Chapter 905

Inside the dressing room, the breathing of the three became a bit rapid, especially Liu Yifei's.

You have to know that according to the convention of A-list film festivals, the selection and invitation of award presenters is also a great art.

This process often follows a certain trajectory: either they are the winners of major awards from previous years, or they are big-name guests who have had interactions with the winners; in addition, the simplest and most direct arrangement is for the jury members to present the awards themselves.

And Teacher Gong Li, she has already been a Best Actress for 25 years; even if she served as the president of the main competition jury of the Venice Film Festival back then, that was 15 years ago—still a long time ago.

So...

Lin Nan snapped his fingers, and the laughter burst the invisible bubbles on the heads of Liu Yifei and the other two:

"Hey, stop daydreaming, and stop letting your imagination run wild. Otherwise, it's easy to hurt your spirit, and even easier to lose your composure.

Although I know that some people are made of iron from the inside out, I still don't want this kind of thing to happen. Because even an iron man is still a human, and it's hard to avoid feeling emotionally down."

"Eww~~ Lin Dao, you're really cheesy." Zhou Xun reacted the fastest and instantly changed the subject.

Immediately after, it was Watching Shu Chang, "Hmm, that's right, I've got goosebumps. Besides, I inexplicably remembered someone's acceptance speech from 8 years ago, right here, it was even cheesier back then."

"You underestimate me too much, you know, I've always had a calm mind that doesn't rejoice in external things or grieve for personal gains, possessing a strong self-regulation ability..."

"That's how it's said, your heart is indeed very strong! But... for the first meal after returning to China, I still want to order old duck soup. The two are not contradictory."

Lin Nan interrupted Liu Yifei's arrogant speech and began to be "sarcastic."

"Do you believe I'll turn you into soup?" Sure enough, there is a telepathic connection between husband and wife, Liu Yifei immediately retorted. In the mirror, her eyes were sharp, without a knife.

And Zhou Xun and Watching Shu Chang only reacted after two seconds, but they couldn't laugh because the makeup artist was already helping them apply lipstick and draw eyebrows.

The afternoon time was passing second by second, and the atmosphere of the Venice Film Festival was also pushing to the climax bit by bit.

Many foreign media and domestic reporters gathered together and came to knock on the door of the 'Marriage Story' crew, but Lin Nan refused to accept interviews before the awards ceremony.

Because the four of them didn't want to be disturbed at all, and needed to recharge their batteries for the closing ceremony red carpet, awards ceremony, and gala that would last five or six hours starting from 4:30.

……

"I think after we go back, we should have more contact with Lin Dao." Zhang Mo didn't hear anything from Zhang Yimou, but she heard clues from Teacher Gong Li's words; subsequently, she also guessed it.

"Don't think about these crooked things, everything still has to rely on works to speak. If your film work is not convincing, it's impossible to win an award, especially at an A-list film festival."

Zhang Yimou warned Zhang Mo quite seriously. At an A-list film festival, at least until the last step, you have to rely entirely on yourself, that is, rely on your own work.

Admittedly, even at the Shanghai International Film Festival, which is often criticized, no one would question the winners of the major awards in the main competition unit; because they are all well-deserved, and it's not about relationships!

"Okay, okay, I know. By the way, you and Aunt Teacher Gong Li are presenting awards together tonight? Why didn't I hear you say so? It was she who told me."

Facing her eldest daughter's questioning, Zhang Yimou was really helpless, "What would it matter if I told you? If they hadn't invited me, I should be busy with post-production at the company right now."

Speaking of this, a thought couldn't help but flash through Zhang Yimou's mind, but he wasn't sure, so he'd wait until the evening, and he would naturally know.

When the organizing committee staff notified Jiang Xuerou to have the 'Marriage Story' crew ready to depart, it was already 4:00 PM.

Lin Nan reckoned that even if they arrived now, they would be arranged to rest in the waiting area; it would definitely be after 6:00 PM when they actually walked on the red carpet.

But there was no way, since the film festival organizing committee was already reminding them, the crew had to set off...

"No need to support me." Zhou Xun refused the assistant's support.

She, in a black tube top dress, wore heavy makeup, and that cold aura was very consistent with the role of a female lawyer; of course, there wasn't much bosom to speak of.

