Chapter 346

The live stream Sohu is hosting this time is quite interesting; you only need to look at the guests they've invited to see why.

Besides the host, Sohu invited two guests: one is Cheng Er, and the other is Zhang Yang; both of these guests are directors from the mainland.

However, the two have completely different educational backgrounds.

Cheng Er is from the 1995 Directing Department of the Beijing Film Academy.

Zhang Yang is from the 1987 Directing Department of the Central Academy of Drama.

Since graduating, both are now considered very promising, up-and-coming directors in the mainland.

Especially Zhang Yang; at this year's Berlin International Film Festival, although his directed film "Getting Home" didn't enter the main competition section, it did win the Independent Jury Award, also known as the Panorama section's Best Film Award.

Cheng Er's 1999 graduation short film "The Criminal" earned him countless international awards, and many in the industry are optimistic about his future.

His first feature film, "The Third Person," has already finished filming and is just waiting for release.

Setting everything else aside, just the two different educational backgrounds subconsciously create a sense of opposition, which fits perfectly with the theme of Sohu's Oscar live stream today.

Of course, while it's called a live stream, Sohu isn't wealthy or powerful enough to purchase the video broadcast rights for the Oscars; like Sina, they invited two guests to report the results in real-time according to the awards ceremony's progress and then provide commentary.

However, unlike Sina, Sohu took a different approach by giving this live commentary a theme that also fits the Oscar theme perfectly: Cao Yang's "grudges" with Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood.

Sohu's theme is the big word "Grudge."

So it can be said that Sohu is quite good at creating buzz these days, and the guests they invited can also be categorized into this "grudge," not to mention that in their live stream's text introduction, they highlighted the educational backgrounds after the two guests' names.

As for why the two guests would come to such a live stream that clearly looks like "fanning the flames," it's actually very simple: to promote their films.

Currently, Zhang Yang's "Getting Home" is being screened domestically and in Hong Kong; as a director, going on a show to promote a film is normal.

Cheng Er's first feature film has just finished shooting and will definitely be released this year; warming up and promoting it in advance is also a very normal thing.

For the sake of film promotion, this so-called "fanning the flames" is nothing.

Haven't you seen how Feng Xiaogang often deliberately creates controversial news before his films are released, speaking without restraint, which is why he earned the nickname "Little Cannon"?

"Come, let's look at the final result; the presenter is already opening the envelope, and the winner of Best Adapted Screenplay is..."

The host stopped here, and neither Cheng Er nor Zhang Yang made a sound, quietly waiting for the result.

In an instant, the live studio was very quiet.

"Congratulations to Cao Dao Yang for winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay once again."

"Clap, clap, clap..."

All three of them followed suit and applauded.

"Director Cheng, you guessed wrong this time; Cao Dao Yang defeated Martin Scorsese's 'The Departed' in a head-to-head confrontation and won Best Adapted Screenplay."

The host said with a smile: "Director Zhang predicted correctly."

Before the awards, Sohu's host would always ask Cheng Er and Zhang Yang to predict the results, which is also a major highlight of this live stream.

Obviously, Cheng Er, who graduated from the Beijing Film Academy, predicted that "The Departed" would win Best Adapted Screenplay, while Zhang Yang, who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, was more optimistic about "Inception."

Another major highlight of this kind of online live stream is that netizens can participate in real-time and post comments in the section below.

The host saw that among comments like "Congratulations to Cao Yang" and "Cao Yang is awesome," there were comments attacking Cheng Er mixed in.

Logically speaking, Cheng Er, who graduated from the Beijing Film Academy, should fully support Cao Yang.

Cheng Er shook his head with a wry smile and said: "I actually really hoped Cao Dao wouldn't win this award; it would have been better if 'The Departed' had taken it."

"Oh?"

The host looked at Cheng Er with some surprise, thinking to himself that this director is young after all to be able to say such things; with Cao Yang's status at the Beijing Film Academy, isn't he afraid of being roasted by the vast number of netizens, or being ostracized by the Beijing Film Academy?

"I can actually understand Director Cheng's thinking."

Zhang Yang took over the topic and said.

"Hm? Can Director Zhang elaborate?" The host quickly asked.

"Most film festivals around the world have an unwritten rule: films with box office returns that are too high won't be given major awards; some film festivals don't even allow films with high box office returns to be shortlisted."

Zhang Yang paused and continued: "Cao Dao's 'Inception' has a global box office of nearly 900 million USD; this is a top-tier box office performance even in Hollywood."

"Is this the reason why, even though 'Inception' received nine Oscar nominations, many industry insiders and media are not very optimistic about it?"

The host asked, taking over the conversation.

"Yes, including most of the North American media, they didn't list 'Inception' as a major favorite for this year's Oscars.

