Chapter 55: The Artist of Destruction

The MTV Movie Awards, established last year—1992—by MTV Global Music Television, are an international film award. Due to the trophy being designed in the shape of a popcorn bucket, a staple for moviegoers, the award is also referred to as the "Golden Popcorn Award."

The awards are characterized by the fact that the winners are determined by audience votes, making the MTV Movie Awards highly entertaining, creating a fun and lively atmosphere that draws plenty of attention.

This is some of the basic information Duke had learned in preparation for attending the awards ceremony.

In mid-January, the second MTV Movie Awards ceremony kicked off at the Los Angeles Music Hall. Although this was only the second time it had been held, the nominees were all beloved by audiences, and with the backing of MTV, Viacom, and Warner, the ceremony had no shortage of media and audience attention.

Just like last year's big winner, "Terminator 2," the MTV Movie Awards were starkly different from prestigious award shows like the Oscars. Here, performance-focused actors always played second fiddle to crowd favorites like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Julia Roberts, and America's sweetheart Meg Ryan.

"Are you feeling nervous?"

In the back seat of the rented luxury car, Duke glanced at Naomi Watts, who was wearing a bright silver, strapless evening gown, and confirmed his suspicion. "Dear, you're nervous."

"This is my first red carpet!"

Her hand gently brushed her modest chest, and Naomi took two deep breaths. "This is also the most important event I've been part of so far."

"It's my first red carpet too."

Just as he finished speaking, the car stopped. Duke pushed open the door and stepped out first, not bothering with the blinding flashes from the cameras. He then reached into the car, helping Naomi Watts out. As she hooked her arm into his, the frequency of flashing cameras noticeably increased.

"Control your emotions."

As they walked, Duke casually waved toward the press and audience, whispering to the clearly stiff blonde beside him, "If you trip, you'll definitely make tomorrow's headlines."

Fortunately, Naomi Watts was smart enough not to aim for headlines that way.

"Should we go over and sign for them?" Naomi noticed that quite a few fans in the audience were holding up posters of *Speed*. "Should we go?"

"If you don't mind signing your name on posters of Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman..." Duke shrugged slightly without stopping. "Go ahead."

Although this was a newly established award, MTV's influence was powerful enough. As they walked the red carpet, Duke saw that several big-name celebrities had paused in front of Chandler Hall. For example, there was Mel Gibson, nominated for Best Actor for *Lethal Weapon 3*, Sharon Stone, who had skyrocketed to fame with *Basic Instinct*, and the man often dubbed "the most handsome old guy ever," Sean Connery.

As they moved down the red carpet, Naomi Watts gradually regained her composure. By the time they neared the interview area, Duke could tell she was breathing more steadily, and her stiff smile had softened.

For a woman who had struggled in the entertainment industries of Japan, Australia, and North America for years, yearning for fame but repeatedly facing setbacks, this was no small feat.

"Hello, Director Rosenberg."

As soon as they stepped into the interview area, an MTV reporter immediately approached, looking slightly puzzled when glancing at Naomi Watts, clearly not recognizing her.

"This is Ms. Naomi Watts," Duke introduced. "A very talented actress and the lead in my new film."

The reporter quickly switched to a more enthusiastic tone, greeting Watts warmly before praising her looks and outfit.

"Director Rosenberg, when I shake your hand..."

The MTV reporter epitomized the playful spirit of the awards show, his question brimming with humor. "I can't help but think of the continuous explosions in *Speed*. I'm worried that if I shake your hand, it might blow up first. I can already feel my adrenaline rising."

"In the movie industry, if a director wants to make a name for himself," Duke replied, adopting a mock-serious tone, "he needs an abundance of adrenaline."

Naomi Watts and the reporter both chuckled at his words.

"I've heard you're currently filming a new movie."

Thanks to Warner's excellent PR work, the reporter smoothly shifted the topic. "Can you say something about yourself or your new film?"

"I can sum it up in one sentence..." Duke held up his index finger. "Born to battle, everything is explosive."

After finishing, Duke glanced at Naomi Watts, who still seemed a bit uneasy, and took a half step back. Since he had brought her to the awards ceremony, it was only fair to give her a bit of the spotlight.