And Watching Shu Chang was in a floor-length pink floral dress with a cinched waist and off-the-shoulder design, compared to Zhou Xun, she undoubtedly looked much more youthful and beautiful, fitting the role of the younger sister.

Finally, look at Liu Yifei, she really resolutely changed her dress at the last minute and chose a very stylish pure white ladies' casual suit.

Her long wavy hair draped over her shoulders, complemented by bright makeup, completely matched the aura of a big woman who resolutely walked out of marriage in the film!

On such a red carpet occasion, men are always the least eye-catching, even if Lin Nan's external conditions are very good, he can only wear a stereotypical suit...

"Let's go."

……

This Lido island is really not big, and the reason it is famous all over the world is only because the Venice International Film Festival is held here.

Therefore, when all the crews, filmmakers, media, and tourists were gathering towards the red carpet and the venue, the crowd could be described as shoulder to shoulder. Looking at it, it was a surging crowd, a vast sea of people.

Looking at the scene outside through the car window, Lin Nan felt a bit emotional.

The last time he saw this kind of scene was in Berlin two and a half years ago, when 'Manchester by the Sea' won the Golden Bear Award and the Silver Bear for Best Actor.

As for the Shanghai International Film Festival? It's not as lively as the big three, and the influence is worlds apart.

For the four or five-mile journey, Lin Nan and his party walked for an hour again after 8 years.

As the distance got closer, the noisy sound waves were constantly amplified in their ears... After 5:00 PM, the 'Marriage Story' crew officially arrived in front of the red carpet.

And the crews and filmmakers who had just stepped onto the red carpet had also been waiting here for nearly an hour. Hmm, it was the Chinese film 'Taste of Rice Flower'.

"Lin Dao Nan, please follow me to this side first..." Under the focus of many media lenses, Lin Nan and the four followed the etiquette staff towards a building on the side.

"It's Director Zhang and the others." Liu Yifei had good eyes, as soon as she entered the waiting area, she saw Zhang Mo. And Zhang Yimou was chatting with Teacher Gong Li, and there were one or two foreign filmmakers on the side accompanying them with smiles.

"Lin Dao, it's all up to you guys tonight." Zhang Mo also noticed them and walked over with a smile.

"Then I'll take your kind words, I hope so." Lin Nan nodded in thanks, and then watched Zhang Mo chat with Liu Yifei and the others.

To be honest, this year's Venice International Film Festival, Chinese filmmakers are indeed a bit thin in numbers, which is Lin Nan's most intuitive feeling at this moment.

To be precise, there should be far fewer Chinese filmmakers qualified to attend the closing ceremony than in previous years.

But then again, not many Chinese films were shortlisted, so how could those people talk about walking to the closing ceremony?

Outside, the red carpet host read Ma Te Damon's name, it was 'Downsizing' on the red carpet.

'Melody', 'Zama'... 'A Family', 'Dancing Alone'... 'Mektoub, My Love'... 'Lean on Pete'...

After more than twenty film crews passed by, just after 6:00, it was finally 'Marriage Story's' turn.

"Lin Nan?"

"Hmm, let's go."

Lin Nan didn't hold Liu Yifei's hand, but walked on the outermost side alone, protecting the three of them on the inside. The crew, this was on the red carpet.

The sunset had already fallen on the sea level, and the sky was red. At this time, the red carpet was truly beautiful. The host was also introducing:

"Welcome the main competition film crew—'Marriage Story'... Lin Dao Nan is already an old friend of the Venice Film Festival, 8 years ago it was here, he won the Golden Lion Award the first time he came, and at the same time gave Ma Te Damon the Best Actor award... Welcome the heroine crystal Liu, she is also an old friend of Venice, but this is the first time she has come to this arena..."

"crystal, can I interview you, how much expectation do you have for the Volpi Cup award tonight?" The host handed the microphone directly to Liu Yifei.

"Hmm? My expectation is this big!"

Liu Yifei's abrupt answer even shocked Lin Nan and the others. I saw her smiling like a flower and gesturing with her two soft hands, which was exactly the size of the Volpi Cup award.

