Chapter 451: Invitation to the Golden Globes

Philip Gabriel is British, the typical kind of Western journalist, dressed in a grey-blue suit, white shirt, and dark tie, with exquisite French cuffs peeking out from his sleeves. His hair is greying but meticulously groomed.

Chen Nuo and he walk out from the dining area one after the other, heading toward a quiet corner near the floor-to-ceiling windows on the side of the hall.

However, there are already people here, and one of them, facing him directly, is an acquaintance of Chen Nuo.

Charlize Theron is stunned for a moment when she sees him walking over with Philip, and she whispers a few words to the grey-haired man in front of her.

The man then turns his head to look, offers a polite smile to Chen Nuo and his companion, and then leaves in the other direction with Charlize Theron.

Philip Gabriel stands by the window and smiles, "Have you seen *The Descendants*?"

Chen Nuo shrugs and says, "No."

"George may have delivered the best performance of his acting career. I like it very much. From what I understand, he is very likely to win this time," Philip Gabriel says in a low voice. "Don't tell anyone."

Chen Nuo laughs, "Rest assured, I won't tell a soul. When I have time, I'll definitely buy a DVD to watch it."

"I also liked your performance in *Inception* just as much. It is a great work. You and Director Nolan created it together. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Philip. I'm glad you said that."

"In fact, your snub should just be an accident. After it happened, I talked to several association members. I don't think they had any intention of discriminating based on skin color or nationality," Philip says solemnly. "The reports in the media are all absurd lies. I hope you understand that."

"Mm, I understand."

Philip looks at his expression and says, "I can say this privately, at least," he lowers his voice again, "this will absolutely never happen to you."

Chen Nuo is stunned for a moment and re-evaluates this President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association he is meeting for the first time. The Englishman maintains a gentle smile on his face, looking at him candidly.

Chen Nuo smiles and says, "Philip, I must say I'm surprised."

"It's true. I don't even know what those media reporters are thinking these days." Philip spreads his hands. "I used to be a reporter, too, and worked at *The Daily Telegraph* for many years. But I couldn't make up such outrageous news. I never expected that these Americans would actually believe it. Of course, there is racial discrimination in Hollywood, against African Americans and Asian Americans, but isn't it unimaginable to discuss such racial discrimination happening to you? Really, if I were an ordinary reader, I would rather believe that Will Smith was discriminated against than think you would have that possibility. But now that things have blown up so much, I really find it hard to believe."

Chen Nuo coughs.

Of course, he cannot confess that Warner and Alison are the ones behind this, but he also knows that this person might not be unaware. Saying this might also be hinting at something.

He immediately agrees, "I also find it hard to understand. I still remember how excited I was four years ago when I found out in China that I had won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. I definitely have an unforgettable bond with the Golden Globes, and I absolutely respect the voting choices of the Foreign Press Association."

Philip asks, "Really? Chen, do you really think so?"

Chen Nuo nods solemnly, "Of course."

Philip nods and says, "Then how about you host this year's Golden Globes?"

There was no warning before this old man's sentence. Chen Nuo doesn't dare believe his ears, blinks, and asks, "What?"

Philip smiles, "Chen, you must have seen from the media that we haven't decided on a host yet. Ricky has hosted for two consecutive years, and his remarks last year caused dissatisfaction among many people, so he doesn't really want to host a third time. When we contacted him this time, he recommended you to us. That was in November, and we didn't know if you would be nominated, so we decided to wait and see. As a result, it has been delayed until today."

Chen Nuo knows that the Ricky Philip is talking about is Ricky Gervais, the most famous comedian and stand-up comedian in the UK, who has won Golden Globes and Emmys many times and was voted the third greatest stand-up comedian in the world last year.

This person's jokes have always been sharp and dark. When he hosted the Golden Globes for the second time last year, he caused an even bigger scene.

He called Mel Gibson anti-Semitic, said Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie had an affair, said Robert Downey Jr. had used drugs, and said Bruce Willis only made bad movies. It can be said that he offended all these top stars who were nominated.

Most importantly, this person even said openly at the Golden Globes, half-truthfully and half-jokingly, that the Foreign Press Association took money to nominate Depp and Jolie's *The Tourist* for Best Picture.

Afterwards, it was rumored that Philip Gabriel was dissatisfied with him. Now it seems that all the rumors in this world have a reason.

