Chapter 478: Best Supporting Actor

In the heart of Atlanta, amidst the bustling streets, Robert hurried back into the office, flicking on the TV to ABC's live broadcast of the Oscar red carpet.

Just as the excitement brewed, Jerome swaggered in, casually wielding a can of beer. "Hey," he grinned, offering it to Robert.

"The red carpet's rolling," Robert announced, seizing the can.

Jerome's curiosity piqued. "Think Martin's got a shot?"

Robert glanced at a freshly placed 2003 Coke on the vintage table, reminiscing, "During the last two Oscars, Martin... didn't reach out for the ceremony. This time, though, he made a special call."

Understanding Robert's devotion to the Coca-Cola Cult, Jerome nodded knowingly. "Seems like Martin's feeling confident."

Cheers erupted from the TV, drawing their attention. "Eternal Coke Cult! Eternal Coke God of War! Eternal leader Martin!" resounded, as Martin proudly showcased a Coke can with fellow cult members.

"Martin's redefining the spokesperson role," Jerome remarked. "Twice now, he's clinched victory with Coca-Cola. The publicity's unmatched!"

"Absolutely," Robert agreed, affirming Martin's potential as Coca-Cola's everlasting face.

Outside the Kodak Theater, Martin and Elizabeth made an entrance, greeted by media buzz. He delivered a few customary words, opting to swiftly move on.

There was no need for further flaunting; Martin's recent prominence spoke volumes.

Within the lobby, Martin encountered Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.

Embracing Martin warmly, Downey exclaimed, "Congratulations, buddy."

Acknowledging Susan with a handshake, Martin humbly responded to Downey, "Results aren't out yet. Anything's possible."

Reflecting on Martin's meteoric rise, Susan thought back to four years ago. "Martin, your growth is remarkable. You've become a superstar in no time."

Martin grinned, deflecting the praise, "You've got a way with luck."

Downey playfully nudged Martin, marveling, "How can anyone compete with you? Unfair, kid!"

Helpless, Martin quipped, "Guess I've got bad luck."

Downey mulled over Martin's unique situation. If Martin were slightly less exceptional, he'd be the nation's best, even commemorated within the country.

Having witnessed the highs and lows of Martin's journey, Downey acknowledged, "You deserve it all."

Susan Downey, reserved in her demeanor, observed the interactions. Outwardly, the spotlight belonged to Downey.

Together, the quartet entered the hall, the two crews diverging swiftly.

Martin guided Elizabeth to the Dark Knight crew in the second row. Nolan stood, extending a hand, "Fully recovered?"

Recalling Martin's earlier hospital days, Nolan sought assurance of his restored vigor.

With a confident smile, Martin affirmed, "The familiar Martin's back."

His hospital stay had not only healed physical wounds but also provided solace for his inner battles. Today, he stood completely rejuvenated.

The crew nominees for Best Editing and Sound Effects joined, acknowledging Martin's potential triumph.

Nicholson and Leonardo followed suit, finding their place beside Martin.

Teasingly, Leonardo jabbed, "You nearly made Jack and me shell out extra for tailored outfits!"

Puzzled, Martin retorted, "How's that on me?"

Nicholson retorted sharply, "Join the funeral, for you scoundrel!"

Elizabeth glanced oddly at the trio, bemused by their camaraderie, especially the trio of jesters beside her who cracked endless jokes.

"I was at death's door, but even Satan rejected me," Martin said gravely. "Hell will take anything except three things."

Leonardo, concerned, inquired, "What three?"

Pointing to themselves, Martin announced, "Nicholson, Leonardo, and Martin Davis! Satan fears our mischief!"

The two old-timers erupted in laughter.

Three buddies, facing life and death hand in hand, were truly the best of friends.

Nicholson chimed in, "The three of us took down a dozen armed agents and terrorists. Our fame echoes throughout Hollywood!"

Proudly, Leonardo lifted his head.

Without his 100 meters in 11 seconds, Nicholson's authoritative commands wouldn't have followed, nor would Martin have triumphed over those gangsters.

Martin chuckled, "Together, we scare even Satan, let alone others!"