However, 'Inception' is a very classic film after all, and it also possesses extremely high artistic quality and room for contemplation; one cannot ignore its artistry just because the box office is too high.

Additionally, I don't know if everyone has noticed, but in this film, the acting of almost all the main actors is excellent, making you feel that they are that character, that it should be that way; the performances are extremely convincing.

This is also Cao Dao's specialty in coaching actors.

Adding all these up, if they don't give 'Inception' a decent major award, the media and film critics would really question if the Oscars are rigged.

So many professional insiders believe that among the three major awards—Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay—they will inevitably give one to Cao Dao."

The host understood Zhang Yang's meaning, thought for a moment, and said:

"I understand; this is also the reason why Director Cheng said he didn't want Cao Dao Yang to win Best Adapted Screenplay; if he doesn't win this award, it is highly likely they will give Cao Dao either Best Picture or Best Director."

Cheng Er nodded with a wry smile.

"Best Adapted Screenplay certainly cannot compare to Best Picture or Best Director, so in order to appear to value it, the Oscar officials invited people of stature like Tang Mu Hanks and Helen Mirren as presenters this time."

Many netizens watching the live stream in the comment section silently retracted their insults toward Cheng Er; as for those already sent... well, they were sent; who told you, Mr. Cheng, not to explain clearly in advance?

The host nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Zhang Yang and asked: "So, when Tang Mu Hanks, the two-time consecutive Oscar Best Actor, and Helen Mirren appeared, Director Zhang had already guessed the result?"

Zhang Yang hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Then, he added: "However, the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director, for Cao Dao, actually aren't as important as we imagine; Cao Dao's artistic achievements no longer need the Oscars to prove them."

Subsequently, Zhang Yang smiled and explained: "Cao Dao already has two Oscar Best Pictures and one Oscar Best Director in his hands, plus one Best Original Screenplay and one Best Adapted Screenplay; this is already..."

He originally wanted to say that this is an achievement impossible for all Chinese directors to reach, but saying it like that would be a bit offensive, so he forcibly swallowed the words.

"Now it's one Best Original Screenplay and two Best Adapted Screenplays."

Cheng Er added from the side.

The host also added from the side:

"Perhaps some audience friends don't understand why Cao Dao has the achievement of two Oscar Best Pictures; they might search through all the films directed by Cao Dao and only find that 'Milk' won an Oscar for Best Picture.

I will explain here: 'Zhu Nuo,' which won Best Picture at the Oscars last year, although not directed by Cao Dao, was produced, supervised, and written by Cao Dao.

Simply put, Hollywood is a producer-centric system; most directors don't have much power; the producer is the one with the most power in the crew, and Best Picture is also awarded to the producer.

By the way, for all of Cao Dao's films in Hollywood, he is the producer; this is a privilege that only a few major directors can have."

"Cao Dao is a major director standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid, not only domestically but even in Hollywood." Cheng Er interjected.

Zhang Yang is a straightforward person; he almost blurted out: That's why this Oscar is "clout-chasing" Cao Dao, hyping up Cao Dao's "grudges" with Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood.

Besides being older than Cao Dao, what else do Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood have that can compare to Cao Dao?

Whether it's the awards at the three major European festivals or the Oscars, or the North American or global box office, Cao Dao crushes both of them.

Of course, straightforward is straightforward, but Zhang Yang isn't stupid.

Saying this would definitely be crazily attacked by the fans of these two people in the country, and might even lead to attacks from those "idiots" who always feel that the moon is rounder abroad, even if they aren't fans of the two.

The host looked at the latest progress of the Oscars and said: "The Best Costume Design award was just presented; it is very regrettable that 'Curse of the Golden Flower' failed to win this award."

Cheng Er thought for a moment and said: "Their crew probably didn't think they could win the award; this time, no one went to attend the Oscars at all; it seems they entrusted the North American distributor, Sony Pictures Classics, to go."

"The Oscars are still too difficult for Chinese people."

Zhang Yang sighed, then immediately thought of Cao Yang, and quickly added: "So Cao Dao Yang's success is even more commendable."

"Next is the presentation of Best Cinematography; what do Director Cheng and Director Zhang think?"

The host asked.

It was time to pick sides again.

"I believe Mr. Gu can win Best Cinematography for the second time." Cheng Er said with a smile, preempting him.

Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head; he actually also felt that Gu Changwei was very likely to win this award.

After all, there are too many classic shots in "Inception," especially the shot where the entire city folds and flips like paper; that is absolutely the most classic, creative, and imaginative visual shot of this century.

One of the highlights of this program is the "confrontation" between the guests; the program team leader also said beforehand that they must pick sides when predicting the awards.

Zhang Yang thought for a moment; among the remaining nominated films, the shots in "Pan's Labyrinth" were also not bad, but obviously, they couldn't compare to "Inception."

