Preliminary "Oscars"

This year's Golden Globe Awards took place at Chandler Hall in Los Angeles. When Lyman walked the red carpet, he was met with the frenzy of reporters.

They held microphones or raised cameras, vying for a better position, not hesitating to push through the crowd to create a path.

Their suits were wrinkled, their ties crooked, but no one cared.

As long as they could capture suitable photos, in the eyes of these entertainment news reporters, it was well worth it.

Lyman's eyes were sharp. While everyone's attention was on the interview area, he spotted Peter Jackson, the New Zealand filmmaker, in the vehicles at the front of the red carpet. This meant that the cast members of the recently popular "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" would be arriving next. They were the hottest figures in Hollywood right now. If he could interview them and get some exclusive news, perhaps it would make tomorrow's entertainment headlines. That would be a win.

The onlookers began to scream, and the host of the Golden Globe Awards red carpet, Kurt Manunoso, also received a prompt through his earpiece and quickly ended the interview with the current guest, rushing over to greet the "Lord of the Rings" cast.

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Perhaps it was the organizers' arrangement, but Lyman was placed right behind Peter Jackson.

He walked all the way to the end of the red carpet, and not many reporters paid attention to him.

Lyman didn't mind this at all. He hurriedly rushed from France to attend the Golden Globe Awards, not for any award, but for the opportunity to meet numerous important figures in the industry, especially the top figures in Hollywood.

Such a gathering held countless opportunities and connections. For a director like him, it was indispensable, especially since he needed to leave an impression on the judges for the upcoming Oscars.

He needed to be present in front of these judges as much as possible to increase his visibility. Clearly, the Golden Globe Awards were the perfect stage for this. When Kevin Hovein called to inform him, he immediately set off for Los Angeles.

He didn't even bother going to the interview area and went straight to the location of "Three Idiots' Hooligans in Bollywood" with the guidance of a staff member in Chandler Hall.

When he arrived, George, René, and Thomas were already sitting together, having come in through the employee entrance to avoid the spotlight.

"Over here, Lyman," René waved vigorously, beckoning him.

Lyman quickly walked over and sat in the empty seat to René's right. He loosened his tie and breathed a sigh of relief. "It's really lively here."

"Yes, the momentum this year is even grander than usual," George agreed with a nod.

"Who do you guys think will win the Best Actress award this year?" René wasn't interested in this atmosphere. Instead, he looked around at the attending guests and saw Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep chatting and laughing together, seemingly not bothered by their competition. So he asked, "Among the nominated actresses, who do you think stands a better chance?"

"Undoubtedly, Nicole Kidman. She missed out on the award last year, and this year it won't be justifiable if she doesn't win it. Both she and her PR team won't miss this opportunity," Lyman said with certainty.

George also nodded in agreement. "If I were her PR team, I would do everything in my power to make a big splash at the Golden Globe Awards. The Oscar winds this year are a bit uncertain, and they need this momentum to carry them through to the final selection."

As it turned out, their predictions were completely correct.

After a brief intermission, accompanied by a brilliant song and dance, the Golden Globe Awards ceremony officially began.

The host entertained with wit, and the real-time broadcast cameras positioned around the venue continuously scanned through the seats filled with celebrities. Everyone remained calm, handling everything with ease.

In such a public occasion, no one wanted to make a scene.

"The winner of the 60th Golden Globe Awards for Best Film Score is... "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"."

"The award for Best Screenplay goes to... Jim Taylor and Alexander Payne for "About Schmidt". Please come up."

"The Best Original Song is awarded to "Gangs of New York"..."

The Golden Globe Awards ceremony proceeded quickly, with a tendency to prioritize television before the film industry. As the presenters and hosts exchanged jokes, one outstanding male and female actor or their production teams stepped on stage after another to receive their respective awards. Finally, in the anticipation of the live audience, the first heavyweight award for films—the Best Actress in a Drama—began its selection.

"It is because of these outstanding ladies that our screens are so vibrant." The presenter said humorously, "Julianne Moore, "Far from Heaven"."

Julianne's figure appeared on the large screen behind her. Wearing a bright red gown, she smiled and waved at the camera, prompting a round of polite applause in the theater.

