Chapter 592: Night of Conferred Gods: A Living Legend

Sometimes Wei Jin has to admit that any awards ceremony is a matter of human relationships and worldly wisdom.

For instance, the 82-year-old Italian actress currently standing on stage, Elena Cotta.

Wei Jin does not feel that her performance in *Palermo Shooting* was better than Frances McDormand's.

But there is no helping it; on one hand, she is a local, which naturally gives her an advantage; on the other hand, this elderly woman has been performing stage plays since she was 16 and only began touching the big screen after the age of 60.

This film might be the last one of her life, and the Pingshutuan must deliberate carefully.

And this elderly woman's win also refreshed the record set by Ms. Luo Lan the year before last, raising the age of the Venice Best Actress by several more years.

However, perhaps because she was too excited, the frail old woman almost couldn't hold onto the trophy when she received it; she stumbled, and fortunately, the host supported her, so no accident occurred.

As for the subsequent speech, the old woman was even more teary-eyed, unable to suppress her excitement as she spoke.

Everyone at the scene watching this scene had a feeling of empathy, and the deafening applause that followed erupted.

After all, no matter what, persisting in an industry for over sixty years is absolutely worthy of everyone's respect.

The awards ceremony continued, and finally, it was time for tonight's Best Actor, which is the Venice Best Actor.

As the award presenter took the stage, Wei Jin subconsciously turned his head to glance at Chen Daoming, only to see him with his hands crossed on his lap, his brows slightly furrowed, staring just like that at the award presenter on stage.

And David, who was beside him, was the same as he had been before, still appearing calm and indifferent; he truly did not hold much hope for the Best Actor award.

Without letting everyone wait too long, the award presenter soon revealed the suspense.

"The winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Chen Daoming, *The Distinguished Citizen*, congratulations!"

As soon as the words fell, all the Chinese filmmakers present stood up and applauded.

*The Distinguished Citizen* won two in a row, letting the Chinese film steal the spotlight, and everyone felt a sense of shared honor.

One could see that Chen Daoming, who usually does not show his emotions on his face, could not suppress the smile on his face at this moment, and his brows were full of joy.

It is no wonder; following Xia Yu's crowning as Venice Best Actor in 1994, for a full 18 years, no Chinese person had ever received this honor again.

But today, Huaxia's second Venice Best Actor was born, and this person is him, Chen Daoming!

Although he had appeared indifferent to fame and fortune since his debut, being in the entertainment circle, who could not be moved by honor? Let alone the Venice Best Actor, one of the European Big Three?

At this moment, Chen Daoming was incomparably glad that he had decisively accepted this invitation back then.

Just as happy as him was Tian Zhuangzhuang; at this moment, a flush of color appeared on his aged face once again, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out quite a bit.

Being able to personally nurture a Venice Best Actor proved that he is absolutely not inferior to anyone in the field of art films!

Wei Jin was also very happy; for a film crew to win two major awards, the script deserved at least half the credit, which was very good news for him.

What's more, *The Distinguished Citizen* was solely produced by Shanhe Media, and the related benefits of the copyright are quite substantial.

The previous copyright sales were not smooth, but with the blessing of the two major awards, the value of *The Distinguished Citizen* is about to increase significantly! "Chen Laoshi, congratulations."

Wei Jin turned around, hugged him, and offered his blessings.

"Thank you."

"Daoming, go up quickly." Tian Zhuangzhuang reminded him from the side.

"Alright."

Chen Daoming responded, composed himself, and began to walk toward the stage with long strides; the speech he had carefully prepared finally had a place to be used.

Following the end of Chen Daoming's standard speech, the awards ceremony continued.

"The winner of the Silver Lion for Best Screenplay..."

The voice on the awards stage rang out, and the scene immediately fell into a dead silence, everyone staring intently at it, including Wei Jin and Yifei.

Because this award was also within the scope of competition for *Nomadland*.

"... Steve Coogan, *Philomena*, congratulations!"

"Whew."

Although he didn't get the award, Wei Jin breathed a sigh of relief, because this meant the subsequent opportunities would be even greater! "Brother, don't worry, I believe you will definitely get what you wish for."

Yifei comforted him softly, her hand holding Wei Jin's also applying a little pressure.

"Mm, Yifei, let's wait quietly..."

At this moment, it was not just Wei Jin waiting; the other few film crews that had yet to win an award were also waiting quietly.

As for the last three major awards, who would ultimately win them?

Five minutes later, the acceptance speeches ended, and the main event of this year's Venice arrived.

"The winner of the Silver Lion for Best Director: Alexandros Avranas, *Miss Violence*, congratulations!"

It wasn't him! Wei Jin's heartbeat accelerated once again.

"Wei Jin, no rush, this time you can really make a play for it..."

His mentor Tian Zhuangzhuang, who was behind him, suddenly spoke; he could understand Wei Jin's state of mind at this moment.

