[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr":3,"chapter-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-99":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Academic Director: Reborn in the Film Industry",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2297099,4493,"Chapter 99: Award Ceremony","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-99",99,"\u003Cp>The premiere of *Secret Sunshine* was very lively, attended by many well-known directors and producers, most of whom Cao Yang had met during those months in Venice last year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jury President David Lynch also came, bringing along several jury members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michelle Yeoh was among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was very enthusiastic, constantly praising Cao Yang's film, saying she liked *3-Iron* very much and hoped to have a chance to collaborate one day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before taking her seat, she added in a seemingly casual, soft voice: \"*Secret Sunshine* is a very profound film. I particularly like it; it is just as brilliant as Director Lynch's *Mulholland Drive* from last year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang felt a stir in his heart and said with a smile, \"Thank you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then personally led Michelle Yeoh and her group to their seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last year's Cannes Film Festival, David Lynch's *Mulholland Drive* won Best Director, sharing the award with the Coen brothers' *The Man Who Wasn't There*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last year's Cannes Best Director was a tie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Cannes Film Festival, it is quite common to award a tie; it is nothing unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marin Karmitz, the founder of mk2, also came, bringing three people with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After introductions, the oldest was Luc Godard, a senior member of the Cannes Film Festival organizing committee, who is responsible for matters during the festival each year and is considered one of the people with the most influence under the committee president.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two were also members of the organizing committee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang shook hands and thanked them; they said themselves that they were attending the premiere in a private capacity and did not represent the official organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, if you say you don't represent them, then you don't; as long as you are happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zhangke brought Zhao Tao along to attend the premiere of *Secret Sunshine*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While sitting in their seats waiting for the film to start, Zhao Tao watched waves of famous directors and actors from around the world coming to show their support, and said to Jia Zhangke not without envy: \"This turnout is truly grand—the Palais des Festivals, the red carpet, and all the big stars.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zhangke was envious too, but he could not show it, and said with a faint smile: \"Director Cao is the youngest Golden Lion-winning director, and he has successively produced two Best Actresses; the Cannes officials must treat him as one of the most important guests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Film festivals and famous directors actually achieve success through one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, if a world-renowned director frequently takes films to the Venice and Berlin film festivals but never comes to Cannes, what would others think?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the Cannes Film Festival losing its influence, or are there too many shady dealings at Cannes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it doesn't cause substantial damage to the festival, what about the festival president? Isn't this handing a ready-made handle to their competitors?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Tao's gaze could not help but drift toward Cao Yang; a Best Actress award from the Big Three is the dream of how many actresses, and for this, she believed most actresses would pay any price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think Gao Yuanyuan has a chance to win Best Actress at Cannes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Tao asked softly, as if in a trance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zhangke pondered for a long time, combining his own experience as a director over the years, before slowly shaking his head: \"It's difficult. I know Gao Yuanyuan; she isn't a professional actress, she became famous shooting commercials, her talent is average, and she previously acted in Wang Xiaoshuai's film—her acting... is hard to describe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then explained to Zhao Tao, \"Although everyone says Director Cao is good at coaching actors, how can coaching an actor's performance be a matter of a day or two? It's difficult. Director Cao isn't a god; how could he make someone undergo a total transformation in such a short time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Tao thought about it, and that made sense; unless one is exceptionally talented, one can only leave it to time, learning slowly, pondering slowly, and honing slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, thinking of Li Xiaoran and Yu Feihong, Zhao Tao's thoughts wavered; she didn't know Li Xiaoran, but Yu Feihong's acting was just so-so, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did it suddenly become so good?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was because she had been a teacher at the Beijing Film Academy, with a solid foundation and a slow accumulation leading to a sudden breakthrough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the film started, Zhao Tao stopped thinking about these things and watched it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, she also thought this was a romance film, until the female lead's child was kidnapped and killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Tao started to have doubts; whose romance film is this miserable? Shouldn't the male lead show off his prowess, fight with his wits and courage at the critical moment, and rescue the child?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the film ended, Zhao Tao no longer had any messy thoughts; she only felt that the female lead was too pitiful—how could fate be so cruel to her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the crying scene in the church, which left Zhao Tao's eyes red, and her tears simply wouldn't stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Cao is too heartless, too cruel to the female lead; why not give her a little hope...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Tao said while wiping away her tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell said this was a romance film? Which media outlet is so unreliable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zhangke fell into deep thought and remained silent for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ignored Zhao Tao and kept questioning himself in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does being a director require such high talent? Why could Director Cao coach someone's acting to such a level in a short time? Am I... not suited to be a director?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Jia Zhangke shook Cao Yang's hand and said: \"Congratulations, Director Cao. This is a film with great thought and depth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Human nature has always been complex; when pushed to the wall, some will drift with the tide, some will give up on themselves, and some will rise up to resist... The film is excellent, and the actress is also excellent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then added, \"People always said Director Cao is good at coaching actors, and this time I believe it. When we return to the country, if there is time, I would like to ask you about this issue; I hope Director Cao will not hesitate to share your wisdom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, what are you saying? Let's discuss and learn from each other; Director Jia, let's make progress together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Tao watched with a smile from the side. After Jia Zhangke and Cao Yang finished their pleasantries, she said: \"Congratulations, Director Cao. You have made another amazing film. I am very envious of Yuanyuan now.