Chapter 591: The Oscars

Although only two days had passed, the mainland film and entertainment circles seemed to have undergone earth-shattering changes.

The reason lay in Lin Nan's decisive sweep of four major awards at the Golden Globe Awards ceremony with the film "Manchester by the Sea."

Although the Golden Globe for Best Director is a top-tier award, for the film industry, the vast majority of people care far more about the other three trophies.

This is simply because the number of actors in the film industry is countless times greater than the number of great directors!

And a great director who can simultaneously crown a Golden Globe Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor with a single film is the true delicacy in the hearts of countless industry actors, the director among directors! Lin Nan perfectly meets all these conditions.

Approaching eleven o'clock in the morning, the Capital Airport was, as always, packed with a sea of people.

When a group of nearly twenty people disembarked from the plane and gathered to one side, they truly attracted the attention of a large crowd of travelers, causing many to stop and watch.

Liu Liu Yifei was undoubtedly the most dazzling presence in the crowd; from the moment she was recognized, nearly a hundred raised mobile phones greeted everyone.

"Back then, every time we returned from film festivals abroad, the most eye-catching person in the group was Gong Li. Hmm, just like Liu Yifei is now."

Zhang Zhang Yimou, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, smiled nostalgically in front of Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei.

"Sister Gong Li's temperament is indeed unparalleled; Liu Yifei still has a long way to go."

Lin Nan held Liu Liu Yifei's hand and offered a modest remark. Miss Liu had a big heart too, nodding with a smile.

"Let's go; the media reporters outside are enough to give you two a hard time. I probably won't escape either, hehe..."

As Zhang Zhang Yimou spoke, he took the lead and walked ahead; Lin Nan and the other quickly followed. A group of assistants and bodyguards walked around them, surrounding the three in the middle.

The temperature in Beijing in January was relatively low; the sun overhead seemed to have no warmth at all, and places where sunlight couldn't reach were always chillingly cold.

Yet even so, the media reporters and paparazzi stationed outside the airport would not slack off in the slightest.

Because the silhouette of some star or big shot could appear before the lens at any moment, and these were their performance records and bonuses.

"Liu Liu Yifei?"

"Are you having hallucinations? Hmm... it really is Liu Liu Yifei! That down jacket... oh my, poor Lin Dao!"

"And Director Zhang Zhang Yimou? Why are they together?"

"What nonsense? The 'The Great Wall' crew is training in Hollywood, of course they could return to the country together."

"Stop talking nonsense, hurry, this is big material, Golden Globes and Oscars..."

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei had never imagined they could avoid the reporters; these people's eyes were too sharp.

Well, Lin Dao Da also had self-awareness; there was absolutely a reason for this outfit—it was too "eye-catching."

The two's looks and temperament were already very bright and ethereal; combined with the "alternative contrast" of this outfit, wasn't it simply "abnormally conspicuous"?

After all, Miss Liu Liu Yifei's "eye" for choosing clothes was universally recognized and famous in the industry—relying entirely on her face and temperament to hold it up!

When a group of reporters was about to swarm over, the bodyguards immediately blocked the way forward.

"Let's go to the side."

Lin Nan spoke while holding Liu Liu Yifei's hand, and Zhang Zhang Yimou also came over.

Seeing that the three did not refuse, the media reporters immediately showed smiling faces.

"Lin Dao, first of all, congratulations on winning the Golden Globe for Best Director; 'Manchester by the Sea' won four major awards.

Regarding the invitations from several major film industry associations, what is your stance? Everyone knows you withdrew from the Film Association in September 2009."

A quite sharp question! That was Lin Nan's first reaction.

Liu Liu Yifei glanced at him and said nothing; Zhang Zhang Yimou merely smiled and also remained silent.

"Hmm... is there any filmmaker in the association who seems to have absolutely no influence on the industry? Whether the industry has an association or not seems to make no difference either.

Also, previously joining the Film Association was strongly urged by my school teachers, but since I have already withdrawn, I will not retrace my steps.

As for those associations I never joined, I will give a formal and unified reply here: Thanks for the invitation, but no need."

Lin Nan's answer left a group of reporters speechless. Was it necessary to be so fierce? A direct face-slap and refusal! You were just short of saying outright that the association was an dispensable institution!

"Director Zhang, about how long until 'The Great Wall' starts filming?"

"That's hard to say, but it will definitely be after the Lunar New Year. I can only say that much."

"Liu Yifei, are you satisfied with the first pre-wedding gift Lin Dao gave you?"

"Mm-hmm, very satisfied; I am still looking forward to the ones coming later."

"Congratulations, Lin Dao; congratulations, Liu Yifei. Regarding both 'Manchester by the Sea' and 'Interstellar' receiving Academy Award nominations, what are your thoughts? When you go to attend the awards ceremony, will you have to go separately?"

This question left the three momentarily stunned.

"The nomination list is out?" Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei asked in unison.

Only then did the group of reporters realize belatedly: so when the Oscars announced the shortlist, you were already on the plane?!

After getting into the airport pickup car, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei hurriedly began checking the news. "The nomination list really is out!"

"The 87th Academy Awards officially announced the nomination list for various awards at 3:30 AM Capital Time."

