Chapter 446: Chapter 446: The Best, The Best
“And now, onto the Best Director nominations…”
“‘Good Night, and Good Luck,’ George Clooney,” said Clint Eastwood. The audience imdiately erupted into enthusiastic applause along with whoops of excitent, as the big screen and televisions in millions of hos displayed George Clooney, head bowed with a modest smile; “‘King Kong,’ Peter Jackson” followed by another roar of applause, Peter Jackson finally on screen, his bearded, chubby, and flush face looking like he had enjoyed so drinks, he responded by nodding at soone nearby; “‘Brokeback Mountain,’ Ang Lee” the applause was even louder, and while Ang Lee revealed a row of white teeth in his smile, his expression still carried a hint of shyness and timidity.
At that mont, the Nielsen viewership data shot up again, 27 million, 28 million, 29 million… Surpassing Best Actor/Actress in audience attention due to its marvel, the Best Director award is here!
This was the first nomination for 44-year-old Clooney (0/1), the fourth for 44-year-old Peter Jackson (1/4), the third for 51-year-old Ang Lee (1/3), the first for 50-year-old Fernando irelles (0/1), the third for 25-year-old Wang Yang (1/3), and the tenth for 59-year-old Spielberg (2/10).
In the dia’s predictions, without a doubt, Ang Lee and Wang Yang had the highest chances of winning. But the sa issue from three years ago remained: the opposition from editors at to Wang Yang winning was still that “he’s too young.” Would he, at the astonishing age of 25, lift his second Golden Globe Best Director trophy? Or would Ang Lee return to the stage after five years? Or would there be a surprise upset?
“Fernando irelles, ‘The Constant Gardener,'” irelles appeared on screen, sporting rimless glasses, and he made a phone call gesture with a smile; “Stephen Spielberg, ‘Munich,'” Spielberg with his round glasses pursed his lips into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, apparently absorbed in thought, while his wife Kate Capshaw and others beside him clapped and laughed loudly.
Eastwood continued in an unhurried pace, “Wang Yang, ‘Firefly.'” Instantly, the banquet hall boiled over with excited cheers and applause. “Clap, clap, clap!” “Woo, woo, woo!” Applause and shouts crazily burst from all directions. One guest stood up, then two, then three… Scarlett Johansson, Rachel McAdams, Wentworth Miller, Jim Parsons, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon Levitt… They unanimously rose to their feet, honoring the director they admired with their applause! Their friend, their ntor, the person they looked up to…
Wang Yang had already tightly gripped Jessica’s gentle hand. As Eastwood called his na, a sudden squeeze hit him, and once again, the emotion from three years prior welled up in his heart, stronger and more fervent than ever!
That one fake breakup weekend, MIT-21-TEAM, ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ standing on the rocky summit of Everest, Canada, Texas, China, that brilliant sumr, the fervent tour of Asia, ‘500 Days of Sumr,’ the baby’s giggles… The past three years rushed by like a swiftly played film strip, flickering past his eyes, from proposing to being engaged to getting married to having a baby. His career had changed so much, his life had transford too. Was that firefly still okay?
“How does it feel?” Wang Yang silently asked himself, breaths erratic with excitent, chest rising and falling. As the caras panned over and amidst the deafening applause and laughter from the crowd, he naturally broke into a smile. It felt great! Suddenly, there was just one thought left: Was Keke watching?
He wanted to lift that trophy, he wanted to thank these people! Looking at those around him, whether chuckling or clapping—Jessica, Natalie, Joss Whedon, Kiefer Sutherland, and all those smiling faces, as well as Rachel, Downey, and others not far away… And at ho in front of the TV, his parents, family, friends, colleagues, and fans from around the world cheering for him… Wang Yang extended his hand with a smile, waved at the cara: “Good evening, everyone!” He wanted to stand on that stage, thank those people! And tell his baby, he loved her.
The love of his people, the love of his life, they would not be let down, not tonight; as for those who hated him… they no longer mattered. They’d had their share of disappointnt already, and tonight would be no different, right?
“The Golden Globe goes to…” Eastwood slowly tore open the golden envelope amidst the attention of the entire hall, the whole of Arica, and the entire world. He glanced at it and said nothing, then flipped the envelope over—he had initially held it upside down.
God, God, God, God, God, God, God!! Jessica tried her best to maintain a normal smile, but her lips trembled with nervousness, forcing her to purse them tightly, her heartbeat so rapid it was uncomfortable, her eyes brimming with confidence—it had to be Yang! Natalie was tapping her foot anxiously on the floor. Who could it be? Old man, just say it! Fellow tablemates like Whedon and Jimo were just as tense about the director’s fate, with the largest supporters in the venue, seated or standing—Downey, Charlize Theron, Evangeline Lilly… everyone was looking at the white-haired old man!