"Ms. Watts, as the leading lady in Director Rosenberg's new film,"

The reporter, however, didn't offer much of a break, his next question still focusing on Duke. "What's it like working with him?"

"This is our second collaboration." Naomi Watts wasn't foolish either. Standing in front of the cameras, she showcased her best self. "With *Speed*, he surprised everyone. I couldn't believe my first starring role in a film grossed over $130 million in North America and $350 million worldwide. That's an incredible honor for me. Working with Duke has been a privilege."

Not wanting to overplay her hand, Naomi quickly steered the conversation back to Duke.

"Duke is the most amazing young director I've ever met. On set, his every move exudes fearlessness, and even his words convey a bold confidence. He's like an indomitable fighter. I'd say he's an artist of destruction!"

"An artist of destruction!"

Hearing Naomi's words, Duke felt his eyelid twitch. After his next film was released, he figured many people might start seeing him as a demolisher.

"Excuse me..."

Not even the evening breeze could quell the reporters' burning desire for gossip. "Are you two in a relationship?"

"We're good friends," Naomi Watts smiled sweetly, "and trusted collaborators."

Though he was the director of a highly-nominated film, the interview didn't last long. After the brief exchange, Duke felt Naomi's hand slide back into the crook of his arm as they turned toward Chandler Hall.

At the front of the hall, which was off-limits to the media and public, many paused to greet familiar faces. In this industry, connections often led to unexpected opportunities.

"Hey, Duke."

Linking arms with a man, Uma Thurman spotted them and approached. Her gaze naturally fell on Naomi Watts, teasing, "You two look good together."

"She's the lead in my new film," Duke replied casually, not bothering to explain further.

It had been a while since he'd seen Uma, and her temporary partnership with Keanu Reeves seemed to have ended. The man she was now holding hands with looked familiar to Duke. If he wasn't mistaken, he should be Uma's first husband.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Oldman."

After Uma introduced him, Duke shook hands with the man. "Your performance in *Dracula* was unforgettable. I hope we can work together one day."

"Hope so," Gary Oldman replied politely.

An actor with a distinct personality and excellent acting skills, Oldman wasn't known for demanding high salaries. If the opportunity arose, Duke genuinely wanted to collaborate with him.

"You should have seen the way you were looking at Gary Oldman..." Naomi leaned in close and whispered, "It was even more intense than when you look at me."

"Dear, I promise..." Duke lowered his voice. "If both of you were standing there naked, I wouldn't glance at Gary Oldman once. All my attention would be on you."

They entered Chandler Hall with some time to spare before the ceremony began. Guided by a staff member, Duke and Naomi walked into a VIP lounge at the side. Inside, most of the ceremony's guests were already gathered, the star-studded room shining brighter than the lights outside the music hall.

Just like in any industry, within the larger circle, there were countless smaller circles. The VIP lounge was no different. Stars, directors, and producers, separated into several groups, were quietly discussing industry gossip, upcoming films, and future projects. It wouldn't be surprising if the initial ideas for a new movie were born from the socializing at such events.

Having just entered Hollywood and focusing primarily on directing, Duke knew plenty of people, but few knew him. Most simply nodded in acknowledgment. Without any familiar introductions, he wasn't going to force his way into any circles. Instead, he and Naomi moved to a quieter spot.

About fifty feet away, two equally defiant figures sat together.

"Sean..." Mel Gibson said to the old man beside him, "Take a look over there! That's the kid who turned down your offer."

"A fool who doesn't know his place."

As the rumors suggested, this man—famous for his drinking, drug use, and temper—wasn't known for his magnanimity. "How many directors have you seen who succeed with one film and then disappear into obscurity?"

Sharing a common view on Scottish independence, the two had grown close recently. Mel Gibson nodded in agreement. "He definitely seems like one of them."

"Feel like going over to talk to him?" Sean Connery stroked his beard, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

"With someone like that?" Mel Gibson scoffed. "Going over alone would only be giving him too much credit."

Adjusting his tuxedo, Sean Connery donned a more formal smile and began striding toward Duke.

.....

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