Chapter 451: The Golden Globe Invitation

Philip Gabriel is British and the typical Western journalist type, dressed in a gray-blue suit, white shirt, and dark tie, with exquisite French cuffs peeking from his sleeves; his hair is graying but meticulously groomed.

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

However, there were already people there, and one of them, facing him directly, was an acquaintance of Chen Nuo.

Charlize Theron was stunned for a moment when she saw him walking over with Philip, and she whispered a few words to the gray-haired man in front of her.

Afterward, the man turned his head to look, gave Chen Nuo and his companion a polite smile, and then left with Charlize Theron in another direction.

Philip Gabriel stood by the window and smiled, "Have you seen *The Descendants*?"

Chen Nuo shrugged and said, "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 an award this time," Philip Gabriel said in a low voice, "Don't tell anyone."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. When I have time, I will definitely buy a DVD to watch it."

"I also like 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 failure to be nominated should just be an accident. After it happened, I talked to several association members, and I think none of them had any intention of discriminating based on skin color or nationality," Philip said solemnly, "The reports in the media are all absurd lies. I hope you understand this."

"Mm, I understand."

Philip looked at his expression and said, "I can say this privately, at least," he lowered his voice again, "this would absolutely never happen to you."

Chen Nuo was stunned for a moment and re-examined this president of the Foreign Press Association whom he was meeting for the first time. The Briton maintained a gentle smile on his face and looked at him calmly.

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "Philip, I must say I am surprised."

"It's true. I don't even know what those media reporters are thinking these days." Philip spread his hands, "I used to be a reporter too, and I worked at *The Daily Telegraph* for many years. But I couldn't make up such outrageous news. What I didn't expect even more is that these Americans would actually believe it. Of course, Hollywood has racial discrimination against Africans and Asians, but isn't it hard to imagine such racial discrimination happening to you? Really, if I were an ordinary reader, I would rather believe Will Smith was discriminated against than think you would have that possibility. But now that things have blown up so big, I really find it very hard to believe."

Chen Nuo coughed.

Of course, he couldn't confess that Warner and Alison were the ones behind this, but he also knew that this person might not be unaware. Saying it this way might also be hinting at something.

He immediately echoed, "I also find it hard to understand. I still remember how excited I was 4 years ago when I found out in China that I had won the Golden Globe Award 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 asked, "Really? Chen, do you really think so?"

Chen Nuo nodded solemnly and said, "Of course."

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

There was no warning before this sentence from the old man. Chen Nuo couldn't believe his ears; he blinked and asked, "What?"

Philip smiled, "Chen, you should 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 didn'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 knew that the Ricky in Philip's mouth was Ricky Gervais, the most famous comedian and talk show host in the UK, who had won multiple Golden Globes and Emmys, and was voted the third greatest stand-up comedian last year.

This person's jokes have always been mainly sharp and dark, and last year, when he hosted the Golden Globes for the second time, he caused a huge 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 could be said that he offended all the top stars who were nominated.

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

Afterward, 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 were the brightly sunlit Beverly Hills, and the room was still noisy. Under the crystal lamps, actresses were dressed in finery, actors were in suits and leather shoes, and the entire banquet hall was filled with an exquisite and restrained air of vanity.

Chen Nuo didn't know for a moment whether the sudden invitation was beneficial or detrimental to him, so he didn't speak.

Seeing this, Philip continued, "There are 25 days left 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 be the host of the 69th Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Chen, I believe this is an extraordinary event for both you and us."

Chen Nuo looked at him, then nodded slowly and said, "I see, 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 smiled, "Of course, you should consider it carefully. This is my business card, which has my private phone number on it, open to you 24 hours a day. If you have any questions, you can 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 remembered it so clearly; he was definitely prepared.

After Philip gave him the gold-stamped business card, he shook hands and hugged him to say goodbye. Chen Nuo was just about to return to his seat to continue eating when suddenly, a tall and handsome male star walked straight toward him.

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

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

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

Mr. Pitt looked back at the surroundings, turned around, stood with his back to the crowd, and said in a low voice, "Chen, I have wanted to talk to you for a long time, but there has never been a suitable opportunity. Although it is not very suitable now, I think there should be no better opportunity than this."

Chen Nuo didn't have much expression on his face and said, "Actually, just a phone call is enough. I'm happy to talk to you anytime, anywhere."

"Thanks. 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, and I know what their relationship was before, which makes me very uncomfortable. I understand that Angie's past may have had some fragile situations that led her to take 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 said, "Let me be clear, is this your meaning, or Angie's meaning?"

Brad Pitt said, "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 previous troubles, such as Luo Rui Eisner. To be honest, I didn't want to say it so harshly, but you forced me to."

Chen Nuo looked into Mr. Pitt's eyes, curled his lips, showed a bland smile, and said 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 meaning, then please let her tell Luo Rui personally. But if it is your meaning..."

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

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

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

Afterward, he took a step back with his legs, but his upper body moved closer to Mr. Pitt, and he lowered his voice, saying slowly and clearly, "Otherwise, I promise you, if there is a *Fight Club* 2, you won't be able to play the boxer again. The only role suitable for you will be the punching bag inside."

After saying that, Chen Nuo was truly prepared for a fight.

It was mainly this person—it would be one thing if he just talked about him; after all, he was indeed in the wrong for cuckolding someone. If there was any real evidence, he would admit it. But Mr. Pitt shouldn't have talked about Luo Rui Eisner.

What kind of relationship did he have with Luo Rui?

