Chapter 735 Awards, Nominations, Awards Season Begins (10,000 words)
The news that Zhou Ping'an and Yan Liang had ended their collaboration sparked heated discussions online and within the industry.
However, despite the heated discussion, not many people were surprised.
Over the past five or six years, who has been the most popular agent in the entertainment industry? No matter who makes the list, if Zhou Ping'an is not on it, then he is definitely not recognized.
Of all the agents in the entertainment industry, none has had a better life than Zhou Ping'an.
He caught up with Lu Yanhe's rise to fame, witnessed Li Zhibai's successful transformation into an actor and his ascent to the top of the popularity pyramid, and also witnessed Yan Liang's rise to prominence, including consecutive hit dramas, winning mainstream awards, and soaring status. Not only these three, but also Ma Zhiyuan, who was once even more "famous" than these three, he witnessed both his rise and his fall.
In any case, Zhou Ping'an has never lacked A-list artists, and in fact, he has had more than one.
Even now, with Yan Liang gone, it seems he really doesn't have any A-list stars left. But if you count them, he still has the first-tier actress Meng Li under his contract, as well as the rising former idol Cheng Hai. Especially Cheng Hai, after "The Birth of an Actor," Cheng Hai has become popular again and suddenly entered the preferred list of various producers, especially the "promising stars list."
The main reason is that all of his former teammates have become top-tier celebrities. As long as he stays in the spotlight, no one dares to say that he can't do it.
Wasn't Yan Liang also ridiculed by everyone back then, only able to serve as a background character for Lu Yanhe and Li Zhibai?
Fengzhi Combination —
This combination is really something.
Of the seven members, excluding the two who have retired from the industry, three are already top-tier A-list celebrities, one is a rising star, and one is pursuing a singing career. Judging from their current situation, they are all doing very well.
Many people even joked that a savvy agency should spend a lot of money to bring the two retired celebrities back.
Of course, the more people joked about it online, the more holes were punched in Zhou Ping'an's heart.
Yan Liang's departure was, of course, a huge blow to him.
Neither Meng Li nor Cheng Hai can compare to Yan Liang. Putting aside everything else, their combined income wouldn't even reach half of Yan Liang's. Not to mention, the hidden resources brought by Yan Liang's various collaborations in film and television projects, business deals, variety shows, endorsements, and so on, are practically a hundredfold benefit from his influence.
However, when one door closes, another opens.
Zhou Ping'an had already prepared for Yan Liang's departure.
Currently, Meng Li enjoys high popularity and a large following. Regardless of her actual achievements as an actress, she is undoubtedly a top-tier female celebrity.
Among female celebrities of her age, only Jiang Yuqian can consistently outshine them. The others are constantly changing, with one winning today and the other losing tomorrow.
Although Meng Li's film and television works are not many hits, her popularity is huge. Even the smallest things can make her trend on social media. In this internet age, her commercial value is at its maximum.
Cheng Hai then followed Yan Liang's path.
He is not a "drama queen" or the kind of artist who likes to "stir things up".
Zhou Ping'an also didn't want him to follow the same unconventional path as Meng Li, which was like "cooking oil on a hot fire now, only to slip on it tomorrow."
Therefore, Cheng Hai has basically spent the entire past year on set.
He was either the second or third male lead, or in ensemble dramas. In one year, he filmed four TV series and had a cameo role in a movie.
Zhou Ping'an was determined to promote a new A-list star.
In today's entertainment industry, it's no longer possible to maintain a top-tier status without substantial work to back you up.
This is no longer the industry environment of five or six years ago, where traffic swept everything.
Leaving aside Lu Yanhe, Li Zhibai, and Yan Liang, Liu Zefan, Li Yuefeng, Wang Dashan, Yin Xincheng... the male actors who have emerged in the last three to five years are all incredibly successful, each with hit dramas under their belt. They have popularity and fame, as well as representative works, making them very reputable.
If there are many tall people, there's no need to choose the tallest among the short.
The entire entertainment industry environment has been drastically altered.
Top celebrities are still top celebrities, with extremely high commercial value. If someone wants to make some quick money, or if new capital needs to enter the market and they need to bring in a decent "money-making" project, then of course they can still use money to sway top celebrities.
However, the major productions by various film and television companies are no longer rushing to compete for top stars and top celebrities.
Why choose an actor who can only stare blankly with wide eyes and whose eyelashes are indistinguishable when there are better and more suitable options?
