Chapter 795: The acceptance speech I prepared has already been said

By mid-February, the weather became changeable. There would be a few light rains from time to time, followed by two sunny days, making one have to be fully prepared when going out.

However, amidst these weather changes, the temperature in Tokyo began to rise slowly, letting people know that the footsteps of spring were walking toward here step by step~

A while ago, the major newspapers had already announced the nomination lists for the three major awards in the Japanese film industry, and now, the official award ceremony was about to be held!

"Naoki-san." Yin Tangxiu and Naoki Nagayama were together, preparing to set off from the studio. "Is the acceptance speech for the Japan Academy Film Prize ready for today?"

"Ah, the acceptance speech, huh~"

Naoki Nagayama's attention over the past two days hadn't been on the film award ceremony, but on making a strategy for going to Brazil. He hadn't even attended the rehearsals, so he didn't have any detailed preparation for the acceptance speech.

"Isn't it enough to just casually thank them for that kind of thing?!"

"....... Naoki-san, you absolutely cannot do that!" Yin Tangxiu urged him quickly. "Your previous remarks like 'thanks to so-and-so... for the opportunity' have already been considered the most perfunctory acceptance speeches in the industry. If you do it again, the Japan Academy Film Prize will think you don't respect them!"

"......."

Naoki Nagayama was about to retort, but Yin Tangxiu continued,

"Although it didn't matter if you were perfunctory before, we are currently in the process of pushing for the Palme d'Or, so it's better not to create any extra trouble!"

Hearing this, Naoki Nagayama muttered:

"Hai, I understand... I'll think about it now!"

"Mm, that's right..." Yin Tangxiu had rarely won an argument against Naoki Nagayama, and his mood suddenly became very good~

Both of them were wearing formal suits and got into the high-end sedan specially assigned to Shuyou, driving toward the venue of the Japan Academy Film Prize.

At the Prince Hotel in Shinagawa Ward, the main entrance was already surrounded. The goal was the Oscar-like Japan Academy Film Prize, so naturally, they couldn't lose on the details of walking the red carpet.

Naoki Nagayama and Yin Tangxiu walked onto the red carpet from the main entrance. Unlike Yin Tangxiu, who was waving everywhere like a peacock spreading its tail, Naoki Nagayama didn't have many movements or pauses, just burying his head and walking toward the venue.

However, the reporters on the scene didn't let him go. It had been a long time since they saw him on the headlines. The media reporters in the entertainment industry were even a bit excited to see Naoki Nagayama:

"Naoki-san, wait a second! How many trophies do you think you can take today?!"

"Naoki-san, is the goal Best Film?!"

"Director Nagayama, do you have plans for your next film?!"

"Mr. Naoki Nagayama... why didn't you attend the award ceremony with Ms. Akina Mori?!"

"......."

The clicking of shutters and the flashes that were conspicuous even in broad daylight made Naoki Nagayama feel a bit emotional. This kind of treatment of being the center of attention was something many stars and idols couldn't get even if they begged for it!

But all he felt was noise and static...

So...

"Excuse me, I'm going to be late! I'll go first!"

Naoki Nagayama didn't even stop his pace, his long legs swinging, and he quickly slipped into the venue entrance!

Late? There was still more than an hour before the opening! Late, my foot!

The reporters outside clamored, complaining about Naoki Nagayama for not playing by the rules, and then aimed their anger at Yin Tangxiu, who was being interviewed...

"Director Yin, you really should manage Mr. Naoki Nagayama!"

"Xiu-san, hurry up and pull Naoki Nagayama back! There are still many questions!"

"Mr. Yin Tangxiu, did something happen to Naoki-san? Why is he in such a hurry? Is it nature's call?"

"......."

Yin Tangxiu, who was left outside, smiled until his face went stiff, but he couldn't learn from Naoki Nagayama and abandon a large group of reporters... Although there were isolation banners, because he had wanted to be interviewed earlier, he was already surrounded by reporters...

He couldn't run away!

The Japan Academy Film Prize was broadcast nationwide, and it was held inside a hotel, so the first few rows were set up like a banquet, and only the back had rows of chairs.

In the strictly hierarchical entertainment industry, the seating arrangement for the award ceremony was also very calculated. The tables in the first few rows were mostly for the big shots in the film circle who had seniority and prestige.

However, the ones right in the middle, closest to the stage, were all popular stars and the candidates most likely to win.

With Naoki Nagayama's current status, he naturally sat firmly at one of the tables right in the middle.

"Naoki-san... you're here!" Naoki Nagayama had just sat down when Takeshi Kitano nearby greeted him.

"Kitano-san..." Naoki Nagayama smiled. "You're here so early... Shouldn't you be filming 'Yasha' at this time?"

"Almost finished... at least I've wrapped up!" Takeshi Kitano smiled. "Waiting for the other leads to finish filming, then it should be time for editing~"

"Kitano-san's scenes are fast~" Naoki Nagayama asked with slight curiosity. "Then Yuko-san, will she be here today?"

"Of course, she's the host... Naoki-san, didn't you come to the rehearsal?"