Leonardo declared, "Nicholson and I are presenting awards today."

"I wanted to present the Best Picture award, but I've had enough exposure lately," Martin explained. "I'll leave it to someone else."

Nicholson teased, "Expect some surprises later."

Amidst their conversation, Kate Winslet approached, prompting Martin to rise and embrace her.

Observing Elizabeth's sweet smile, Kate's troubled mood lifted. "Your smile outshines L.A.'s sunshine."

"Thank you, Kate. You're my childhood idol. I was obsessed with Ruth," Elizabeth confessed.

Kate nodded warmly before turning to Martin. "Wishing you luck tonight."

Close by, Harvey Weinstein eyed Martin with concern, acknowledging his incredible stroke of luck. Georgina Chapman's eyes sparkled, finding Martin more appealing than her hefty husband.

Lost in thoughts of Martin, Harvey failed to notice anything amiss with his wife.

Quentin's WWII epic was rejected by Martin. Harvey had considered Ben Affleck but found him entangled in life's whirlpool.

Martin's recent reputation for film selection led A-list actors to hesitate about Harvey's invitations, stalling the project.

Despite auditions with Matt Damon, Harvey remained in a quandary, feeling increasingly out of balance as Martin appeared destined for an Oscar win tonight.

As Hugh Jackman graced the stage, the ceremony officially commenced.

The male star's stunning song and dance, ending with 'I am Wolverine,' captivated the audience. Beside Martin, Nicholson and Leonardo slipped backstage.

Leonardo hinted, "Surprises are coming."

Martin speculated about the Academy's innovations to boost declining ratings, including changes in award presenters.

The Best Supporting Actress award saw an unprecedented lineup of five presenters, breaking from tradition.

The presentation of awards broke free from its traditional structure, welcoming a more varied lineup of presenters.

After Hugh Jackman's playful reference to the Santa Monica Pier shooting, it was time for the Best Supporting Actor award.

Martin sat poised, a touch nervous yet mostly eager for the moment.

Elizabeth gripped the seat's edge, her nerves surpassing Martin's. She moistened her red lips and murmured, "God bless!"

In a Beverly Hills home, Lily watched the live broadcast, rising excitedly before settling back onto the sofa, giggling joyfully.

The reason? The award presenters – instead of the usual five for Best Supporting Actress, only two appeared: Nicholson and Leonardo!

The eldest and second eldest of the trio united to present the Best Supporting Actor award! Individually, they'd suffice as guests for Best Picture, yet here they were presenting this accolade together.

Nicholson initiated, "Leo, between us, we have three Oscars. What's your take on the Oscars?"

Leonardo, with his iconic glare, retorted, "Don't claim we've got them together; obviously, you have three, but I don't!"

Nicholson gestured to the screen behind, "A new acting Oscar winner will soon emerge."

As movie clips played, Leonardo announced, "The nominees: Josh Brolin, Philip Hoffman, Martin Davis, Robert Downey Jr..."

Nicholson pulled out the card from the envelope and placed it between them.

Leonardo declared, "The winner is Martin Davis!"

Martin, overwhelmed, held his face in disbelief, feeling an immense surge of joy.

Elizabeth embraced him tightly as he kissed her, then proceeded to hug Nolan and the crew.

Warm applause filled the hall, with Angelina Jolie rising from her seat, signaling others to join in, followed by Aniston and many others in the front rows.

As Martin stepped toward the stage, a wave of standing ovation swept through the theater, engulfing everyone, row by row.

Reaching the stage's edge, the entire Kodak Theater erupted into thunderous applause!

Accepting the heavy Oscar from Leonardo, Martin felt an indescribable rush.

Leonardo hugged him tightly, patting his back with enthusiasm, while Nicholson beamed, enjoying the spectacle.

In Atlanta, witnessing Martin's win, Robert and Jerome popped champagne, toasting in celebration.

In Beverly Hills, Lily jumped, shouted, uncorked a bottle of wine, and raised a toast.

At that moment, nationwide, the Coca-Cola Company's Martin Commemorative Edition Coke flew off shelves, completely sold out!