The host was completely amused by the humor, and couldn't stop laughing for a while, only looking at Lin Nan after a moment, "Then Lin Dao Nan's expectation should be this big, right?" As she spoke, she gestured the size of the Golden Lion Award. Hmm, it was indeed much smaller than the Volpi Cup!

"Hahaha... That's right, just that big."

Not long after, Lin Nan and the four stopped in front of the signature wall, and the moment they walked into the venue, the sunset on the horizon completely sank below the sea level.

……

Inside the venue that can accommodate nearly a thousand people, the 'Marriage Story' crew had "no relatives," and was surrounded by foreigners.

Lin Nan and the others even looked around for a long time, Zhang Yimou and his daughter sat a bit far away, and Teacher Gong Li was the same. And the positions of Zhang Ziyi and a few others were even more remote, after all, they were just ordinary guests.

At 7:00, the red carpet ended, and the performance segment of the closing ceremony awards ceremony officially began. It was mainly based on pure music, symphony, ballet, etc., Lin Nan didn't have much interest, but the three women were enjoying it.

At 8:00 PM sharp, when the president of this year's jury appeared on stage to deliver a speech, everyone knew clearly that the most important moment was about to begin.

"It's coming!" Liu Yifei whispered, reminding Lin Nan not to look around.

"... First, let's announce the winner of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement... They are: Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, thank them for their contributions to the film industry over the past 60 years..."

With the appearance of two 80-year-old filmmakers, a man and a woman, the scene was filled with applause.

Because filmmakers who can win the Lifetime Achievement Award of an A-list film festival, especially the Lifetime Achievement Award of the three major film festivals, are almost all world-renowned big names!

"This award from the three major film festivals is the hardest to win, right? Not only do you need works, but you also need seniority! These two are trembling, if they get a little excited in a while, tsk tsk tsk..."

Zhou Xun muttered in a low voice, the more she said, the more she went off-track, and she even looked at Lin Nan: "Lin Dao, I'm looking forward to your first Lifetime Achievement Award now, especially from an A-list film festival."

"It's best not to think about it before you're 40, because you're not qualified!" Liu Yifei was amused.

"For this award, I can only say the later the better, anyway, I won't look forward to it in a short time." Lin Nan replied with a smile.

Think about what kind of people won this kind of award at an A-list film festival? Either they are aging filmmakers, or they are pure genre film directors, just like Jia Zhangke.

"... The winner of the Best New Actor Award at this Venice Film Festival is: Charlie Plummer, 'Lean on Pete', congratulations."

"Xixi, you seem a bit nervous?" The awards were being presented on stage, and the audience was applauding, but Watching Shu Chang was undermining Liu Yifei.

"I'm not."

"You clearly are, these subconscious little movements of yours can't fool me."

"I said I'm not, I'm not." Liu Yifei glared at Watching Shu Chang.

"The film awards for other units have been presented one after another in the past few days, there are only a few tonight; it will be the Best Actress award in less than half an hour, aren't you nervous? Who are you fooling? Hehe..." Zhou Xun also joined the camp of teasing.

"Alright, alright, I'm nervous, okay? Although this is the second time, but... it's just nervous." Liu Yifei muttered in a low voice, she looked at Lin Nan, and then her brows deepened.

"Don't look at me, I've been here so many times, and I already have a Golden Lion, so naturally I'm not nervous. Even if I'm nervous, it's helping you be nervous." Lin Nan said glibly, avoiding stimulating Liu Yifei.

"Hmph!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, cheesy again."

"Hiss~~" Following Zhou Xun, Watching Shu Chang pretended to be unable to stand it.

"Eh? Why did Director Zhang disappear all of a sudden? Is he also an award presenter?" Suddenly, Zhou Xun exclaimed.

Lin Nan and the three heard the sound and looked over immediately. Sure enough, only Zhang Mo was left there, and Zhang Yimou and Teacher Gong Li were gone. In addition, Zhang Ziyi and others further away were still in their positions.

"No need to worry blindly, just watch the awards ceremony seriously." Lin Nan muttered speechlessly, actually he was also a bit suspicious in his heart.

At this time, the person on stage had already changed again.

"... The winner of the Special Jury Prize at this Venice Film Festival is: Warwick Thornton, 'Sweet Country', congratulations!"