When filming *Inception*, he played around with those stuntmen every day and learned a few tricks of modern fighting. At this moment, as soon as Pitt's shoulder moved, he had already made up his mind—even though he would be on the front page of every newspaper in the world the next day, he would use the groin-kicking technique he used to deal with Zhang Yi to strike first. But in the end, Chen Nuo didn'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 the fear of a 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 he didn't do anything and turned to leave.

"What did he say to you?" As soon 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 said unhappily.

If one were to say that the fastest and most direct way to get close to each other is to have sex, then after filming for a few months, it wasn't as effective as sleeping together twice to make the two quickly familiar with each other.

Theron didn't care about Chen Nuo's tone at all, or perhaps she was used to it, and sighed 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 was the multi-million dollar salary she received lost, but the film's opening weekend box office was only 3 million, and experts predicted that the North American box office would only be between 10 million and 12 million. It could be said that the results were a mess. Coming to find him that night, it felt like there was a sense of self-abandonment.

But no one expected that such a garbage movie would 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 looked at Brad Pitt's back, seeing him greeting people gracefully all the way, and finally taking a glass of wine at the far end of the restaurant, drinking while joining a circle to chat. He couldn't help but feel relieved for Luo Rui. This person really came alone, and what he said just now was likely his personal opinion.

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

"How is that possible! Paramount is not generous to that extent. Having a nomination is already the limit. I think Kate and Jodie Foster have a great chance, but Michelle is also possible." Theron took a sip of wine and continued, "Do you know when our movie will be released? Why is there no news at all? What exactly is the director doing?"

Chen Nuo said, "Attending a funeral."

Charlize Theron opened her mouth wide: "Ah?"

Chen Nuo said lightly, "Go back and check the news, just from last week. Alright, nothing else, I'm going over there."

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

"With 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 said goodbye to Theron. On the way back to the table, his eyes scanned the room, but the Asian girl he saw earlier didn't know where she had gone; he didn't see her again.

Afterward, the luncheon officially entered the free social time.

In addition to old friends he was already familiar with, 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 were either veteran experts or rising stars. Although it was just a few words of greeting, in Hollywood, this kind of "nodding acquaintance" was 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*. Last year she was absent from the entire awards season, but this year she was in high spirits, especially in the Best Actress in a Drama category, where there was a high voice of support.

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

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

When he asked half-complimentingly 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 live in anonymity in life. After staying in the spotlight for too long, one's eyes will really be dazzled, unable to see the human world in reality, and thus unable to act well.

Before the event drew to a close, Chen Nuo did not accept any interviews from reporters, nor did he stop for people to take pictures. He avoided the media lenses all the way, and before the nominee group photo started at 2:00 PM, he quietly said hello to Nolan and Leonardo, and then slipped out of the venue.

This behavior surprised Alison quite a bit after she met up with him, because it completely deviated from their original publicity 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 said calmly, "I want to hear your opinion."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at Gulinazha, who was sitting on the side with a look of wanting to say something, "You can say it too."

Gulinazha looked surprised, "Me?"

"Mm, I see you want to say something, don't you? Go ahead."

Gulinazha didn't hesitate at all and said directly, "I think, you should go."

"Oh? Why?"

"Because it's very handsome."

"Mm?"

Gulinazha really liked watching Chen Nuo as a host; she always felt he had a charm different from reality and different from his movies. But having blurted out her true feelings, she was a little embarrassed and quickly added, "Many people on the internet say so."

Chen Nuo was truly immune to such talk about whether he was handsome or not. Take Mr. Pitt, who almost got into a fight with him earlier—wasn't that square face always praised crazily by the Western media? Not to mention the likes of Leonardo. Looks, in this Hollywood or the entertainment industry, are important if you say they are, but they are not important if you say they aren't. Because when you reach a certain height, you will find that everyone is the same, nothing more than the difference between 100 points and 95 points.

So he didn't take Gulinazha's words to heart and turned to ask, "Alison, what is your opinion?"

Gulinazha pouted slightly, thinking to herself, you asked me to speak, but you didn't listen after I said it, so why ask me to speak.

Alison pondered and said, "In that 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 have to be left to fate. None of us can guarantee that every one of your movies is an Oscar-level movie. Missing this time, perhaps the next movie you can be nominated for will be 3 or 5 years later. This may 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 both the Oscars and the Golden Globes will undoubtedly further increase your weight within the entire industry. Although the Golden Globes do not have the same global influence as the Oscars, their viewership in North America usually stays between 18 million and 20 million. This level of stage exposure is extremely beneficial to your image in the United States. It can help you move from being 'a star' toward 'a certain icon,' facilitating your progress toward becoming a household-name superstar in North American families, and becoming a big shot with influence in every aspect."

After this long-winded speech, Allison did not stop there, nor did she give an answer like "both are fine, it's up to you in the end," which made Chen Nuo feel that the decision to give her a raise was truly the right one.

Allison continued: "But for me, I am more inclined for you to choose the second option."

Chen Nuo asked with great interest: "Why?"

Allison smiled and said: "Because it's cool."

"Haha." Gulinazha burst into laughter.

Chen Nuo shook his head with a wry smile and said: "Don't joke."

Allison turned serious and said: "As a public relations professional, I believe that in all promotional and public relations activities, the most important thing is always image. Only by having a good, widely disseminated public image can one be more easily accepted and liked by the media, brands, the public, and even the judges of various awards."

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

"It allows a person to gain influence in the entire industry that exceeds their professional scope, and it also allows a person to face any project or any opportunity more smoothly and easily."

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

(End of this chapter)