The banquet hall was silent as guests with different supporters and ntalities were brewing a more ferocious storm. Drew Barrymore naturally supported The Godfather Spielberg, especially after the embarrassnt caused by “Lucky Card Player” and multiple failed attempts to join, which made her love turn to hate towards Wang Yang; Sarah Jessica Parker supported Wang Yang; Kate Beckinsale supported Wang Yang; Keira Knightley supported Wang Yang; Gwyneth Paltrow, Harrison Ford, John Travolta…
“George Clooney!” The entire press room backstage was just as quiet, with Mizrahi barely holding back from shouting out his thoughts. Reporters were ready to release breaking news pieces “Wang Yang wins Best Director,” “Ang Lee,” “Clooney”… Paris Hilton, the Olsen sisters were staring at the TV screen, “George Clooney!”
“Oh, God!” Watching Clint squinting at the upside-down envelope, the viewers in front of the TV couldn’t wait to reach into the screen and snatch the envelope away—if only they could. Michael Pitt, Ellen Page, Annie Darren, Nancy, and others held their breath; Joshua took a deep breath, Ali and others watched without blinking, as Keke, who was lying in Mother Wang’s arms, also stared wide-eyed, wondering why everyone had suddenly fallen silent.
Eastwood, leaving countless people’s hearts hanging in their throats, finally moved his lips and read the results without joy or sorrow.
“YOUNG-WANG, ‘Firefly’.”
“Ahhh–“, “Wowwww–“, “Hoo-hoo–” Madness erupted! The entire vast and crowded banquet hall went into a frenzy! One after another, guests stood up to applaud, and in an instant, almost ninety percent of them did so. The solemn and fierce lody played for the second ti tonight when the award was won! The thrilling drumbeats made everyone’s blood boil! The youngest 25 years and 11 months Best Director! The second-youngest award winner! With 8 years to spare from the third-youngest, 33-year-old Francis Ford Coppola!
“Yang!! Hoo-hoo! –“, “Congratulations! This is unbelievable!”, “Fantastic–! Hoo-hoo!” Just hearing “YOUNG,” many guests already standing up burst into euphoric cheers, so even punching the air and fist-pumping, jumping for joy.
The “Brokeback Mountain” crew’s table was also jumping with excitent, as if Ang Lee himself had won the award. The Ledger family cheered and clapped, Hathaway bead with a wide-open smile, and Ang Lee exchanged nods with Schamus; At “The Big Bang Theory” table, “Sheldon” and “Leonard” displayed their characteristically goofy grins, and the tablemate “Scofield” was happier than if he had saved his brother, as Evangeline Lilly’s eyes crinkled into crescents; The “Desperate Housewives” table saw the beautiful housewives laughing together, Eva and Hatcher moving as if rocking out; Sarah Jessica Parker, Keira Knightley, Charlize Theron, and others applauded heartily, Barrymore bit her lip in frustration, while Gwyneth still appeared nonchalant…
“YOUNG!” On the giant screen, Wang Yang was already tightly embracing Jessica, with so many girls wishing it was they who were in his arms at that mont! Scarlett bead with joy, her flowing blonde hair swaying with her excited applause, adding to her allure; Rachel covered her face with both hands, moist eyes betraying her joy as she bit her lip, revealing her dimples; Joseph perfectly embodied the “bewildered frown,” while Downey’s face full of wrinkles laughed, calling out, “Yang, Yang–”
“Ahhh!” Upon hearing the most familiar pronunciation, Jessica scread uncontrollably, “Yang, Yang, Yang!” Best Director! Yang won his second Golden Globe Best Director! The movie in which she stars as the female lead won Best Director! Is Keke watching? Oh my God–!!
Young… With a buzz, the whole world seed to lose its sound, yet it was also filled with applause and shouting, and the battle music of “Firefly”! Toot-toot-dong-dong-dong… Wang Yang suddenly pulled Jessica into his arms, kissed her forehead and cheek firmly, and shouted, “We did it!” He stood up again to embrace Joss Whedon, to greet the incoming Natalie, “Congratulations, buddy!!!” Natalie tilted her head to kiss his cheek, suppressing a burst of laughter, thinking this Godzilla was truly handso!
Wang Yang continued to embrace Joseph, as the live broadcast cut to the few defeated nominees, with Spielberg clapping with a smile; Clooney, however, grinned wryly, perhaps feeling more relaxed amidst his disappointnt; Lee chuckled and clapped, as did Jackson and irelles who never expected to win.
Eastwood, taking the trophy from the hands of the Golden Globe miss, was also all smiles; Dakota Johnson, who had shown little emotion all night, finally laughed showing her youth and beauty, her smile declaring the magic of Yang!