As a teacher, no one hoped for Wei Jin's success more than he did.

"I'll take your auspicious words, Teacher; isn't it coming up right away?"

Wei Jin pulled his mouth into an arc, rubbing the young girl's hand to calm his somewhat excited and nervous mood; this was the most healing method.

Finally, it was time for the last two comprehensive major awards, and the Pingshutuan chairman, sitting in a wheelchair, spoke.

"The winners of the Silver Lion Jury Grand Prize are: Gianfranco Rosi, *Sacro GRA*... and Cai Mingliang, *Stray Dogs*, congratulations to both!"

The Pingshutuan member's voice fell, and the scene suddenly became noisy; many people looked toward Wei Jin.

The Jury Grand Prize had produced another double winner. But—there was no Wei Jin! At this moment, the atmosphere at the awards ceremony reached its climax.

"Brother, only the Golden Lion is left..."

Yifei suppressed her excitement and said in a low voice. And Frances McDormand, David, and Chen Xi, who were on the side, also had their breathing grow heavier.

"Mm, I know, I know..."

Wei Jin patted the girl's small hand lightly, trying hard to keep himself calm; until the very last moment, no one could say for sure what would happen.

Composing his mood, Wei Jin began to applaud; after all, no matter what, *Stray Dogs* was also a Chinese film crew.

The people at the scene were also applauding, but everyone was more concerned with who would take home the Golden Lion Award tonight.

On stage, Cai Mingliang was extremely moved, tears streaming down his face, even choking up to the point of being unable to speak for a moment.

"Thank you to the filmmakers and friends from all over the world for attending the awards ceremony of the Venice International Film Festival tonight.

Next, I will present the Golden Lion for Best Film of this year's Venice International Film Festival."

The Pingshutuan chairman picked up the card brought by the attendant and opened it slowly:

"The 70th Venice International Film Festival, Golden Lion for Best Film, the winner is"

Having said this, the septuagenarian Bernardo Bertolucci glanced in the direction of Wei Jin, his gaze profound.

"Nomadland, Wei Jin, congratulations!"

Bernardo Bertolucci's Italian, after being translated, echoed through the awards venue, and the entire hall fell silent.

But immediately after, thunderous applause erupted, like a slumbering giant beast waking from the darkness, beginning to let out a deafening roar! Everyone knew that at this moment, the fourth director in film history to achieve the European Three Major Film Festivals Grand Slam had been born! Since director Robert Altman achieved the European Three Major Film Festivals Grand Slam in Venice in 1993, 20 years later, another Grand Slam winner had been born!

Unlike the other three winners, who had all passed away. Film and television practitioners around the world could only search for traces of them in the fleeting glimpses of history.

Yet Wei Jin was only thirty years old; he was a living legend! Destined to be praised, extolled, and worshipped by countless film and television practitioners around the world! A look of relief appeared on Tian Zhuangzhuang's face, his aged, slender arms clapping vigorously; he was happy for his student from the bottom of his heart.

Chen Daoming was excitedly communicating with the crew members with a look of shock on his face.

At this moment, Wei Jin felt as if a current of electricity was traveling up his spine and straight to his brain, causing him to stand up with a start.

And Liu Yifei, who was by his side, was even happier than a fool, hugging his neck and jumping lightly.

"Brother, it's us, it's us. You did it, you got the Golden Lion! You got the Grand Slam!"

"Wei (Boss), congratulations!" Francis, Chen Xi, and David were all incredibly excited.

"It's congratulations to us."

Wei Jin stared straight at the awards stage, the Pingshutuan chairman was also looking over here with a smile, and Jiang Wen waved his fist at him from across the room.

Many people at the scene stood up to applaud; nothing less would suffice to express their respect for the fourth Grand Slam winner in film history, even if he was still very young.

The applause grew louder and louder, resounding throughout the Film Festival Palace!

Turning his head, Wei Jin gazed at Liu Yifei's exquisite face, which was overflowing with joy and excitement, and cupping it, he kissed her fiercely.

At this moment, no one urged, no one disturbed, and the entire scene became an ocean of sound!

After a long while, Wei Jin released the beauty in his arms, only to see her pretty face flushed red, quite alluring.

"Yifei, I'm going up now."

"Mm."

Liu Yifei nodded, still immersed in excitement and joy.

Walking down the aisle, Wei Jin kept smiling and nodding to the guests applauding all around, while the flashes in the hands of the media at the scene never stopped from beginning to end.

In the short distance of ten meters or so, Wei Jin was like a new emperor ascending the throne, receiving the homage of the crowd.

On the awards stage, Wei Jin lowered his body slightly and took the Golden Lion trophy, which looked as if it were about to spread its wings and fly, from Bernardo Bertolucci's hands with both hands, along with the certificate.

"Young man, congratulations. Now, it's over to you."

As he spoke, the old man patted Wei Jin's arm, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman."