Zhou Ping'an hopes that Cheng Hai will take a down-to-earth approach to acting.
Of course, he should continue making money; he has no intention of transitioning into a highly respected and virtuous agent.
First, as Yan Liang said, he is in contact with Shi Jin and is preparing to join Shi Jin's "Entertainment Project" to be in charge of artist coordination and operation.
Secondly, he fully understands that if he continues to work for others, he will only ever be a stepping stone for them.
Zhou Pingan has already spoken with Cheng Hai and Meng Li. If he goes to Shijin, they will go with him.
Needless to say, as long as he can bring them career development, there is not much difference between him working at Woodpecker (Star Entertainment) and Shijin.
For them, the brokerage firm is just a concept; the agents are the real helmsmen of their ship.
Zhou Ping'an was just frustrated that he hadn't been able to bind Yan Liang to his side.
If Yan Liang doesn't go with him, his bargaining power in negotiating with Shi Jin will be greatly reduced.
Fortunately, Zhou Ping'an had accumulated many cards over the years, and he had more than just two or three in his hand.
He won't leave the table; he'll keep drawing cards.
-
“Zhou Ping’an came to ask me for a role on Cheng Hai’s behalf.” Lu Yanhe said helplessly.
Chen Siqi brought over a plate of grapes, placed it on the coffee table, and leaned close to it.
"Didn't Cheng Hai already star in a play about jumping theater?"
"He offered to let Cheng Hai film three movies for me for free, as long as Cheng Hai gets the lead role in one of them." Lu Yanhe sighed. "I don't know how to reply to him."
Chen Siqi raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"He's really gone all out."
Not to mention that Cheng Hai is currently a fairly popular actor who is on the rise, even if his salary is not as high as that of a top-tier actor, he is by no means a minor actor.
He was just a minor actor who landed three film contracts without pay in exchange for one lead role.
This suggests that many people believe that anyone with foresight should agree to such a proposal.
In reality, if you put yourself in someone else's shoes, and they asked you to work for free for three years on the top project in your industry, just so that you might become a prominent figure in the industry after three years, would you go?
You should know that even if you don't go now, you're doing quite well, with visible room for advancement, and you can earn money while maintaining your dignity, living a life free from financial worries.
When making a real decision, it's not about choosing a single option in the long run, but about betting on an unknown future with no income for three years, abandoning the current state that's already on track, and gambling on a potentially better tomorrow.
More importantly, this wasn't Cheng Hai gambling; it was Zhou Ping'an.
This means that neither Cheng Hai nor Zhou Ping'an can make money.
Zhou Ping'an, that penny-pincher, who only cares about money, has gone to this extent.
Just as Chen Siqi said, he used a lot of dirty tricks.
He wanted Cheng Hai to jump straight into the top tier of the industry.
In the current environment, if Lu Yanhe's three dramas cannot make an actor a top-tier star, it can only mean that the actor is unlucky. He should stop thinking about becoming famous and just get through these few years of bad luck.
Chen Siqi asked, "What do you think?"
Lu Yanhe said, "From a business perspective, this is certainly a very worthwhile deal, but this person is Cheng Hai. I can't let him make movies for me for free. Zhou Ping'an also knows that he deliberately puts himself in such a low position just to get the role from me—under the premise that he knows very well that I will still pay Cheng Hai's salary."
"The human heart is as black as ever."
"He is Zhou Ping'an."
The two looked at each other and smiled.
"Then will you help Cheng Hai?"
"Of course I'll help when I can," Lu Yanhe nodded.
In the original owner's memories, during the years when he was down on his luck, even if Cheng Hai didn't support him in front of and behind the scenes like Li Zhibai did, he would still take care of him whenever he could. The reason they weren't that close was simply because they didn't live together, and Feng Zhi had faded into obscurity early, so there were fewer group activities and less contact.
Chen Siqi: "But if you don't respond to a message like this from Zhou Ping'an, it's like he's already lowered himself so much, and you're still unwilling to help your former teammates—that's really heartless."
Lu Yanhe: "It's okay, he can't harm me."
"Have you thought about how to reply?" Chen Siqi asked curiously.
Lu Yanhe nodded.
He edited a message on his phone and showed it to Chen Siqi.
Upon seeing this, Chen Siqi couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"You're ruthless."