“Wow!” The press room backstage erupted too, as reporters cheered and sent out news flashes like “Wang Yang wins Best Director” and “Magical Yang Triumphs” in record ti, soon the whole world would know the news! The victor, a space cowboy! A legend is born, a legend continues! After three years, Wang Yang wins his second Golden Globe Best Director (2/3)! Once again a sci-fi film reaps Best Director! There’s only one Magical Yang in this world!
Good news? Bad news? With no other option, Mizrahi pressed his wide forehead: “Oh my God, what the hell is going on!” Paris Hilton was close to having a breakdown, wanting to kill soone! What was even more infuriating was Nicky’s exclaiming “YEAH,” as she glared at her sister and bellowed like thunder: “What the hell are you on about!!!”
“YES! YES! YES!” The Yang fans in front of the TV were shouting wildly without any restraint, Evelyn was screaming non-stop, the second Best Director award, her bet won again, won again! Michael Pitt and Jamie Bochert hugged each other happily, Harry George, Nancy, and the others were jumping and dancing, how fantastic! “Ahahaha—” Joshua couldn’t help laughing out loud, no one would call him childish, in the elegant living room there were only sounds of laughter and shouting, even Keke was amused to laughter: “Oh ho ho!” Danny wagged his tail excitedly.
On TV screens in thousands of hos, Wang Yang walked onto the stage amidst applause and congratulations. He shook hands with Eastwood and then accepted the Golden Globe trophy and the gold envelope from the old man.
“Thank you, thank you.” Wang Yang had always held Eastwood in high esteem; receiving the award from this eternally cool cowboy was a special honor of great significance. He smiled and said, “Sir, receiving this award from you is a dream co true.” Eastwood’s deep voice was a bit hoarse: “Enjoy your mont, young man.”
The trophy still had that solid, heavy feel, so real and so satisfying! Wang Yang, holding the trophy in his right hand and the envelope in his left, approached the microphone, looked at the audience below, black suits, colorful evening dresses, familiar and unfamiliar faces… just like the scene from three years ago, so people were the sa, so were different, but the joy of sharing with the people who mattered remained the sa. Wang Yang chuckled a few tis, and the crowd erupted in cheers, he laughed and said, “Thank you, now I stand here, and it’s only been three years.”
“Huhuh—” The banquet hall instantly filled with thunderous applause and cheers. Jessica, Natalie, Rachel, and others’ eyes were brimming with rapture as Wang Yang interrupted them: “What I an is, how could this happen?” He frowned at the trophy and said, “Look at the other nominees and Mr. Eastwood… you know it’s an unrivaled honor, I must say, the feeling is really good.”
At that mont, the applause from the guests below rose again; the live broadcast cara also quickly swept over Spielberg, Clooney, and others, their smiles seed to intensify.
“In ‘Firefly,’ I delved deeper into various aspects of filmmaking, like acting, which is why you saw my heroics.” His words once again induced laughter from the guests that evening. Wang Yang continued with a smile, “Scoring, editing, cinematography, writing lyrics for the the song… it made realize how difficult it is to make a movie, how challenging it is for everyone and every departnt. I can’t say being a director is the hardest part, but it sure is the most annoying, YOU, NG! WA——! NG.”
“Hahaha!” The audience burst into laughter, and Natalie couldn’t help but look up and clap even harder. His na was indeed that of a born director.
“I NG’ed myself a hundred tis, which was terrible,” Even as everyone was laughing joyously, Wang Yang didn’t intend to continue joking around. He earnestly said, “But they didn’t hate ; they liked , trusted , helped , stood with , overcoming every difficulty together, working hard to achieve the goal, this ans so much to .”
Whether on-site or in front of the TV, all mbers of the ‘Firefly’ cast and crew, Jessica, Downey, Ledger, Joss Whedon, Valery Fest, Margaret, and others were all smiling at this mont.
“So the people I should thank the most are you, without your support I couldn’t stand here! You’re like wings that allow to fly! It isn’t this trophy telling I’m the Best Director.” Wang Yang shook the trophy and said loudly, “It’s you telling I’m the Best Director.”
“Huhuh—” It was hard for the guests to remain indifferent; it was not just a ‘Firefly’ crew thing but sothing that resonated with every film crew, and they were applauding his humorous, modest, and confident speech! Scarlett and others nearly started whistling, this was the charm of the 25-year-old two-ti Golden Globe Best Director, the magical Yang! The TV audience was also full of admiration; Yang was not just an “idol director” because of his physique and looks but also for his admirable qualities.
Wang Yang on stage continued, “Thank you, I won’t read anyone’s na this ti, because you all are equally important, we are a team, and this team is called ‘Firefly’.”
As the audience’s applause subsided, looking at Jessica and others’ smiling faces, he laughed and said, “And thanks to my parents, my family, my wife, my friends, thank you to my colleagues at Fla Films, thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and all the fans and everyone who supports , I’ll pray for you. Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King, we all have our dreams, but no matter what race or color, your dreams are our common wish.”