Outside the window are the brightly sunlit Beverly Hills, and inside the room, it is still noisy. Under the crystal chandeliers, actresses are dressed in finery, actors are in suits and ties, and the entire banquet hall is filled with an exquisite and restrained atmosphere of vanity.

Chen Nuo doesn't know for a moment whether this sudden invitation is beneficial or detrimental to him, so he doesn't speak.

Seeing this, Philip continues, "There are still 25 days until the Golden Globes. This is very short for the Oscars, but you know, our style is different from the Oscars. In previous years, it was only one month in advance. 25 days, I think it's enough for you."

"Here, I repeat, as the President of the HFPA (Foreign Press Association), I sincerely invite you to host the 69th Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Chen, I believe this is an extraordinary event for both you and us."

Chen Nuo looks at him, then slowly nods and says, "I know, Philip. Thank you very much for your invitation. It is my honor. However, I have to consider it. Philip, this is a big deal. I hadn't thought about it at all before, and I must discuss it with my team."

Philip smiles, "Of course, you should consider it carefully. This is my business card. It has my private phone number on it, open to you 24 hours a day. If you have any questions, you can come and ask me. I am really, really looking forward to the Golden Globes hosted by you. This thought started on February 27th of last year."

February 27, 2011, was the day of the Oscar ceremony. This old man remembers it so clearly; he was definitely prepared.

After Philip gives him the gold-stamped business card, he shakes hands and hugs him to say goodbye. Chen Nuo is just about to return to his seat to continue eating when suddenly, a tall and handsome male star walks straight toward him.

This action immediately attracts the attention of almost everyone in this corner of the restaurant.

Chen Nuo stands where he is. He had actually noticed Brad Pitt a long time ago. Seeing the other party walk directly to him and extend his hand without saying a word, he has no choice but to reach out and shake it.

Fortunately, Pitt isn't hiding any blood-sealing poison needles in his hand to deal with him, the adulterer.

Mr. Pitt looks around, turns around, stands with his back to the crowd, and says in a low voice, "Chen, I wanted to talk to you a long time ago, but there has never been a suitable opportunity. Although it's not very suitable now, I think there shouldn't be a better opportunity than this."

Chen Nuo doesn't have much expression on his face and says, "Actually, just one phone call, and I'd be happy to talk to you, anytime, anywhere."

"Thank you. But I think right here is enough. What I want to say is actually very simple. Jolie and I are planning to announce our engagement next April... Do you know about this?"

"I don't. Congratulations. What do you want to say?"

"Excuse me, I want to say, please keep a proper distance from my fiancée in the future. Also, please tell Luo Rui Eisner to stop contacting Angie in the future. I know she is still sending her some text messages. I know what kind of relationship they had before, and this makes me very uncomfortable. I understand that Angie's past may have had some fragile situations that led her to go down the wrong path, but now I am helping her get back on track, and I don't want anyone to interfere with this process. You know you and Luo Rui Eisner are good friends, so please make it clear to her. Let her let go."

Chen Nuo says, "Let me be clear, is this your intention, or Angie's?"

Brad Pitt says, "Is there a difference? Hey, listen, I'm not discussing this with you; I'm notifying you. I will soon be Angie's fiancé, and I am helping her deal with some troubles from before, such as Luo Rui Eisner. To be honest, I didn't want to say it so harshly, but you forced me to."

Chen Nuo looks into Mr. Pitt's eyes, raises the corner of his mouth, reveals a bland smile, and says softly, "Brad, thank you for your honesty. Regarding this matter, I can answer you on behalf of Luo Rui. If what you just said is Angie's intention, then please let her tell Luo Rui herself. But if it's your intention..."

"I have one sentence for you: fuck yourself."

Mr. Pitt obviously didn't expect him to curse so unprofessionally. He is stunned for a moment, then his face turns bright red, and a thick vein bulges on his neck.

Chen Nuo looks at the bulging vein under Mr. Pitt's blonde hair, then looks down at his clenched fists, chuckles, and says, "That's how it is. I advise you, if I were you, I definitely wouldn't think about making a move."

Afterwards, he takes a step back with his legs, but his upper body is closer to Mr. Pitt, lowers his voice, and says slowly and clearly, "Otherwise, I promise you, if there is a *Fight Club 2*, then you won't be able to play the boxer again. The only role suitable for you will be the punching bag in it."

After speaking, Chen Nuo is truly prepared to fight.