—If you're willing to let go and transfer Cheng Hai's contract to me, I can offer three film contracts to the other actors you bring.
Lu Yanhe clicked send and put down his phone.
"It's a pity I won't see Zhou Ping'an's expression when he receives this text message; it must be quite a sight," Chen Siqi said regretfully.
Lu Yanhe hugged Chen Siqi, smiled, and said, "Although we can't see it, we can imagine it."
-
When Zhou Ping'an saw Lu Yanhe's reply, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily twice.
However, because he was in the middle of a business conversation, he had to suppress his emotions and pretend nothing was wrong.
Zhou Ping'an looked at Jiang Ming sitting in front of him.
This actor, who was in the same generation as Huang Kairen and Zeng Qiao, never became a big star, but he had good popularity and recognition. He played the male lead right from the start and steadily made his way up, enjoying a smooth career.
“You have excellent qualities in all aspects. If you sign with me, I will make you a top star within three years,” Zhou Ping’an said to Jiang Ming. “Now, among male actors of your age, not to mention those who take the path of serious dramas, there are not many who can carry projects. For male actors, the early thirties are a transitional age. Young leading men can no longer play such roles, and middle-aged themes have not yet become popular.”
In the film and television market, male actors between the ages of thirty and forty typically have the fewest roles. They're past that age for popular historical and contemporary dramas, and if they were to act in them, they'd be ridiculed for their age. However, in more serious genres like crime, suspense, slice-of-life, and period dramas, men in this age group are often not the main characters.
The few good projects and roles available are extremely competitive, so priority will definitely be given to leading male actors like Huang Kairen, Zeng Qiao, and Zhou Yuning.
Jiang Ming, who has been playing male leads since his debut, is forced to either play supporting male leads in female-centric life dramas or workplace dramas, or he can only play the lead role in some non-mainstream genre films.
Even in projects like "The Summit" and "The Gold Rush," where he was paired with a young male actor as the dual male lead, he couldn't compete because of his age, which prevented him from being considered a match for the younger actor.
This is the dilemma Jiang Ming is currently facing.
Just then, Zhou Ping'an arrived.
Jiang Ming asked directly, "What kind of roles can you help me get?"
Zhou Pingan said, "At least one leading role tailored specifically for you every year is a condition I can include in the contract."
Jiang Ming looked at Zhou Ping'an with some surprise.
In his eyes, Zhou Ping'an was just a very traditional agent. Did he have the ability to get the platform and production company to create a "leading man" drama for him?
Zhou Pingan said, "The specifics of how it will be developed involve some adjustments to my own work, which I cannot disclose to you at the moment. However, I can tell you that if you sign a five-year contract with me, you don't have to worry about not having any roles to play. Not only will you have leading roles in TV series, but you will also have roles in movies."
Having been in this industry for so long, Jiang Ming has seen far too many people make empty promises.
But since the words came from Zhou Ping'an's mouth, he had to believe them.
Zhou Ping'an's abilities are well-known in the entertainment industry.
Leaving aside the actors that Zhou Ping'an cultivated himself, Meng Li's career took a leap forward after he became her agent.
A dating reality show kept her trending on social media for over half a year.
The film "The Way We Came" made her the first actress to star in a film that was nominated for the main competition at the Jose Film Festival.
There was also a fantasy drama that Zhou Ping'an helped her get involved in. It became a hit and helped her solidify her position as a top-tier actress.
If it weren't for what Zhou Ping'an did, Jiang Ming wouldn't be sitting here talking to Zhou Ping'an about these things.
Zhou Ping'an said, "I don't need to go into the specific promises. I only sign a few actors. Even if you don't want to work hard, I don't want to see you idle. I will promote each of you so as not to ruin my reputation in the industry. One leading role in a major film a year, and you will be a top-tier actor within three years. This is what I promised you. As a gift, when you sign with me, you will be given an important role in a top film production in the industry."
Jiang Ming knew that he was tempted.
He only had one last question.
"Among your current actors, there's Cheng Hai, who's only six years younger than me. In a way, we're competitors, right?" he said. "If the same opportunity arises that suits both of us, what will you do?"
"The capable should take the lead." Zhou Ping'an said bluntly, "When I was leading Lu Yanhe, Li Zhibai, Ma Zhiyuan and Yan Liang at the same time, I never saw them fight over resource allocation. You should be happy that Cheng Hai is under my command, because this way I can get more information and more resources, which means I can choose projects that are more suitable for you."