"Hehehe... I was quite busy..."

"Is Kijima-kun not coming today either?" Takeshi Kitano was very interested in the assistant director Shizhi Araki. His presence, which was like a superpower, left a deep impression on him, so he remembered it.

"He's busy filming 'Love Century,' so he won't be coming today~"

"That's a pity~"

"......."

Naoki Nagayama and Takeshi Kitano chatted quite happily. He also saw the young actor Naoto Fujiki, but it was rare for child stars to win awards, so this time there was no share for him in the Best Newcomer award; he was just there to make up the numbers~

After Yin Tangxiu joined in, the few of them chatted even more excitedly, almost tricking Takeshi Kitano into filming "Squid Game"...

It wasn't until the music stopped that the award ceremony for the 60th year of Showa officially began.

Hosts Ken Ogata and Yuko Tanaka stood on the stage and announced that today's award ceremony had officially begun...

"Minna-san, many excellent films emerged in the 59th year of Showa... After strict screening by the jury and the audience, the winning films will be announced today!"

"The 8th Japan Academy Film Prize award ceremony, officially begins!"

The nominated films for the Japan Academy Film Prize were voted on by the members of the Japan Academy Film Association. The final winning films were actually chosen before the broadcast. The so-called live broadcast was just a formality~

However, apart from a few people, no one knew the final list of winners, including Yuko Tanaka, who was hosting.

There were quite a few winners for the Best Newcomer award this year: Koji Kikkawa, Hironobu Nomura, Yasuko Tomita... After a total of six winners went on stage to receive their awards, they presented the Best Art Direction, Best Sound Recording, Best Lighting, and other less important awards.

Finally, it was "The Summer of Kikujiro's" turn!

"The winner of the Best Film Score award, 'Summer' — 'The Summer of Kikujiro'!" When Yuko Tanaka read out this award, her face was full of a bright smile. "Congratulations to Mr. Naoki Nagayama!"

As the composer of this song, Naoki Nagayama had to walk onto the stage and take the trophy from the presenter:

"Arigato~"

After standing still, he began his first acceptance speech of the night:

"Thanks to the Japan Academy Film Prize jury for giving me this award... I want to thank the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra for their outstanding performance, and thank Kazumori Takeda-san for his serious responsibility, which made this 'Summer' presented so perfectly!"

Yin Tangxiu in the audience breathed a sigh of relief. Naoki Nagayama's acceptance speech this time could be considered a pass; it was neither bad nor good.

After Naoki Nagayama came down, he smiled: "Naoki-san... keep it up!"

"......."

There was no share for "The Summer of Kikujiro" in the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards, but starting from Best Actor, the entire award ceremony began to enter the time of "The Summer of Kikujiro"!

And starting from this award, the nominated films began to have interviews!

"Kitano-san... how did you get this film in the first place?" host Ken Ogata asked.

"At that time..." Takeshi Kitano's expression was full of innocence. "Director Naoki Nagayama found me and suddenly said to me: 'Takeshi Kitano, I think you have the feeling of an old gangster. Why don't you come to my side and play the role of an old gangster who has turned over a new leaf!'"

As expected of a manzai master, as soon as these words came out, even host Ken Ogata couldn't help but laugh out loud:

"Haha, after hearing this, didn't Kitano-san flip out?"

"I really wanted to flip out, but at that time we were in Naoki Nagayama's teahouse, and it was full of his people... so I was a bit scared!" Takeshi Kitano continued to joke. "And Director Naoki Nagayama is young, tall, and muscular, while I'm already over forty... what if I get beaten up!"

"Hahaha~"

Everyone else in the venue burst into laughter, and even the director gave the camera to Naoki Nagayama, who had an innocent face in the audience...

Clearly a person who couldn't bear to hurt an ant while walking on the street, yet he was framed like this... was there no justice left!

Also nominated were Hiroyuki Sanada for "Legend of the Eight Samurai" and "Be-Bop High School 2"; Kinya Kitaoji for "Kukai," etc...

They all talked about interesting things during the filming process or their performance feelings, but none had a more enthusiastic response than Takeshi Kitano.

Naturally, the Best Actor award was easily taken by Takeshi Kitano!

For the next Best Screenplay, Naoki Nagayama naturally had to go up for an interview again, but this time it was Yuko Tanaka asking the questions. This big sister, dressed in a proper kimono, smiled very happily when she saw Naoki Nagayama:

"Naoki-san... It is said that because of the script for this film, others thought it was reflecting your own childhood, right? And it even affected your parents back home?"

As expected, the program should be played with acquaintances. Yuko Tanaka knew too much! After she said it, the whispering in the venue instantly rose.

"......."

Naoki Nagayama glared at her, but was easily avoided by this cunning big sister,

"Ahem... there is indeed such a thing..."

"However, in fact, the stories created by screenwriters are a reflection of past experiences and life... it's actually a false proposition." Naoki Nagayama said. "Some creators are like this, but a large part are not... they rely on imagination (fantasizing)!