……

"... The winner of the Best Screenplay Award at this Venice Film Festival is: Martin McDonagh, 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri', congratulations!"

……

Two major awards were presented one after another, and the atmosphere at the scene reached a boiling point. Because next, it was the most core major awards.

"Hmm? What's the situation?"

"Director Zhang is really the award presenter today?"

"What award is he presenting?"

When Zhang Yimou was invited by the host to take the stage with a card. Lin Nan and the others were a bit uneasy for a while, because Zhang Yimou had not revealed this matter at all before.

Director Zhang is indeed internationally famous, at this moment, I saw a large number of foreign filmmakers giving him warm applause for his appearance.

"Either Best Director, or Best Actor, generally speaking, it's these two award sequences!" Lin Nan gave the answer.

"Lin Nan?" Liu Yifei's eyes were shining, temporarily ignoring her own affairs.

"Inexplicably... more relaxed!" Lin Nan looked directly into Liu Yifei's eyes and said with a smile.

"Lin?"

Ma Te Damon's voice drifted from not far away, it was Chinese.

Lin Nan and the four looked over, this guy Ma Te was "provoking," he and Lin Nan were competitors for the Best Actor award.

Lin Dao decisively rolled his eyes at him, and Liu Yifei followed suit.

On stage, Zhang Yimou had already spoken.

"... The winner of the Silver Lion for Best Director at this Venice Film Festival is: Lin Nan, 'Marriage Story', congratulations."

Although he had won many awards, although he had indeed had some guesses just now, although he was indeed very relaxed before... but after hearing his name at this moment, Lin Nan was still uncontrollably happy.

"Lin Dao, congratulations! You owe me another film..." Zhou Xun struck while the iron was hot, setting a trap.

"Brother, congratulations, another new trophy has entered—Xixi's account."

"Lin, I knew it was you..."

Unlike others, Liu Yifei was very ladylike at this moment. She just sat there, looking up at Lin Nan, clapping her hands with a smile, "Happy birthday, this gift is great!"

Lin Nan couldn't help but reach out his right hand and pinch Liu Yifei's cheek, good guy, it was even redder in an instant.

"Let go, there are so many people."

For a moment, laughter erupted on the field; Lin Nan took a step and walked towards the aisle.

On stage, Zhang Yimou watched with a smile, waiting, and in just half a minute, he handed out the silver lion trophy with wings spread.

Lin Nan lowered his body slightly and took it with both hands, "Thank you, Director Zhang."

"You're welcome, it's yours." Zhang Yimou patted Lin Nan on the shoulder with a smile, and then retreated to the backstage.

Standing in front of the microphone, Lin Nan raised the trophy and looked at it, as if talking to himself, and as if giving an acceptance speech:

"Hmm, first of all, happy birthday to myself! This is the most memorable birthday gift I have received. At the gala later, I will definitely eat two more pieces of cake."

The applause below the stage was roaring, and many people even shouted, sending birthday blessings. However, Ma Te Damon whistling like a hooligan was a bit too much!

"Actually, I wanted a Best Actor Volpi Cup award more! Hmm, that one is big, hahaha..."

Under the booing of most of the people at the scene, Lin Nan began to get serious:

"Thank you Venice Film Festival, for letting me have gains every time I come. Hmm, I will come more often in the future, and can even be on call..."

Lin Nan was at a loss for words, so he simply followed his heart, and the facts proved that the effect was very good.

"Come, come, come, the second Best Director trophy of the three major film festivals, hand it over quickly." Watching Shu Chang acted like a lackey, pretending to urge for Liu Yifei.

"Take it, take it." Lin Nan smiled speechlessly and handed it to her.

"Lin Nan, then the next one?" Liu Yifei didn't rush to put the trophy in her arms like before, but cared about the Best Actor award, because Lin Nan also had to compete for this award.

"Having won the Best Director award, the Best Actor award is likely impossible. Didn't you see that guy Ma Te is even more excited, because he has one less competitor."

Liu Yifei immediately looked at Ma Te Damon in the distance, who was waving at them in high spirits.

"Alright then. But it's almost my turn." Miss Liu's voice was a bit light, still unable to help being nervous.