Jiang Ming nodded.
He had nothing more to say.
Zhou Ping'an's answer was sincere and honest, without any deception or perfunctory remarks.
Jiang Ming said, "My contract with this company still has about three months left before it expires. I will get back to you as soon as possible."
Zhou Ping'an nodded.
"I believe we will have a pleasant collaboration." Zhou Ping'an smiled slightly.
-
By the end of October, after a month in theaters in China, "Tropical Rainy Season" had grossed over 250 million yuan. Including box office revenue from other parts of Asia, especially in its home country of Malaysia, it grossed over 10 million US dollars, making it the highest-grossing film of the year. Its total box office revenue in Asia has officially surpassed 50 million US dollars.
However, compared to its strong box office performance in Asia, "Tropical Rainy Season" has performed much weaker in Europe and America. After a month of release, it has only grossed $11 million, and in North America, it has only grossed $4.5 million so far.
It's actually pretty good, just not that "miraculously" good.
Midoriya is now hoping that the film will perform well during the awards season, which will help it achieve a good long tail at the box office.
In fact, the North American awards season for "Tropical Rainy Season" has already begun, with the choices of film critics from several continents already announced. In the Best Supporting Actor category, Lu Yanhe won one award, while the others were shared by Ueber Clarke for "The Dancer" and Javier Maxwell for "Belfast".
Although these continental film critic awards are not strictly speaking a bellwether for the North American awards season, you can get a general idea of who is competing in these awards by looking at the results of the first few announced.
Basically, unless some dark horses emerge during this year's awards season, it will be these three competing for this award.
-
Lu Yanhe and his friends from "Friends" are putting all their effort into filming this season, hoping to finish filming as soon as possible.
At the same time, Chen Siqi also began to take action.
The collection of reviews from the second annual International Film Critics Festival has been translated and will be launched in Los Angeles in November.
This time, Chen Siqi plans to hold a large book launch in Los Angeles, inviting well-known film critics and media from Europe and America, as well as some influential filmmakers to attend the event.
Of course, Lu Yanhe would also be attending, as her boyfriend.
Is this considered a public relations campaign by Lu Yanhe?
Strictly speaking, it doesn't seem to be a direct public relations activity.
However, to deny this would be utterly shameless.
Chen Siqi personally wrote invitations by hand to many key figures and asked her American colleagues to deliver them to them one by one.
This is, after all, a collection of film critics' works.
It can be said that these film critics, taken together, constitute an absolutely undeniable voice in the film industry.
In Europe and America, the significance and influence of film critics on the film industry far surpasses that of film critics in China.
Chen Siqi once again used her strength at a crucial moment.
-
Because of filming, he will be unable to attend any of the award ceremonies in China this November.
Including the Fei Hong Award.
Lee Chi-pak was nominated for Best Actor for his role in "Even Faking Death Is Not an Option," marking his first nomination for a major award.
Lu Yanhe was also unable to attend.
He was very disappointed.
Li Zhibai said, "I have no regrets. It's a surprise that I was even nominated. I have no chance of winning. Come and witness it when I have a chance to win."
As it turned out, Li Zhibai did not win an award.
The award winner is Mr. Jia Long, author of "Descendants of the Dragon".
Lu Yanhe sent Jia Long a congratulatory message.
Jia Long said: "It's too embarrassing. This is the first time I've won an award in all these years in the industry."
Lu Yanhe: You were already an uncrowned king even before you received the award.
-
It goes without saying that comedians are not favored by mainstream awards.
Jia Long winning the award this year was unexpected for many people.
Fortunately, despite the unexpected turn of events, "Descendants of the Dragon" achieved impressive box office results and received positive reviews. Jia Long's performance was as good as ever, and no one felt that his win was undeserved.
What surprised many people was that this year's Best Supporting Actor award went to Wang Dashan, who starred in "Red Sun".
After his debut in "Lost in Thailand," Wang Dashan, under the guidance of Jia Long, acted in many films and had no shortage of movie opportunities.
"Red Sun" is a patriotic film in which Wang Dashan plays an honest and reliable young soldier.
Everyone joked that Jia Long was the biggest winner of this year's Fei Hong Award, not only winning an award himself, but also the young people he mentored winning awards.