Mainly because of this person—it would be one thing if he were talking about him; after all, he was indeed wrong to cuckold someone. If there were any real evidence, he would admit defeat. But Mr. Pitt shouldn't have mentioned Luo Rui Eisner.

What is his relationship with Luo Rui?

When filming *Inception*, he would fight and play with those stunt actors every day and learned a few essentials of modern combat. At this moment, as long as Pitt's shoulder moved, he had already made up his mind. Although he would definitely be on the front page of all the world's newspapers the next day, he would also use the kick to the crotch he used to deal with Zhang Yiyi to strike first. But in the end, Chen Nuo doesn't know what it was about him that made Mr. Pitt hesitate—was it the illustrious reputation of Chinese Kung Fu? The latest label of an action actor? Or did he feel the crisis in his crotch? Or was he just a coward who was strong on the outside but weak on the inside?

In short, Mr. Brad Pitt was angry for a long time, but still did nothing and turned away.

"What did he say to you?" Just as Brad Pitt left, Charlize Theron appeared from nowhere, holding a cocktail, walked to his side as if nothing had happened, and asked with a hint of curiosity.

"What does it have to do with you?" Chen Nuo says irritably.

If you don't say that the fastest and most direct way to get close to the relationship between two people is to have sex, after filming for a few months, it's not as good as sleeping together twice to make the two people quickly familiar with each other.

Theron doesn't care about Chen Nuo's tone at all, or perhaps she is used to it, and sighs to herself, "I just didn't expect that you have such a good relationship with both of them... Damn, can you believe it? I was actually nominated for a Golden Globe? I only filmed for 30 days! God, the movie I filmed for more than 3 months feels like it disappeared. The one I filmed for 30 days gave me a Golden Globe nomination. God really knows how to joke."

That's right, Theron, like Leonardo, after filming *Drop*, went to film a low-budget comedy *Young Adult* in May this year because she was really short of money.

When it was released on December 9th some time ago, not only had the millions in salary she received been lost, but the final first-week box office of the movie was only 3 million. Experts predicted that the North American box office would only be between 10 million and 12 million. It can be said that the results were a mess. Coming to find him that night, it felt like there was a sense of self-abandonment in it.

But no one expected that such a trashy movie would actually give her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy the day after she borrowed alcohol to drown her sorrows!

Chen Nuo looks at Brad Pitt's back, seeing him greeting people gracefully all the way, and finally taking a drink at the far end of the restaurant, drinking while joining a circle to chat. He couldn't help but feel relieved for Luo Rui in his heart. This person really came alone, and what he said just now was probably his personal intention.

He says casually, "Congratulations. How is it? Do you feel like you can win the award?"

"How is that possible! Paramount isn't generous enough to that extent. It's already the limit for me to have a nomination. I think Cate and Jodie Foster have a great chance, but Michelle is also possible." Theron takes a sip of wine and continues, "Do you know when our movie will be released? Why is there no news at all? What on earth is the director doing?"

Chen Nuo says, "Attending a funeral."

Charlize Theron opens her mouth wide: "Ah?"

Chen Nuo says blandly, "Go back and check the news, just last week. Alright, if there's nothing else, I'm going over."

"You... shit, can't you say anything more?"

"So many people, what do you want me to say?"

"... Are you free tonight?"

"No, I have a meeting."

"Fuck, how about another time? I really want to celebrate."

"We'll see, contact me by phone. I'm going over."

Chen Nuo says goodbye to Theron. On the way back to the table, his eyes scan the room, but the Asian girl he saw before doesn't know where she went; he doesn't see her again.

Afterwards, the luncheon officially enters the free social time.

Except for old friends he already knew well, such as Martin Scorsese and Kate Winslet, in the next two hours, Chen Nuo also met several new faces, such as Jodie Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Woody Allen—these are either veteran generals or rising stars. Although it was just a few words of greeting, in Hollywood, this kind of "nodding acquaintance" is enough to be regarded as the starting point of a relationship.

This awards season, "Meryl" Meryl Streep also returned strongly with her new work—a biopic about Margaret Thatcher, *The Iron Lady*. She missed the entire awards season last year, but this year she is in full swing, especially with high acclaim for Best Actress in a Drama.

This is also the first time Chen Nuo has had a long face-to-face talk with Meryl in a public social occasion. The two talked for half an hour and were very congenial. If it weren't for Meryl's husband waiting on the side, they would probably have talked even longer.

