled, including two films starring Martin – "Inception" and "Gone Girl" – as well as the ensemble thriller "Shutter Island," led by Leonardo.

Following the nominations, invitations to be award guests were distributed. Martin and Nicholson received theirs discreetly, exchanging meaningful glances that weren't lost on Leonardo.

Sensing the tension, Leonardo inquired cautiously, "What's going on? This isn't the time for games, guys."

Nicholson motioned towards the bathroom, prompting Martin and Leonardo to follow suit.

Once they were out of earshot, Nicholson lowered his voice. "What role did you receive?"

Martin replied quietly, "Best Actor."

Nicholson nodded in confirmation. "Same here."

Relieved, Leonardo let out a sigh.

But Martin's demeanor shifted as he seized Leonardo by the collar. "Don't let your guard down. We can't afford to lose. If we fail, we'll be the laughingstock of the world. You understand the gravity of the situation!"

Nicholson chimed in with a menacing grin, "We'll ship you off to the San Francisco Valley and let Brad Pitt deal with you!"