On the actresses' side, the Best Actress award went to a very senior veteran actress, Ru Xijuan, who had already won the Feihong Award for Best Actress 30 years ago. The Best Supporting Actress award went to Ji Miao for her role in "This Journey".
After many years, Ji Miao once again won a mainstream film award, defending her status as a "rising star of film".
Meng Li, who was nominated for Best Actress, was given her most joyful blessings and a hug, but she was photographed with a black face backstage, which sparked a heated discussion.
-
Awards season always generates a lot of buzz.
There are many more awards to be presented, including for movies and TV series.
Of Lu Yanhe's works that aired this year, his performance in the second season of "The Seventeenth Floor" was not particularly groundbreaking, and given that Beijing TV might not be promoting him, his chances of being nominated are slim. "Burning Fire" is not a film that can win acting awards, and "Tropical Rainy Season" is a foreign language film, so it is not eligible to apply for domestic awards. "Friends" may be a contender for Best Screenplay or Best Screenplay, but whether it can win an award is another matter.
Lu Yanhe joked, "I've filmed so many dramas for nothing."
However, his main focus for winning awards this year was not in the country.
"Tropical Rainy Season" won a Best Actor award at the Cité International Film Festival, and now it's time to aim for the North American awards season. If it can really win a few major awards, this year will definitely be a "worthwhile year".
-
“Lu Yanhe actually caught a relatively good time. Before him, in the past few years, there have been Asian films or Asian actors at the Oscars every year, and they have won awards. The environment is much better than it was ten or twenty years ago.”
At a dinner party that Chen Pinhe attended, everyone sat together and chatted about Lu Yanhe's bid for the Olympics this year.
"So, while Hollywood's pursuit of political correctness has created a mess, it's undeniable that, at least overtly, its discrimination against Asians has had to be curbed under these circumstances."
"That's just a hypocritical restraint."
"Compared to blatant discrimination, hypocritical restraint is also a kind of progress, isn't it?"
"That's ultimately someone else's game."
"Of course, who can argue with that? But we can also join in and play other people's games. At least Lu Yanhe has already joined in."
Everyone was discussing it enthusiastically.
“Lu Yanhe is indeed quite influential in Europe and America now, and it is very difficult for us to have someone like him.”
"Besides being a genius actor, he's also a genius screenwriter. He owns his own company, he's rich, talented, and influential. He can do it all by himself."
"It's just a bit of a pity."
"What's a pity?"
“Unfortunately, we can’t get involved in his projects.” Someone shrugged. “I’ve tried many times to meet him, but I’ve never succeeded.”
"He's not the kind of reclusive person who never comes out of the world, how could we not see him? You're not thinking of arranging to meet him in private, are you?"
"Many things are better discussed in private."
"What do they have to talk to you about? They don't even know you, yet they come out to meet you privately. You're quite amusing."
"Putting everything else aside, I've been in this industry for so many years. Even if he doesn't know me personally, he must have at least heard of me, right? He can't even arrange a private meeting. He's quite the big shot."
Just then, a voice suddenly came from the doorway.
Someone is coming.
“There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who think like you. Even if he saw one a day, he wouldn’t see them all in a year.”
Chen Lingling walked in.
This "heroine among women" in the directing circle strolled in leisurely.
As soon as she appeared, everyone stood up and greeted her warmly.
"Director Chen is here."
"Hello, Director Chen."
Chen Lingling greeted them.
After everyone sat down, the conversation shifted to several projects that Chen Lingling was preparing for.
"Director Chen, which project will you film next?"
Is it a modern or historical theme?
"When will you organize the auditions? I have a few promising young actors on my team; could you please take a look, Director Chen?"
...
There was a lot of chatter at the scene.
Because they were all old friends from the same circle, they didn't hold themselves to any formalities when speaking.
Although Chen Lingling is known for being stubborn and unyielding, that only applies to certain types of people.
The people sitting at this table, regardless of how deep their friendship is, have known each other for at least seven or eight years; they're all old acquaintances.
Chen Lingling finally declined, speechless, saying, "It's still far from certain. Let's talk about it after the New Year. I'm resting now."
Someone immediately said, "That's no fun."
Chen Lingling rolled her eyes. "Then go find something interesting yourself."
Immediately, someone tried to smooth things over.
"Director Chen, it has to be your project. Everyone's eyeing it. We know that a lot of people will come to you to ask for your help. We're in such a hurry because we're afraid someone else will snatch it away. We've known each other for so many years. Normally, if you just ask, everyone will help without hesitation. Please understand us."