\" After saying this, she turned and took Gao Yuanyuan's hand, saying: \"Yuanyuan, your performance in the film is too astonishing; you definitely have a chance to compete for Best Actress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yuanyuan smiled and replied: \"Sister Tao, you are too kind; your acting is much better than mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, Yuanyuan, let's stop with the pleasantries. Let's get together when we return to the country.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay, it's a deal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every year during the Cannes Film Festival, many media outlets frequently mention one term: the daily bulletin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official Cannes partner magazine *Screen Daily* invites a group of well-known media outlets and film critics from around the world during the festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this official festival publication, there is all the information, behind-the-scenes, reviews, and advertisements regarding the festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most importantly, the ratings for the films in the main competition section.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, this thing seems to represent \"public opinion\" in a sense, but looking at the award results each year, the tastes of film critics and the jury are rarely consistent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, the reasons are multifaceted; the easiest reason to understand is that film critics are more easily influenced by certain factors, leading to non-objective ratings, such as the power of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, just take the daily bulletin's ratings as a reference; there is no need to treat them as a barometer for winning awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The daily bulletin's evaluation of *Secret Sunshine* was somewhat polarized; some Western critics didn't understand why the female lead would negotiate with God even after believing in Him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So some critics criticized the plot, feeling it was a bit unreasonable; they felt faith should be pure and not linked to interests, but they praised Gao Yuanyuan's performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, some Western critics felt that this was God's test and trial for a shallow believer; the film was shot very realistically. Didn't Job once doubt God back in the day?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those with firm faith who pass the trial can receive God's blessing and return to God's embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn't this film trying to tell the world through the female lead's story that faith must be pious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not me, I didn't do it, don't talk nonsense!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Cao Yang repeatedly appealed to the media that his film was not a religious film, but merely an exploration and reflection on human nature, it was useless—what does a director know about film? Interpretation requires film critics; we are the professionals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang intuitively felt the impact brought by fame; if he were just a small, transparent director, film critics wouldn't have nothing better to do than discuss his film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On May 26, the Cannes Film Festival closing red carpet and awards ceremony were held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Secret Sunshine* was notified to stay for the closing ceremony; Jia Zhangke unfortunately did not receive an invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang called him, and he was quite open-minded, saying that just entering the main competition section was a victory, and hoped Cao Yang could bring home a significant award.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Gao Yuanyuan confirmed the news, her excitement was beyond words; since language could not express it clearly, she took practical action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked Cao Yang for advice on acting, and they discussed it with such intensity that they even started \"slapping\" each other, and at one point, screams were heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faintly, Gao Yuanyuan's pleas for mercy could be heard, asking Director Cao not to discuss it so intensely, and that they should just discuss it slowly and carefully together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The award ceremony procedures for the European Big Three are all similar: first, walk the red carpet, sign autographs, have reporters take photos, accept brief interviews, and then find one's seat to wait for the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first awards presented are for other sections, with the main competition section saved for last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What makes Cannes different from Venice and Berlin is that there is a permanent Best Screenplay award, and they also frequently award the Jury Prize, which is not the Grand Prix, but a consolation-type award.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Best Screenplay award is not a consolation prize; as a permanent award, it is one of the important major awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the top prize called the Palme d'Or, Cannes gives certificates for the rest; there is no such thing as a Silver Palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the various non-competition section awards were presented, one could clearly feel that the atmosphere at the venue had changed; the main event was next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year, Cannes had a 55th Anniversary Special Prize in the main competition section; the presenter looked down from the stage, and it is estimated that every director at the venue was saying in their heart, please don't let it be me...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they were notified to stay, no one wanted to win a consolation-type award.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"*Bowling for Columbine*, Michael Moore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the presenter read the name, most people breathed a sigh of relief, except for Michael Moore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same situation applied to the Jury Prize; if they had a choice, no one wanted to win this award either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two consolation-type awards were presented, the remaining people unconsciously relaxed; the following awards were all significant, and winning any of them would be a victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next should be the Best Actress award.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qihua glanced at Gao Yuanyuan and reminded her softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he was the male lead, he was not the main focus; his screen time was limited, and he lacked explosive power, so he knew it was difficult for him to win Best Actor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The easiest award for this film to win was Best Actress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2036,"2026-06-20T05:36:32.009Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","cafea689ada9772641299ef3f093149c35846bf187942083452405e5fb5cd867","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-100","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-98",411,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-cover.jpg"]