“Finally, I must say, thank you to my daughter!” Wang Yang looked towards the direction of the cara, wanting to tell his baby! He laughed and said, “I cannot express how much I love you… I made so jokes tonight, I heard a lot of jokes, a lot of laughter, to be honest, none were as sweet as my daughter’s laugh. So things beco more complicated over ti, and we forget the original beauty, like laughter, which wasn’t like this at the beginning. Those jokes and humor, she may not understand, but she will laugh… I dedicate this to my daughter, and to everyone.”
Just as everyone was sowhat puzzled, an astonishing scene occurred without warning. Wang Yang suddenly rolled his eyes, stuck out his tongue, and made a brilliantly twisted face.
“Oh my God…” Jessica felt almost suffocated, a warm current surged from the bottom of her heart, spreading throughout her body, warm and cozy, her heart lted in an instant, and so did she. What pressure? What jealousy? All disappeared in a puff of smoke. “Haha!” Natalie laughed, the world that is filled with childlike innocence and love, is the most beautiful world of all.
“Oh heavens! HOPE, look!” Joshua exclaid in surprise. Alexis couldn’t help but cover her mouth. Mother Wang hurriedly and carefully cradled Keke, supporting her head towards the television screen. It wasn’t clear if she saw anything, but Keke seed amused and started laughing, “Oh oh, eeya, eeya!”
After a chorus of “Oh” gasps, thunderous applause and cheers filled the air! Parents understood his feelings, admirers were heart-struck, and countless others were deeply moved. If it were Tom Cruise, he would undoubtedly be jumping on a couch again, but this was the amazing Yang… Too cool!
Wang Yang maintained the face for three to four seconds before returning to normal, and lifted the trophy high, he called out with a beaming smile, “Baby, I love you!”
“Whoo—” Nearly all the guests stood up, and the applause was thunderous, seeing off Wang Yang and Clint Eastwood towards the backstage. As he disappeared to the left side of the stage, Jessica slowly sat down, barely able to suppress the surging love. At that mont, she just wanted to rush into his arms. How could she be so lucky! Natalie and Rachel also wanted to know, while Scarlett slightly shook her head, finding it hard to believe that such a good man existed.
Breaking news: “Wang Yang gives speech, makes funny face for daughter,” “Amazing Yang’s heartfelt gratitude wins the audience over”… This was destined to be a classic scene tastefully covered by the dia. Those who saw the live broadcast were thrilled, and those who couldn’t find video or photos were burning with impatience. What kind of face did he make!?
As Wang Yang went to the award ceremony’s press room backstage for an imdiate interview with NBC, two more major awards were presented in the banquet hall. Felicity Huffman, with her stunning performance in “Transarica,” beat out Charlize Theron and Gwyneth Paltrow, among others, taking ho the Best Actress in a Drama; then, Philip Seymour Hoffman from “Capote” outdid Heath Ledger and others, taking ho the Best Actor in a Drama trophy, making the result official, bringing the ceremony to its final monts.
“Now let’s take a look at the nominees for the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, ‘Firefly’;” as it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, the organizers had invited Denzel Washington to present this ultimate award. The big screen showed space battleships firing at each other fiercely, with the Serenity navigating perilously through them; “Brokeback Mountain,” with Jack and Ennis herding cattle on horseback; “The Constant Gardener,” a child in Africa with a radiant smile running on a muddy road; “Good Night, and Good Luck,” with Edward at a typewriter; “A History of Violence,” with scenes of barroom brawling and gunfights.
“And the Golden Globe goes to…” Denzel Washington looked down, opened the golden envelope with a serious gaze.
Wang Yang had just returned to his seat at the table, having yet to speak with Jessica and the others, when the Best Film was about to be announced! Everyone’s hearts began to pound once more as countless North Arican viewers stared at the screen. Who could it be? Denzel Washington leaned into the microphone and announced, “Brokeback Mountain.”
“Ahhh—” The banquet hall boiled over once again for the cowboys! The lancholic guitar music rang out for the third ti during the award monts tonight! The Hollywood Foreign Press Association did not choose the phenonon-level science fiction film “Firefly,” and the first science fiction film to win Best Motion Picture still had not erged; “Brokeback Mountain,” the controversial work, was crowned the best!
Before Denzel could finish speaking, the “Brokeback Mountain” team’s table was already a scene of jubilation, with Jas Schamus, Ang Lee, Mike Motley, Ossana, Hathaway, and others joyfully rising to their feet; guests from “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “The Constant Gardener,” and other films clapped in congratulations, while the “Firefly” team of Joss Whedon, Kiefer Sutherland, Downey, and others were all smiles; Wang Yang and Jessica also joined the vigorous clapping, exclaiming loudly, “Whoo—”
The two exchanged smiles, feeling both regret and contentnt in this night. (
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