"Haven't I been considerate enough to you?" Chen Lingling retorted. "In which of my dramas haven't I given your people a chance?"
"Haha, that's why we're so happy to see you."
Hearing Chen Lingling's words, everyone felt relieved.
Okay, it's the same as before, there's something to do, that's enough.
"Hey, why don't you go find Chen Pinhe? He's working on international projects now." Chen Lingling pointed at Chen Pinhe, who hadn't said a word earlier.
Chen Pinhe quickly put on a helpless smile and said, "Director Chen, please let me off the hook. How can I have any say in this international project? I was quite surprised when they asked me to play the male lead. They still remember me? It's been so long since I've been abroad."
Chen Lingling: "Anyway, you're the one who has all the logic."
Everyone laughed.
"Besides filming the Maxine project, is Pinhe also going to film a spin-off series of 'The Seventeen Floors'?"
“Yes.” Chen Pinhe nodded. “The script is being written in Beijing and Taiwan.”
“Alright, that’s what we’re focusing on.” Someone immediately laughed.
Chen Pinhe shook his head helplessly, "Anyway, I will definitely recommend what I can, but it's really not up to me. I'll do my best, and don't blame me if it fails."
"Of course."
"Pinhe, didn't you also start a company with Shijin's side?"
“I didn’t do that, it was Yuezhen,” Chen Pinhe said. “How could I do those things? I’m just an actor, and all I know is acting.”
"Speaking of which, Shi Jin's move was quite significant."
"Of course." Someone suddenly laughed. "It's just that it's really unclear who's in charge between those two brothers."
Immediately, someone gave this person a wink.
I realized it instantly.
Currently, Shijin Entertainment is nominally managed by Yang Zhouli, but his younger brother Yang Zhoujin has also invested in a company established by Zhang Yuezhen, which is also involved in this area, leaving everyone somewhat confused.
Regardless, Chen Pinhe is now aligned with Yang Zhoujin's camp because of this company.
Rumors are circulating that Yang Zhoujin and Yang Zhouli will inevitably have a real fight sooner or later.
There was a two-second silence, then someone else mentioned Lu Yanhe.
"If Lu Yanhe really wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year, he will make history as the first Chinese actor to win an Oscar, and for a Chinese-language film."
"It's not that easy. This is just the beginning. Let's wait and see."
Chen Lingling glanced at them and said, "No matter what, his current popularity is a source of pride for Chinese filmmakers. If you have the ability, then give it your all."
"We don't have the channels to exert pressure on the Oscars, Director Chen, you overestimate us."
Chen Lingling did not respond.
She was still using her attitude to create a sense of "pressure" on the people present.
Clearly, she knew that she could definitely make a move in this room.
Even if you can't put in the effort, don't all "stand aside," acting as if it's none of your business and making sarcastic remarks.
-
In the United States, after November, films aiming for awards season have stepped up their efforts, frequently appearing in various public relations and social events.
There are public brand sponsorship events, as well as private parties and cocktail parties.
Hollywood never lacks parties, as long as you want to attend.
However, Lu Yanhe was unable to participate at this time.
Currently, only Huang Tianlin, accompanied by Qin Shulan and senior executives of Green Valley Film Company, attends these events to make his presence known, build connections, and "promote" the film "Tropical Rainy Season".
Just when Green Valley Film Company thought Lu Yanhe would be absent for the entire month of November, Chen Siqi suddenly arrived.
She arrived in the United States two weeks early, ostensibly to launch her new book, as the editor-in-chief of "Jump Up" and the founder of the International Film Festival for Film Critics. She frequented various social occasions, and in her self-introductions, she would always end with, "Okay, it seems I have to say that I am Lu Yanhe's girlfriend before you know who I am. Yes, I am Lu Yanhe's girlfriend."
Lu Yanhe wasn't there, but Chen Siqi was very noticeable, helping him refresh his name.
"Yes, he's currently filming on set. He'll finish filming this month, and he'll definitely be here next month." This was accompanied by her enthusiastic smile.
“Of course he values the Oscars very much. It’s the Oscars! What actor in the world wouldn’t want to win this award? Although I’m not an actor and I’m not in the film industry, I know he really wants the Academy’s recognition.” This was accompanied by her sincere and earnest big eyes.