"Written, directed, and produced by Lin Dao Nan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, and others.

The film 'Manchester by the Sea' is nominated for this year's Academy Awards:

Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor—six nomination awards, identical to the Golden Globe nominations!"

"Starring Liu Liu Yifei, directed by Christopher Nolan, the film 'Interstellar' is nominated for five technical major awards: Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects! At that time, Liu Liu Yifei will accompany the crew to the Oscars red carpet..."

"Starring Wallace Chung and Tang Yan, the TV series 'He Is Not Lonely' has been airing for five days, with viewership ranking in the top four nationwide for its time slot, and receiving rave reviews..."

Inside the car, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei exchanged a smile.

"Now, there is plenty to look forward to!"

"Hmph, this time I won't be with you; I have my own crew." Miss Liu proudly acted spoiled with a smug air.

"Fine, we'll split up then. But for now, we need to head home and fill our stomachs."

"Mom hasn't come back yet; I'm starting to miss the food she makes." Liu Liu Yifei smacked her lips.

Liu Liu Xiaoli had truly become a hands-off manager ever since her daughter got engaged!

"She should be back soon. She wouldn't spend Chinese New Year in her hometown alone, would she?"

At this, Lin Nan suddenly froze, and Liu Liu Yifei realized it too.

This New Year's Eve, the two of them might actually spend it in Berlin.

Because the Berlin Film Festival's closing ceremony was just three days before New Year's Eve, and after the ceremony ended, Lin Nan still had to handle copyright deals, which could take several days.

…………

In the afternoon, online news was incredibly lively.

Lin Nan's ruthless response had thoroughly slapped the faces of several major film industry associations, leaving them not a shred of face.

"Sigh, they truly deserve it. The Golden Globes were already four major awards; then there's Berlin, and just now, six Oscar nominations..."

"If Lin Nan makes it through this round... heh, the associations' faces will truly be trampled underfoot. Still claiming to represent the industry's mainstream? If they can't even absorb the industry's vanguard, how can they be mainstream?"

Beside La La Peikang sat in the office, cursing and grumbling.

He and Han Han Sanping hoped "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" would participate in the Golden Rooster Awards; that was just a side benefit, for the sake of political achievements.

But the associations were different; that was a dead mission imposed from above! If Lin Nan didn't nod, those guys would probably worry themselves to death!

Moreover, they didn't have certain "advantages" like China Film Group; it was their last resort!

"Chairman La, the associations are trying to find a way out for themselves, aren't they? They've already been testing the waters to show goodwill and soften their stance, but Lin Dao won't buy it. It seems he intends to cut off all contact forever."

The secretary said from the side; a call had just come in hoping for a mediator to reconcile.

Because Director Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang completely ignored the associations, Chairman Li Li Xuejian was merely a figurehead, and even he listened to Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang. Beijing Film Academy pushed the responsibility onto others, explicitly stating they respected Lin Dao's wishes.

Under these circumstances, the council members who actually held power and managed affairs could only sit and worry.

Beside La La Peikang rubbed his eyes and said, "Tell them we have no way out either. Let them wait to die."

The secretary smiled; that last sentence definitely could not be conveyed.

…………

It was true that since Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei returned to the country, this group of "fair-weather friends" in the circle called every ten minutes, with each call lasting ten minutes; the two of them were busy to death.

Miss Liu was on the phone on one side while fiddling with her collection on the other.

The new Golden Globe trophy, having just been won, naturally occupied the most conspicuous position.

"Sister Xun, you really know how to talk. I'm supposed to blow your pillow wind? At your level, can pillow wind settle things? It depends on the script and the role; if it fits, he'll seek you out himself. Do you think this is playing house?"

"Oh ho, our Producer Liu understands these things too? Tsk tsk, not easy! Looks like Lin Dao has trained you well over the years. Hehehe..."

"You're a woman, how can you be so perverted?" Liu Liu Yifei was "angered" by Zhou Xun's tone.

"Sister is just a female hooligan; what, did you just find out? Haha..."

……

Watching Liu Liu Yifei take photos with her phone and post on Weibo, Lin Nan didn't disturb her; instead, he took the call and walked out to the lawn in the courtyard.

"Is there anything that can't wait until I go to the company tomorrow? Why call now?"

"Lin Dao, it's not that I want to disturb your rest. It's just that the news of your return this morning has already spread. Just now, Alibaba Pictures sent an invitation, specifically naming you."

"What do they want me for?" Lin Nan asked instinctively.

"Alibaba Pictures is holding a large-scale project launch conference tomorrow for the first film they control, invest in, and produce themselves. They have already invited half the film industry's filmmakers and actor stars."

"You just returned from Hollywood, are a top director in the circle, and just won four major Golden Globe awards; you're at the peak of your fame! Of course they'd come running to invite you. Lin Dao, what do you say? Hehe..."

Lin Nan couldn't help but smile; when had this guy Yue Jun learned to flatter? But it did sound true; no fault in it!

Immediately, he complained, "It's really rich people being frivolous. Just a single film, yet they hold a 'large-scale project launch conference'?!"

"What film is it? Let me hear."

"I think it's called 'The Lighthouse Keeper' or something?"

…………

(End of Chapter)