297. flare.

February 1

Among the many days spent attending the international film festival, the jurors had to carry out their duties, which included awarding the Golden and Silver Bears for the best film, best director, and special prizes.

-It would be interesting if actors could enjoy a special award, perhaps a Silver Bear, instead of being relegated to the film and director, - Julie Delpy responded.

-Maybe they'll update it in the coming years, looking for some kind of idea. It's difficult for people to establish different traditions. It may not be common, but often, they tend to update. The importance of the award isn't to promote individuals but to promote cinema, which has an alliance with Cannes and Venice, - Richard Linklater said beside her.

-Your complaints always annoy me, - Julie reiterated, annoyed by Richard's advances.

-We're nervous. An award not only distinguishes the film but also draws attention to the actors in that film. Although it's a tough competition, I could see an American film having the luxury of winning, - Billy responded.

-Well, I think I'll take a break. I don't like the part of going from one paper-flying role to another. I mean, I do like it, but it's losing the essence of what acting means. I believe if I'm careful, I can get better roles in my future performances, - Julie commented.

-We should do a sequel to our film, with a much more pessimistic beginning and different duties than what would be expected of a happy ending, - Billy suggested.

-Pay attention; they'll soon announce the special awards, - Richard whispered.

A short film passed, proposed for the chosen films, represented by five finalists. Richard Linklater feared that they made it to the top five. Previously, in the edition "In the Name of the Father" part of a total ensemble of greatness, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Emma Thompson, there were no heavyweight names at the moment. However, the buzz and eventual development were different. Ethan Hawke was chosen, unlike Billy, who in recent months had been recognized as one of the great figures in entertainment.

-Ignore him, - Julie whispered, seated in a cinema-like arrangement, Richard on the left side, Billy in the center, and Julie on the right.

-We have the pleasure of attending such a series like this. Although it may seem simple to move on to the next place, it may seem controversial, but it's absolutely difficult to be nominated for the chosen ones, - Julie commented.

Often, people who act from the bottom of their hearts are undermined by slight changes. This is one of those changes. Usually, the number of winners is influenced by fame. It's a game of wills, which by right can be detached from many activities, merits, achievements, exclusives, and desires.

-The winner for Best Director, nominated for the Silver Bear, is Bertrand Tavernier, for his film 'The Bait,' - the presenter announced, contrary to expectations as Richard Linklater won the award for his innovative direction, filming from different angles.

Richard Linklater's deep sigh was revealing, but nothing contrary to a loser who had much to yearn for a victory. It was a relief that he wasn't being focused by a camera, being captured in that way. Julie's sad eyes were all he needed; the distribution was already under Sony Pictures' wing.

-You're a very talented person. We have another chance, - Billy commented.

-What do you mean? - Julie asked.

-I'm about to write a book about the film. With Richard's permission, I want to portray a series of four books in a good way, covering all the periods through which relationships pass. That's why the forms are: Infatuation, when two people meet and love each other for the way they live; Courtship, where feelings transcend and grow stronger; Engagement, but I'll skip to Commitment, the way to solidify those feelings, and finally, Transcendence, the union of two souls, - Billy explained.

Upon hearing Billy's reasoning, Richard nodded. The book would be presented as a co-authorship, and the quality of both their writing was nothing short of excellent. Billy's ambition was clear to Richard; any work he presented had to be challenging and complicated in a way that couldn't be dismissed, for two main reasons: it had to contain a high sense of literature, philosophy, and comfort to be approved, terms agreed upon in a night.

-Four books. What a surprise, - Julie commented.

The speech by Bertrand, the French director, was finished, to concluded with a brief approach by the presenter.

-The special Grand Jury Prize of the 45th edition of the Berlin Film Festival goes to... Smoke by director Wayne Wang! - the presenter announced, once again in a thunderous cheer. Unlike the Oscars, these awards are based on a single presenter for the 15-minute event.

-Unexpected, the award going to an American could be problematic for each of us who were expecting a common award, - Julie remarked.

The team's mood was somber once again. Politics wasn't a great ally for Billy, who felt thwarted by the way different ideas emerged. It was very likely that negative influence was again disrupting things. Second place was a recurring theme in all of Billy's works—movies, comics, books—only among the nominees. Recently, his book "Game of Thrones" was nominated for the Nebula and Uranus awards, fantasy and science fiction awards. This has caused a slight downturn for Billy in terms of awards.

What a tragedy!

-For the Best Film award at the Berlin Film Festival—

-Before Sunrise! - the presenter shouted, once again surprising Billy.

***

In the Pawtroll family mansion, the family gathered to celebrate the matriarch's birthday. Even some close friends from many years joined in, an old producer, a director, and some actors, all from the smaller circle of cinema. Laughter and teasing filled the air as everyone took their respective seats, while the festive atmosphere lifted some spirits.

Later in the evening, over drinks, Blythe Danner and Bruce Pawtroll approached each other in an intimate moment of their longstanding marriage.

-I met Billy Carson, - Blythe remarked.

-Oh, it's unexpected that our little girl kept quiet, - Bruce responded.

-Well, it was my idea. I didn't want the people at the party to know about anything related to Billy Carson and our daughter. It may sound traditional, but there's no commitment, and from what I see, the boy isn't very hooked on our daughter. They're having an affair, and I don't know how it'll end, - Blythe commented.

-Do you think... - Bruce began, trying to articulate the many potential pitfalls.

-I don't think it's necessary to get worked up. I'm just saying... the boy is deadly serious, in a strange way he has an attitude that I see in mature men. Perhaps that's what will end up driving him away from our daughter, who wants to have fun. But from what I see, he has a lot of business dealings. I found out that he's currently in close relations with Marvel Comics, and well, also with some businessmen, which makes me very curious, - Blythe said.

-He'll probably negotiate with Spielberg, and he'll most likely join forces for that venture, fighting for a major Hollywood company. It's something that would even surprise me, but his animation channel is amazing, and his popularity only generates more curiosity and more buyers. An actor, handsome, who creates series, there's no better publicity, - Bruce responded.

-He's smart, he deserves the same merit. He spoke very highly about the script development of 'Se7en' that you recommended to our little one. He has a keen artistic vision surpassed by his commercial ability, - Blythe commented.

...

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