"Salma Hayek, "Frida"."

Salma also appeared on the screen, followed by another round of applause.

"Nicole Kidman, "The Hours"..."

"Meryl Streep, "The Hours"..."

"Diane Lane, "Unfaithful". Ladies, thank you for your wonderful performances." The presenter paused, opened the envelope in his hand, and then with a very pleased expression, he read out loud, "Nicole Kidman, congratulations."

"Did you see that?" Lyman clapped courteously while quietly saying to René, "She is definitely a clever woman."

René had been staring over there blankly until Nicole Kidman, with tears in her eyes and an expression of overwhelming surprise, delivered her acceptance speech. Only then did he sigh silently, "Is this what Hollywood is like?" he murmured to himself. Hollywood actors could pretend to be indifferent, privately secure their awards, and appear genuinely surprised. Indeed, she was a natural-born actress, and her performance was perfect.

Tonight's highlight was undoubtedly the showdown between Nicole Kidman and the other nominees, and there was little controversy in other categories.

Moreover, the Golden Globe Awards had long been criticized for its suspected favoritism in award distribution, but everyone treated it as a networking event and didn't pay too much attention to it. Of course, the actors were an exception. Winning an award would undoubtedly be beneficial for their acting careers.

"Jack Nicholson, "About Schmidt" for Best Actor..."

"Chris Cooper, "Adaptation" for Best Supporting Actor..."

"Martin Scorsese, "Gangs of New York" for Best Director. Congratulations."

"You know, Lyman, when will you be able to stand on such a stage? I really want to see that day." René looked at the jovial Martin Scorsese on stage and couldn't help feeling emotional. "I don't think you are any worse than them."

Lyman glanced at him askance, "What nonsense are you talking about? Did you not sleep well last night? Can I defeat so many competitors and win Best Director without a major film and strong PR backing? Just think about it; the rules are there."

He looked at another presenter who walked onto the stage, "This is the award we have a chance to win."

On stage, Catherine Zeta-Jones, dressed in a stunning red evening gown, read the nominations for the Best Foreign Language Film of this year's Golden Globe Awards, "..."Talk to Her" from Spain, "Nowhere in Africa" from Germany, "3 Idiots" from India and France, "Hero" from China..."

She smiled towards the stage and curiously took out the envelope.

"It must be us, it should be us," René was not as sentimental at this moment, but Thomas became nervous when it came to the crucial moment.

Lyman remained calm as ever. He knew that CAA's people had fought for this award on his behalf, laying the groundwork for the upcoming Oscar campaign.

Having this award would influence the persuasiveness and sensibilities of the Oscar judges, leaving a positive impression on them.

His biggest competitor was undoubtedly the Spanish film "Talk to Her". However, that film received far more nominations than his team, which focused on the Best Foreign Language Film category. So, all things considered, he had a better chance.

"The winner is..." Catherine Zeta-Jones wore a smile on her face and didn't keep everyone in suspense for long. She quickly announced the answer, ""3 Idiots", congratulations."

"Yes!" Thomas exclaimed excitedly beside him.

George had been calm throughout, but now, like René, he clapped his hands, "Congratulations."

Applause rang out from all directions as Lyman, René, and others embraced one another before walking gracefully towards the stage.

Lyman passed by the Sundance award stage; he even refused to collect some of the minor awards. He used to think that receiving prestigious awards like the Golden Globe would make him excited, and perhaps the Oscars would be different. But now he realized he was wrong.

Although he didn't feel any joy of "being acknowledged" or any complex emotions at this moment, it wasn't as if there were no ripples in his heart, as if he were simply promoting a project like a business venture. He invested money, effort, and planning, and when he succeeded, it was akin to achieving the expected results.

He had never believed himself to be mature enough or knowledgeable enough about films to stop growing. However, after "3 Idiots", or more accurately, during that time of the most delightful surprises at Sundance and the Venice Film Festival, he was no longer naive and ignorant.

He learned the rules, followed the rules, and reaped the rewards of those rules. However, at this moment, as he walked towards the Golden Globe Awards, recalling the past when he struggled with determination, he couldn't help but feel deeply moved: What does this prove after all?