No way, it's a "confrontation" after all; who told him to be late in answering?

"'Pan's Labyrinth,' I guess."

Zhang Yang didn't explain anything; compared to "Inception," the shots in this film really had nothing to brag about.

"The caliber of the presenter for Best Cinematography this year is very high; it's actually Gwyneth Paltrow serving as the presenter; she once won Best Actress at the 71st Oscars."

The host said.

Cheng Er smiled and interjected: "It is indeed rare for a Best Actress to serve as the presenter for Best Cinematography."

"Some friends might not necessarily know who Gwyneth Paltrow is, but mentioning her nickname, especially on the internet, many people might have teased her."

Zhang Yang said: "Many people online call her the 'Water Queen,' meaning her Oscar Best Actress is a bit undeserved, because at the time, competing with her for the Oscar Best Actress were Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett.

There is no need for me to say much about the acting skills of these two; one is called Auntie Meryl, the other is called the Great Demon King; both are absolute powerhouses who have won awards until their hands went soft.

Gwyneth Paltrow winning Best Actress as an upset made very many people criticize her; actually, her acting in the award-winning film 'Shakespeare in Love' was not bad..."

"Wow! 'Inception,' Mr. Gu Changwei, let us congratulate Mr. Gu for winning the Oscar for Best Cinematography."

The host interrupted Zhang Yang and said loudly.

Subsequently, all three of them followed suit and applauded.

"Congratulations to Mr. Gu; this is Mr. Gu's fourth nomination for Oscar Best Cinematography and his second time winning Oscar Best Cinematography; it is estimated that it will be difficult to be surpassed among Chinese people."

Cheng Er said with a smile while applauding.

Zhang Yang also shook his head with emotion, his heart filled with envy.

This is a typical example of choice being greater than effort.

In the film and television circle, who doesn't envy the luck of this old boy, Gu Changwei?

Back then, this guy was basically at the point of having no films to shoot, and could only claim to the outside world that he had an eye disease, huddled at home with almost nothing to do.

His best choice was to change careers and become a director, but that was quite difficult.

Who could have imagined that Cao Yang's "exclusive" cinematographer at the time, Tian Zhuangzhuang, happened to quit and went back to the Beijing Film Academy to teach, which gave Gu Changwei a god-given opportunity.

Following Cao Yang for these few years, nominated for Oscar Best Cinematography three times, winning this award twice, fame and fortune all came at once.

Zhang Yang could imagine that as a cinematographer, Gu Changwei would definitely go down in Chinese film history; no one could shake his status.

He really had dog-shit luck.

Even looking at Hollywood, looking at the world, no matter who ranks cinematographers, Gu Changwei is a link that cannot be bypassed.

The top three might be slightly controversial due to different ranking methods, but there is definitely no doubt about the top five.

"Although there aren't many Chinese participating in this Oscar, and only four Chinese received nominations, looking at it now, it definitely counts as a grand ceremony."

The host said with a smile: "Besides 'Curse of the Golden Flower' failing to be selected for Best Costume Design, Huang Haipeng won Best Sound Editing, Gu Changwei won Best Cinematography, and Cao Dao Yang won Best Adapted Screenplay."

"All of them are from the Beijing Film Academy."

Cheng Er added with a smile.

Zhang Yang opened his mouth, wanting to say something to add some luster to his alma mater, the Central Academy of Drama, but unfortunately, the only one from the Central Academy of Drama who could be considered presentable, Zhang Ziyi, didn't attend this Oscar at all.

Actually, even if she had attended, she couldn't add luster to her alma mater, because she didn't have any selected works this year.

Because the Beijing Film Academy produced a Cao Yang, it brought too many honors to the Beijing Film Academy.

For a moment, Zhang Yang was very envious of the Beijing Film Academy; he could imagine that with Cao Yang's current status and influence, the Beijing Film Academy would only get better and better, becoming the only one of its kind domestically.

This point has actually already been realized.

Look at the number of applicants and scores for the Beijing Film Academy's admissions in the past two years; it steadily exceeds the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy by a large margin; the gap is already difficult to bridge.

In the past, when people mentioned domestic film and television colleges, the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama were on par; what about now? No one would think the Central Academy of Drama is qualified to be on par with the Beijing Film Academy.

The Beijing Film Academy has the internationally top major director Cao Yang, the internationally top major producer Cao Yang, the internationally top screenwriter Cao Yang, the internationally influential directors Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, and the internationally top major cinematographer Gu Changwei.

Now, add an internationally influential sound designer, Huang Haipeng—the Oscar for Best Sound Editing is not just talk.

And there is an internationally influential producer, Cheng Jianye—"Zhu Nuo," for which he was sent by Cao Yang to be the executive producer, won the Oscar for Best Picture.