After a polite gesture, Wei Jin stood in front of the microphone, looked at the sea of people below the stage, took a deep breath, and began today's speech.

"Praise Venice!"

Wei Jin held the heavy Golden Lion high above his head, causing another stir at the scene.

"This is my second time entering the Main Competition Section. Thank you to the film festival and the Pingshutuan for your recognition and affirmation, thank you! This Golden Lion trophy today has a very important meaning for me.

Two years ago, right here, I made my first charge toward the Grand Slam, but unfortunately, I failed. Today, at the age of thirty, I have finally achieved my wish.

And all of this could not have been achieved without the dedication and support of all the crew members. My honor at this moment includes a part of you; Chen Xi, you are great, there will be more challenges waiting for you in the future, and I hope we can continue to be partners."

Chen Xi, who was in her early thirties, looked at the handsome man on the stage, recalling the trust he had placed in her all along, and her eyes welled up with emotion.

At this moment, Chen Xi had to admit that her heart was moved.

This kind of feeling had nothing to do with romantic love; it was purely an appreciation and longing for an excellent man.

And Wei Jin on the stage continued.

"Thank you to my mentor Tian Zhuangzhuang for your constant encouragement and protection. Today, I can say to you on the scene: Teacher, I did it!"

After Wei Jin finished speaking, he bowed in the direction of Tian Zhuangzhuang, and the applause at the scene grew even louder.

And at this moment, Tian Zhuangzhuang was already streaming with tears; this was the student he was most proud of in his life.

"I also want to thank those lovely people who have always silently supported me, tolerated me, and encouraged me. I love you all, forever!"

Wei Jin silently recited a few names in his heart, then looked down at the stage at Liu Yifei, who was waving at him.

The latter's red lips parted slightly, as if she were saying something, and Wei Jin smiled.

"Of course, I also want to thank Crystal, although you didn't act in this movie, I feel that today's good luck was brought to me by you, thank you, my Venice Goddess!"

"Whew~~~"

Whistles and good-natured laughter rang out at the scene; everyone hadn't forgotten the passionate kiss from just a moment ago.

And Liu Yifei, who had received Wei Jin's "public confession," was filled with sweetness, her beautiful eyes looking toward the center of the stage as if they were about to drip water.

Her man was so dazzling at this moment.

"Finally, I want to say that no matter what achievements I attain, my pursuit of film art will not stop! In the future, I will also maintain my original intention and continue to improve. Thank you, thank you everyone!"

After the awards ceremony ended and the winners had taken a group photo on stage, everyone rushed to the official closing banquet.

This was Wei Jin's second time competing in the Main Competition Section of the Venice International Film Festival, and it was also his first time attending the awards banquet in earnest.

As the protagonist of Venice tonight, Wei Jin was pursued by media and filmmakers from all over the world at the reception.

Including everyone who came from the country, they all crowded around him.

"Director Wei, you are too awesome, I, old Jiang, admire you..."

"Director Jiang, you flatter me; I still have to thank you for your support."

Wei Jin held his red wine glass and clinked it against his; honestly, he was a bit surprised that there hadn't been any "double yolk" awards or anything of the sort this time.

"Support or not, that's just how it is; it really comes down to you having the solid strength yourself."

Jiang Wen smiled and waved his hand; having participated in the final jury discussions, he knew exactly how things had played out.

Although it was partly because the films competing in this year's festival weren't very strong, it was still absolutely an honor that Wei Jin had earned himself.

"But now, I reckon those old fogeys back home won't dare to act all high and mighty in front of you anymore, haha."

Wei Jin smiled without a word upon hearing this; from now on, it wouldn't be them trying to manipulate him—he was preparing to take the knife to that bunch.

"Director Jiang, I have an idea."

"Hmm?"

Before the celebration banquet had even ended, Liu Yifei couldn't wait to pull Wei Jin back to their hotel room.

It was mainly because the way those actresses were looking at her man was truly terrifying, as if they wanted to pounce on him and devour him.

Of course, the young girl herself really couldn't hold back anymore; throughout the entire banquet, she had felt as if she were in a state of high excitement.

About two or three minutes later, Wei Jin looked at the girl before him again and saw that her stunning face was already flushed with a rosy glow, and those large, expressive eyes were rippling with endless tenderness.

Biting her red lips lightly, Liu Yifei gently pushed Wei Jin down onto the bed.

"Brother, leave everything to me tonight~~~"

With that said, the girl lowered her fair and noble swan-like neck, moving along Wei Jin's cheeks, lips, chin, and neck... all the way down. That night, having fulfilled his long-cherished wish, Wei Jin was in high spirits; and Liu Yifei, who had witnessed history and felt honored to be a part of it, was equally thrilled.

As the saying goes: when a chess player meets a worthy opponent, or a general meets a talented soldier!

Tonight in Venice, no one slept. (End of chapter)