"Why? Not stubborn anymore? Look, your hands are trembling slightly. Hiss... don't twist..." Lin Nan was honest, not daring to tease the mother tiger again.

"You two are just being sweet, the Best Actor candidate is about to be announced on stage." Zhou Xun reminded.

Looking up, sure enough, it was being announced.

"... The winner of the Best Actor Volpi Cup award at this Venice Film Festival is..."

Sure enough, it wasn't Lin Nan, but it wasn't Ma Te Damon either.

"Xixi, calm down."

"Yifei, you still say you have a calm mind?"

Watching Shu Chang and Zhou Xun were comforting Liu Yifei, who clenched her fists and was taking deep breaths.

Lin Nan reached out and held Liu Yifei's fist, and she finally relaxed a little.

In Lin Nan's view, if he hadn't told Liu Yifei that Teacher Gong Li was presenting the award, Miss Liu would never have been so nervous.

But since he said it, she would inevitably have emotional feedback, because she would unconsciously have more expectations in her heart!

It was Teacher Gong Li, that's right!

Her appearance treatment was exactly the same as Zhang Yimou's, walking towards the center of the stage in the applause of the audience. In a black dress, her aura was stunning, and she was smiling and waving at everyone.

"Hello everyone, it's an honor to be back on the Venice stage. Tonight, I will present the Best Actress award to everyone. Hmm, it will be a very dedicated and very serious actress..."

Teacher Gong Li opened the card in her hand, then looked up, smiled, and solemnly announced:

"The winner of the Best Actress Volpi Cup award at this Venice International Film Festival is: actress Liu Yifei, 'Marriage Story', congratulations!"

Teacher Gong Li's voice echoed in the venue, hundreds of eyes swept towards the 'Marriage Story' crew, followed by thunderous applause.

"She, won?"

At this moment, Zhang Ziyi couldn't believe her ears, she looked at the direction of Lin Nan and the others with her mouth agape, a sense of sadness suddenly surged in her heart, she had worked hard for so many years...

On the other side, Zhang Mo was also stunned. She subconsciously swallowed her saliva, Teacher Gong Li presenting the award, this really... won?!

"I, I, I..." Liu Yifei couldn't hear the sound at the scene anymore, she held Lin Nan's arm, excitedly "I" for a long time.

"Do you want me to do sign language with you?" Lin Nan asked while gesturing with both hands. He was also very excited, and Zhou Xun and Watching Shu Chang were also excitedly speechless.

"Don't mess around!" Liu Yifei, with red eyes, said fiercely, with a crying tone.

"Hold back, don't cry. Go up quickly, Sister Teacher Gong Li is waiting for you." Lin Nan comforted in a low voice.

"Hmm."

Liu Yifei in a ladies' casual suit should have been heroic, but her flushed cheeks and eyes with faint tears at this moment had completely destroyed the beauty brought by that makeup; instead, it became much softer, and also carried a trace of stubbornness.

Walking onto the stage, Liu Yifei lowered her body slightly and took the golden Best Actress Volpi Cup award trophy, which was 5 times larger than the Golden Lion and Silver Lion trophies, from Teacher Gong Li with both hands.

"Thank you, Sister Teacher Gong Li."

"You're welcome, just let your Lin Dao find me to play the heroine later." Teacher Gong Li also rarely joked, and then completely gave the stage to the Best Actress of the night.

"Acceptance speech?"

Holding her Volpi Cup award, Liu Yifei stood in front of the microphone, she muttered in her heart.

She used to draft acceptance speeches in her heart often, prepared for a long, long time, just waiting for this day... but at this moment, she just wanted to express her true feelings at this moment.

"Hello everyone, I am actress Liu Yifei, it is a great honor to win it... This Volpi Cup award is a bit heavy, but I can hold it.

Here, the person I want to thank most is my husband. Lin Dao Nan, by the way, you seem to have not only forgotten that today is your birthday, but also forgotten that today is our second wedding anniversary!

But it doesn't matter, I will take this Best Actress trophy as the gift you gave me, the best gift!

Hehe, I also have a big trophy from the Venice International Film Festival, and it's much bigger than your two lions.

Although it may not be as cute as them, no, it looks better than your two lions, because this is my Best Actress Volpi Cup award..."