Even in the aspect of actors, which the Central Academy of Drama was best at before, the Beijing Film Academy now has two Venice Best Actresses, Yu Feihong and Dong Xuan.

In this regard, although the Central Academy of Drama also has Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, it looks like they can compete, but the internationally influential Best Actress Zhang Ziyi is not there; the Central Academy of Drama is vaguely a bit worse.

Sigh...

The more Zhang Yang thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt.

"Next, famous film stars Naomi Watts and Robert Downey Jr. will serve as presenters to present the Best Visual Effects award; what are your views?"

The host asked.

It was time to pick sides again.

Zhang Yang couldn't help but complain in his heart: Does this even need to be asked? Just based on the visual effects of folding the city in "Inception," what do "Poseidon" and "Superman Returns" have to compare with?

Based on the shot of Superman lifting a plane?

"'Inception.'"

Zhang Yang quickly answered.

Who knew Cheng Er had the same thought, almost saying "Inception" in unison with Zhang Yang.

Now it was the host's turn to be numb.

However, as a professional host, his professional quality is certainly not bad.

He acted as if there was no such thing as picking sides and said with a smile: "It seems both Director Cheng and Director Zhang are very optimistic about 'Inception,' so..."

After a few seconds of silence, waiting for the presenter to announce the final result, the host laughed and said: "Congratulations to Cao Dao Yang, congratulations to 'Inception' for winning the Best Visual Effects award once again."

"I calculated, Cao Dao's 'Inception' has already won four major awards, right?"

Cheng Er asked with a smile.

Zhang Yang thought for a moment and nodded.

"Among the nine nominations for 'Inception,' five have already been presented; besides missing out on Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects awards were not missed."

Then, several people looked at each other; is this the "Inception" that the media wasn't optimistic about beforehand?

Is this the "Inception" that was rumored to not be able to win major awards because the box office was too high?

Even if the remaining four nominations—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Score—were all missed, no one would think "Inception" failed at the Oscars, right?

This already counts as the big winner tonight, okay?

As if to confirm their guesses, besides winning Best Original Score thanks to Hans Zimmer's extraordinary performance, all the remaining major awards were missed.

And Martin Scorsese, thanks to the film "The Departed," won both Best Picture and Best Director in one fell swoop, finally fulfilling his dream of missing out on Best Director for many years.

The "grudge" between the three major directors hyped up by this Oscar, Martin Scorsese had the last laugh, winning the two biggest awards—Best Picture and Best Director—out of four nominations.

Furthermore, when presenting him with Best Director, three major directors—Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas—were dispatched.

It can be considered giving him enough face.

Cao Yang can also be considered one of the winners; nine nominations won five awards; this is probably the surprise that the current Oscar president, Sid Ganis, gave to Cao Yang and Tang Mu Rothman.

After all, Tang Mu Rothman is about to become the Global Vice President of Sony Pictures, which counts as a promotion.

As Tang Mu Rothman's old friend and old partner, Sid Ganis always has to show something—Tang Mu Rothman and Columbia contributed a lot to his successful election as Academy President and Oscar President.

And "Inception," for which Tang Mu Rothman is the credited producer, is one of Sid Ganis's returns to Tang Mu Rothman.

For a classic film like "Inception," no one will complain about winning a few technical awards.

This counts as justified.

Only Director Eastwood only won a consolatory technical award like Best Sound Editing.

However, this award was won by "crushing" "Inception," which can be considered saving some face.

Just like Cao Yang's Best Adapted Screenplay, which was won by "crushing" "The Departed."

The Oscars are actually also very good at dividing the cake.

After the Oscar awards ceremony ends, it is the famous Oscar banquet.

What's interesting is that Zhang Ziyi wasn't seen at the Oscar awards ceremony, but she was seen at the Oscar celebration banquet.

That's right, Zhang Ziyi didn't have any works shortlisted for the Oscars, nor was she a presenter, so there was no way to see her at the Oscar awards ceremony.

The Oscar celebration banquet is different; she was brought over by someone.

"Congratulations to Cao Dao for achieving good results tonight; let me introduce you, this is my boyfriend, Vivi Nevo; you can just call him Vivi."

Zhang Ziyi walked over, arm-in-arm with a short foreigner, and greeted Cao Yang.

However, her tone seemed a bit arrogant; it could be seen from her saying that Cao Yang achieved good results.

You have to know that these are five Oscar awards, counting as the film that won the most awards tonight; in her mouth, it was just "good."

Subsequently, she continued: "Vivi is the largest private investor in Goldman Sachs, the largest individual shareholder in Time Warner, and also has huge shares in The Weinstein Company..."

This sounded like showing off.

She thought Cao Yang was just a director in Hollywood, at most a well-known major director, and couldn't compare to her new boyfriend's status.

It seems she still doesn't understand Hollywood.

(End of chapter)