Chapter 55: Cannes Awards

The morning in Cannes, sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled into the hotel room. Xiang Qian stood by the window, gazing at the distant azure Mediterranean, his fingers lightly tapping the windowsill.

"Knock-knock-knock—" the sound of knocking on the door rang out.

"Come in."

Jackie Chan pushed the door open and entered, a look of excitement on his face: "Qianzai, the audience has already started filling the screening hall!"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow: "So early?"

"Of course!" Jackie Chan rubbed his hands together, "Our film is the most anticipated work of the year!"

Kara Hui walked in holding a cup of coffee, elegantly taking a sip: "I just passed Hall 4; the media reporters have already set up their cameras."

Ti Lung, a cigar in his mouth, leaned against the doorframe: "How about it, nervous?"

Xiang Qian chuckled lightly: "What is there to be nervous about? We've already finished filming."

Everyone burst into laughter.

At the entrance of Hall 4, the crowd surged.

"Aiven! What are your expectations for this nomination in the main competition section?" a French reporter asked, holding up a microphone.

Xiang Qian smiled politely: "Simply coming to Cannes is the greatest honor."

Lin Qingxia and Angie Chiu stood on the red carpet as flashbulbs went off continuously. The two goddesses, both in long gowns, were elegant and composed.

"Brigittelin, is this your first time in Cannes?"

Lin Qingxia smiled slightly: "Yes, but I hope it is not the last."

Inside the screening hall, the lights gradually dimmed, and the movie began to play.

That evening, everyone gathered in Xiang Qian's suite; no one spoke.

Fong Yat-wah gently swirled her wine glass, her gaze fixed on the night outside the window.

"Ding-ling-ling—" the telephone suddenly rang, sounding particularly grating in the quiet room.

Everyone's gaze focused on the telephone.

Xiang Qian walked over, picked up the receiver: "Hello?"

"Hello, this is the Cannes Film Festival Organizing Committee. We sincerely invite the crew of 'Parasite' to attend the official gala dinner tomorrow night..."

After hanging up the phone, a cheer erupted in the room!

"We won!" Jackie Chan jumped up excitedly, "According to custom, only award-winning films are invited to attend the official gala dinner!"

Kara Hui covered her mouth, her eyes slightly red: "Oh my god..."

Ti Lung patted Xiang Qian's shoulder: "Good kid! You really did it!"

Carina Lau laughed and pushed him: "Look at you!"

The next day, the Lumière Hall was resplendent with gold and glory.

The host walked onto the stage and began to announce the awards: "Best Director Award... 'Parasite' — Aiven Wu!"

The applause thundered!

Xiang Qian stood up, embracing Jackie Chan, Kara Hui, Ti Lung, and others one by one beside him.

Walking up to the podium, he took a deep breath:

"Thank you to Cannes, thank you to the jury for this honor. This award belongs to the entire team — thank you to Ms. Fong Yat-wah for her trust, thank you to every staff member on screen and behind the scenes."

He raised the trophy, his gaze firm:

"'Parasite' tells a story of human nature, and the power of cinema lies in making us see each other. Thank you all."

In the audience, Fong Yat-wah nodded with satisfaction.

"Next is the Best Actor Award..." the host opened the envelope, "The winner is... Jackie Chan!"

Jackie Chan was stunned, as if dreaming.

"Brother Long! Go up!" Zhou Xingxing pushed him.

Jackie Chan stumbled to his feet, his eyes turning red: "I... I really didn't expect..."

Standing on the stage, this kung fu superstar's voice was somewhat choked:

"Oh my god... I've made movies for 40 years, and I've finally won an international major award." He wiped the corner of his eye, "A special thanks to Director Wu Xiang Qian, it was he who made me understand that action actors can also have depth in performance. Thank you to my master Yu Jim-yuen; although he always scolded me, he taught me perseverance."

He raised the trophy and suddenly performed a signature kung fu move, drawing laughter from the entire hall:

"Finally, I want to thank all the audience; it is you who made me know that Jackie Chan is not just good at fighting, but also at acting! Merci beaucoup!"

"Best Actress Award... Mara Hui!"

Kara Hui elegantly rose, and Lin Qingxia and Angie Chiu adjusted her skirt for her.

Standing on the podium, this actress, whose image as a fight heroine had deeply impressed people, spoke with a voice that was soft yet firm:

"30 years ago, when I debuted as a fight actress, no one believed I could act in dramatic roles. Today, this award is dedicated to all women who have been labeled — we can be both strong and gentle, we can be both warriors and poets."

She looked towards Xiang Qian in the audience:

"A special thanks to Director Wu, you saw possibilities that others did not. This role made me rediscover myself; it turns out Kara Hui is not just good at fighting, but also at shedding tears."

The final main event arrived.

"The Palme d'Or..." the host deliberately drew out the tone, and the entire hall held its breath.

"'Parasite'!"

The entire crew erupted in excitement!

Xiang Qian and Fong Yat-wah led everyone onto the stage. Fong Yat-wah took the microphone, her voice trembling slightly:

"As the producer, I want to thank Director Xiang Qian for his talent and persistence. Three years ago when we decided to make this film, many said it was too risky. But today proves that a good story is always worth the risk."

She looked around at the audience:

"This award belongs to the filmmakers of Xiangjiang, proving that we can not only make commercial films but also create art films that move the world."

Xiang Qian spoke last, raising the Palme d'Or:

"Film is a mirror that reflects the cracks of society and the faint light of human nature. The success of *Parasite* proves that people from different cultural backgrounds can resonate with the same emotions."

He looked toward his team:

"Thank you to all the actors for their dedication—Big Brother Jackie Chan's groundbreaking performance, Sister Kara Hui's nuanced portrayal, Big Brother Ti Lung's steady interpretation... it was you who brought this story to life."

"Finally, this award is dedicated to everyone who still gazes at the stars even in hardship. Cinema never dies, dreams live forever!"

At the evening banquet, the champagne tower glittered brilliantly.

Jackie Chan raised his glass, his face flushed red: "Qian-zi! What should we shoot next?"

Xiang Qian swirled his glass: "Let's enjoy tonight first."

Zhou Xingxing leaned over and said earnestly: "Qian-ge, remember me next time you have a role—I'll appear for free!"

Lin Qingxia and Zhao Yazhi stood on the terrace, gazing at the night view.

"Qingxia, what are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking..." Lin Qingxia took a sip of champagne, "a new era for Chinese-language cinema is coming."

In the distance, fireworks bloomed, illuminating the Cannes night sky.