Chapter 101: Another Great Achievement

A massive number of posts instantly appeared on the Tianya community; they were low on substance but high on profanity.

"I fucking can't believe it, Cao Yang actually fucking did it. Three films, three Best Actress awards from the three major European festivals—this is a fucking miracle, it's godlike."

"It is fucking godlike. The key is that the actors Cao Yang chooses aren't known for their acting skills, so the substance behind this is huge."

"This is the first Cannes Best Actress for our country, a breakthrough from zero. Cao Yang is truly badass."

"Even that 'kissing' girl can win Cannes Best Actress; Cao Yang's skill in coaching actors has been verified once again. I heard this is a romance film, so I definitely have to go see it. If a romance film can fucking win Best Actress, I don't believe there isn't some twisted content in it."

"The person above is right. Given the tastes of the Europeans, how could a normal romance film win an award? There must be some NC-17 content; I'll go observe it when the time comes."

"The film is called *Secret Sunshine*, it sounds so sweet. Damn, could it be a lesbian love triangle? I'm suddenly excited; I feel like I'm not far from the answer. It's really possible; only a film like that fits the judges' tastes."

"Don't say it, you really shouldn't say it, but I think the prediction above makes some sense. A woman is married, then falls in love with another woman? Look, I must go see it."

"To the person above, why couldn't it be that a man is married and falls in love with another man? That's also easy to win awards with, right? Isn't that how Liu Ye became the Golden Horse Best Actor?"

"The person above clearly has no brain. It was Gao Yuanyuan who won the Cannes Best Actress, so it must be woman-on-woman."

"Since we're on the topic, let me ask: why couldn't it be a woman falling in love with both members of a married couple at the same time? Three people... just thinking about it is stimulating."

"A bunch of perverts above."

The discussion went off-track, which is normal. Man-woman-man, woman-woman-man, or whatever—it's so interesting to discuss.

The internet is not a place outside the law, but it is a low-lying area for morality.

Gao Yuanyuan gave Wu Qihua another polite, light hug, and amidst the applause, she bowed slightly to thank the people around her who were offering congratulations, then walked toward the stage with a light step.

She was wearing a mermaid-style corset dress today, which showcased her best features perfectly. The fishbone corset and the layered, structured hem of the gown allowed her figure to be presented flawlessly, while the mermaid design made her gait sway with grace; she looked radiant and grand.

After receiving the trophy with the golden palm leaves and the certificate from the presenter, Gao Yuanyuan hugged the female guest and said a few words of thanks.

Although Cannes doesn't have Silver Bears or Silver Lions like Berlin and Venice, Cannes does have a trophy, and it has a golden palm leaf sealed inside.

"As an actor, being able to receive such an honor on this stage is my greatest glory and pride.

I am deeply aware of the weight and significance of this award. I want to express my most heartfelt gratitude to the judges, thank you to Cannes, thank you to those who have helped me, and thank you to everyone on the production crew.

Finally, thank you to my parents, and thank you to the angel who pulled me out of the abyss of the mire. You will always be that ray of light in my heart. Cao Yang, thank you."

"Clap, clap, clap..."

The applause rang out. Such tearful words of gratitude toward a director on an awards stage were very common; there was nothing to be surprised about.

Although he had anticipated it, Wu Qihua was still very envious and impressed—envious that Gao Yuanyuan had won the Cannes Best Actress, and impressed that Director Cao had once again produced an international Best Actress.

Director Cao is truly amazing; he has cleared all three major European festivals.

Three films, and he has produced a Berlin Best Actress, a Venice Best Actress, and a Cannes Best Actress. Who else can compare to this achievement?

It's not about the awards, but the significance they represent.

After Gao Yuanyuan returned to her seat, Cao Yang teased softly, "Congratulations, you are now an international Best Actress too, a true international superstar."

Gao Yuanyuan couldn't stop smiling and whispered, "I'll thank you properly when we get back."

She then asked softly, "Is it still possible for us to win another major award? Is the Palme d'Or possible?" You really dare to think big.

"Don't even think about the Palme d'Or. This year there is a World War II film depicting a pianist and the Nazis. As long as the quality of such a film is passable, whether in Cannes, France, or Berlin, Germany, it's almost a guaranteed top prize. That is the ultimate political correctness."

Cao Yang explained softly while taking the trophy from Gao Yuanyuan.

"Oh."

Gao Yuanyuan was a little disappointed. She felt that with Cao Yang's talent and the quality of *Secret Sunshine*, it would only be fair to give Cao Yang a Palme d'Or.

Cao Yang didn't know what Gao Yuanyuan was thinking. He hadn't actually finished his sentence; the Palme d'Or was impossible, but there was still some hope for other awards.

The overall quality of *Secret Sunshine* was good, and it discussed the topic of human nature, which is easy to win awards with. It also involved religious content and was a female-centric film; one could say it stacked many buffs for winning awards.

In the past, the South Korean director Lee Chang-dong was able to produce a Cannes Best Actress with this film, and in terms of connections and status, he was far inferior to the current Cao Yang.

Cao Yang is a Golden Lion-winning director and has so much support; if Cannes wants to stay on good terms with him, they will at least give him another major award.

During this time, the Best Actor award was presented to Olivier Gourmet, the lead actor of a Belgian film.

!

Next was the Best Screenplay award, which was an award Cao Yang thought he might win, but it went to Paul Laverty for the British film *Sweet Sixteen*.

Then the presenter came on stage and rambled briefly about the importance of a director in a film, and everyone knew the Best Director award was about to be announced.

Cao Yang sat up straight. Compared to the Grand Prix, he wanted this one more right now.

In the minds of the general public back home, if you say you won the Venice Golden Lion, they might be a bit confused. You have to explain that the Golden Lion is the Best Film of the Venice Film Festival, and they might just go "oh, oh," nodding to show they understand.

If you say you won the Berlin Grand Prix, they would be confused again. How do you explain that? The second-best film? Just below the Best Film? It doesn't have much prestige, does it?

If it's Best Director, you don't even need to open your mouth; it's simple, clear, and prestigious.

"Does this award have..."

Before Gao Yuanyuan could finish, she heard the presenter read: "...Cao Yang, *Secret Sunshine*..."

The applause started. Gao Yuanyuan widened her eyes in surprise, her face full of excitement.

The presenter continued: "...and Paul Thomas Anderson, *Punch-Drunk Love*, congratulations."

Alright, Cannes pulled another "double yolk" (tie).

But it doesn't matter; as long as he can win an award, no one cares about that. Cannes still has enough prestige these days.

Cao Yang stood up and hugged Gao Yuanyuan.

"Congratulations, my Best Director," Gao Yuanyuan whispered in Cao Yang's ear.

Wu Qihua was also very happy; he hugged Cao Yang and said, "Congratulations, Director Cao."

Cao Yang winning the Cannes Best Director also benefits Wu Qihua. Although he didn't win an award, as the lead actor, he can brag when he gets back about having received a nomination for Cannes Best Actor.

The film also won Best Director and Best Actress. The most direct benefit is: he can fucking raise his acting fee again. This time it will probably double again; quoting three million externally wouldn't be excessive, right?

(End of chapter)