“He is a pure actor. I mean, your husband is also an actor. You must understand how I feel. Sometimes, when faced with their actions, you can only comfort yourself that there is nothing you can do. They are artists, right?” This is accompanied by her empathetic understanding and unspoken feelings.
Within two weeks, everyone in the public relations and social circles of this year's awards season knew that Lu Yanhe hadn't even shown up yet, but his girlfriend had already "dominated the scene."
The key point is that this beautiful girl from China is so likable.
She is not just Lu Yanhe's girlfriend.
She is the editor-in-chief of a literary magazine, a publisher, and also the organizer of an international film festival that has become quite influential in the past two years.
She wasn't the kind of pretty girl who clung to Lu Yanhe and was all looks and no brains; rather, she was a girl with her own career, a sharp mind, and who openly supported her partner's career.
In Hollywood's elite circles, girls like this are always highly sought after.
Lu Yanhe's public relations activities suddenly featured such a charismatic "diplomat".
Uber Clark, a contender for Best Supporting Actor, was furious and exasperated, but there was nothing he could do.
This practice does not violate the rules.
If Uber Clark were Chinese, he would surely know one phrase that best expresses his feelings at this moment: "No martial ethics!"
-
At this time, Darren Wilson was also lobbying the executives of D19 Films.
"If Lu Yanhe wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year, don't you realize how positive the impact that would be on 'The Mist 2' next year?"
In the public relations battles surrounding the Oscars, film studios typically refrain from engaging in any positive public relations efforts for other companies' films (including individual awards).
However, in order to increase his leverage over the mainland Yanhe, Darren Wilson still set his sights on these companies.
The first to be affected is D19.
“After Lu Yanhe, he will only play an important supporting role in Godless, but he is the main protagonist of your Mist series, and the box office is all on his shoulders,” Darren Wilson said. “After Mist 2, if the box office is good enough, there will be 3, 4 and 5, which will become the most successful film series since D19 was founded.
D19 CEO Cather Murray shook his head, saying, "Lu Yanhe is no longer very interested in continuing to star in the Mist series."
“But if D19 can help him win an Oscar, his mind will definitely change,” Darren Wilson said. “More importantly, you can gain a more loyal friendship. If I remember correctly, he initially gave you the script for 'Buried,' which is now being produced by Parameter. The internal reviews of 'Buried' were very good, and everyone said it would create a new box office hit. Don’t you want to deepen your collaboration with such a talented young man?”
Kaiser Murray fell into deep thought.
“It’s not about asking you to help a young person who has no hope of winning an award compete. To use an old Chinese saying, it’s about adding icing on the cake,” Darren Wilson said. “Under his management, ‘Tropical Rainy Season’ grossed more than 50 million US dollars in Asia. Lu Yanhe’s influence extends far beyond his roles as an actor and screenwriter. Cather, now is the time when he needs your help, and it’s also the time when your help will be most valuable to him.”
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Following the same approach, Darren Wilson went to Parameter again to try and gain Parameter's support for Lu Yanhe, or at least to prevent Parameter from causing trouble for Lu Yanhe.
The luckiest thing for Lu Yanhe this year is that none of his competitors in the Best Supporting Actor category are from D19 or Parameter.
Otherwise, no matter what Darren Wilson says, they will definitely try their best to protect the actors in the films produced by their own company.
Darren Wilson is putting in so much effort this year, just like he did for Edward last year.
To secure his position as his agent and retain his clients, he must possess irreplaceable value.
Instead of going all out at this crucial time for Lu Yanhe's career, he should just terminate the partnership as soon as possible.
The most important reason why Darren Wilson is so concerned is that Lu Yanhe's winning momentum this year is much stronger than Edward's last year.
It was a pity that Edward didn't win an Oscar last year.
But this year, Darren Wilson had a gut feeling that God was on his side.
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On December 2nd, Lu Yanhe, who had just finished filming "Friends," landed in Los Angeles late at night. Upon landing, he received the winners of the National Board of Review Awards, one of the important indicators of the Oscars.
The Best Supporting Actor award went to Uber Clark.
As is customary, the winners are announced first, followed by the awards ceremony.
Dry.
The news that came as soon as it landed was terrible.
However, the nominations for the two influential Hollywood Critics Circle Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle Awards were also announced today.
"Tropical Rainy Season" is a very impressive film.
Huang Feng is among the nominees for Best Actor.
As expected, Lu Yanhe was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
(End of this chapter)
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