At first, Chen Nuo just went up to flatter her out of politeness, but he didn't expect Meryl to be quite interested in him, so they started talking. The two exchanged ideas about acting, and by the end, both had gained something. Although his technique is far inferior to hers, his understanding and intuition about some acting also made Meryl nod in agreement.

When he asked half-flatteringly and half-seriously, "How to become an evergreen in the film industry," Meryl's answer was almost identical to what Quentin and Li Er had said—for an actor, the most important thing is to settle down and hide one's name in life. After staying under the spotlight for too long, people's eyes will really be dazzled, and they won't be able to see the human world in reality, and thus won't be able to act well.

Before the event was nearing its end, Chen Nuo did not accept any media interviews, nor did he stop for people to take pictures. He avoided the media cameras all the way, and before the nominee group photo started at 2:00 PM, he quietly greeted Nolan and Leonardo, and then secretly slipped out of the venue.

This behavior surprised Alison after she met up with him, because it completely deviated from their original promotional plan.

But when she heard Chen Nuo mention Philip Gabriel's sudden invitation, she suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. Then what do you think?"

Chen Nuo says calmly, "I want to hear your opinion."

As he speaks, he turns his head to look at Guli Nazha, who is sitting on the side with a look of wanting to speak but stopping, "You can also say something."

Guli Nazha is surprised, "Me?"

"Mm, I see you want to say something, don't you? Say it."

Guli Nazha doesn't hesitate at all and says directly, "I think, you should go."

"Oh? Why?"

"Because it's very cool."

"Mm?"

Guli Nazha really likes watching Chen Nuo as a host, always feeling that there is a charm different from reality and different from outside the movie, but she blurted out her inner thoughts and is a little embarrassed, so she quickly makes up for it: "Many people on the internet say so."

Chen Nuo is truly immune to such talk about whether he is cool or not. Take Mr. Pitt, who almost fought with him earlier; wasn't that square face always praised crazily by the Western media? Not to mention Leonardo and the others. Appearance, in this Hollywood or the vanity fair of the domestic entertainment industry, is important if you say it's important, but if you say it's not important, it's not important. Because when you reach a certain height, looking around, you will find that everyone is the same, nothing more than the difference between 100 points and 95 points.

So he doesn't take Guli Nazha's words to heart and turns to ask, "Alison, what's your opinion?"

Guli Nazha pouts slightly with very small movements, thinking to herself, asking people to speak, but not listening after they speak, then what do you ask me to say.

Alison ponders and says, "In this case, it doesn't match our original plan. Originally, we were prepared to incite the media, hype up the unfairness of the Golden Globes, and put pressure on those people in the Academy. If you agree to Philip, then this path cannot be taken. As a result, the Oscar nomination might just have to be left to fate. None of us can guarantee that every movie of yours is an Oscar-level movie. Missing this time, maybe the next movie you can be nominated for will be 3 or 5 years later. This might delay the time you get the Oscar for Best Actor in the future, which is an unfavorable influence on your acting career."

"However, on the other hand, hosting the Oscars and the Golden Globes one after another will undoubtedly further enhance your weight in the entire industry. Although the global influence of the Golden Globes is not as good as the Oscars, its ratings in North America usually remain between 18 million and 20 million. This level of stage exposure is extremely beneficial to your image in the United States. This can help you move from 'a star' to 'some kind of symbol', promoting you to get closer and closer to a superstar who is a household name in every North American family, becoming a big shot who has influence in all aspects."

After a long speech, Alison doesn't stop there or give an answer of "both are fine, you decide in the end," which makes Chen Nuo feel that the decision to give a raise was really correct.

Alison continues, "But as for me, I am more inclined for you to choose the second one."

Chen Nuo asks with great interest, "Why?"

Alison smiles and says, "Because it's very cool."

"Haha." Guli Nazha laughs out loud all of a sudden.

Chen Nuo shakes his head with a bitter smile, "Don't joke."

Alison becomes serious and says, "As a public relations professional, I think that in all promotional and public relations activities, the most important thing is always image. Having a good, widely disseminated public image makes it easier to be accepted and loved by the media, brands, the public, and even the judges of various awards."

"It can be said that the establishment of this image is the foundation of all success."

"It allows a person to gain influence beyond the professional scope in the entire industry, and it also allows a person to be smoother and flatter when facing any project or any opportunity."

"Chen, you are already on the right path now, so why not continue walking on it? I think, compared to a nomination, this might be more important."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 452 =====