Otherwise, how could there be so many fantasy stories about marrying a rich and beautiful woman and reaching the pinnacle of life... those novels that are completely different from the author's life!"

"So... I clarify again... Father, Mother, and neighbors back home in front of the TV... 'The Summer of Kikujiro' really has nothing to do with my childhood!!!"

"Hai hai hai, we know!"

Yuko Tanaka smiled and interrupted Naoki Nagayama's slightly excited words, and then continued to interview the next nominee...

But when it came to the final award, Yuko Tanaka looked at Naoki Nagayama:

"The 8th Japan Academy Film Prize, Best Screenplay — Naoki Nagayama! 'The Summer of Kikujiro'!"

Naoki Nagayama stood up, walked to the presenter, bowed, took the certificate and trophy, and began to say his acceptance speech:

"Thanks to the jury for giving me this award. I also want to thank Otomo-san and Xiu-san for their support, which allowed this script to be filmed..."

After a round of acceptance speeches, he returned to the table and placed the trophy on the table...

"The second one~"

Yin Tangxiu next to him said,

"Naoki-san, you just thanked the producer and the behind-the-scenes... then shouldn't it be the crew members next?"

"......." Naoki Nagayama was speechless...

How do you know everything!

The big and small awards of the Japan Academy Film Prize were generally presented alternately, so after Best Screenplay, they ushered in Best Editing...

Still "The Summer of Kikujiro"...

"Congratulations to 'The Summer of Kikujiro' for using innovative editing techniques to express the content of the film..."

Naoki Nagayama took the trophy:

"Thanks to the behind-the-scenes staff, including assistant director Shizhi Araki, Kongming Sakata, Guangming Xiaoyuan... without them, I couldn't have edited this film..."

"........"

In the following award ceremony, Naoki Nagayama was very busy, constantly going up and down the stage. The trophies on the table increased one by one, as if he were stocking up on goods!

Host Ken Ogata:

"Congratulations to Naoki Nagayama for winning the Japan Academy Film Prize — Special Award..."

Naoki Nagayama took the trophy:

"Thanks to Takeshi Kitano, little Naoto Fujiki, and other actors for their performances... without them, I couldn't have produced such a wonderful film..."

"......."

Host Yuko Tanaka:

"Congratulations to Naoki Nagayama..."

Naoki Nagayama took the trophy:

"Thanks... without them, 'The Summer of Kikujiro' couldn't have achieved such success..."

"......."

Host Ken Ogata:

"Congratulations to Naoki Nagayama..."

Naoki Nagayama:

"Thanks..."

"......."

There were 16 awards in total for the Japan Academy Film Prize. By the time the last two big awards were left, five had already been pocketed by Naoki Nagayama!

Looking at the trophies on the table, Yin Tangxiu sighed:

"Best Director, Best Film... should only be able to win one! Naoki-san, when you go back later, do you want me to help you carry things?"

"....... Yes!"

The two hosts on the stage were still full of energy continuing the hosting process. The Best Director award didn't need an on-stage interview. Yuko Tanaka looked at the list of winners in her hand, and her originally curved single eyelids widened:

"The 8th Japan Academy Film Prize, Best Director Award... Winner: Naoki Nagayama!!! 'The Summer of Kikujiro'!!!"

In the eyes of a group of guests who took it for granted, Naoki Nagayama walked onto the stage again!

"Naoki-san... congratulations on winning!" Yuko Tanaka was also surprised and happy, and interviewed him a little. "Is winning the Best Director award this time unexpected?!"

"Haha, a little bit... I thought they wouldn't choose me this year!"

"Then congratulations to Naoki-san again, hurry up and receive the award!"

Yuko Tanaka guided Naoki Nagayama to the podium. This time, the award was presented to him by Tomoyuki Tanaka, the vice president of the Japan Academy Film Prize Association. He smiled and handed over the trophy and certificate:

"Congratulations, Director Nagayama!"

"Thank you..." Naoki Nagayama came to the microphone again. "Thanks... uh..."

Naoki Nagayama suddenly stuttered. He found that he had already thanked almost everyone who could be thanked!!!

Should he repeat it again?! That would be too embarrassing...

His mind raced, and he couldn't think of a good way to say it for a moment... But it was a live broadcast, and if he kept silent, it might be considered a broadcast accident!

A few seconds flashed by. Naoki Nagayama saw that the camera lens had moved forward, and the host Yuko Tanaka next to him had gripped the microphone tightly...

Saying something was better than saying nothing! Naoki Nagayama opened his mouth.

"Uh... the acceptance speech I prepared has already been said... I can't think of anything for a moment..."

Naoki Nagayama scratched his face a bit awkwardly,

"Anyway... thank you everyone..."

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere at the scene instantly exploded. Laughter, surprise, and the envy, jealousy, and hatred of everyone toward Naoki Nagayama on stage all came out:

"Haha~" "Ooh!" "This is really..."

"As expected of Naoki-san!"

"Big news!"

"......."

Yin Tangxiu below slapped his forehead... He knew Naoki-san would cause some trouble...

After sneaking off the stage, Naoki Nagayama placed the Best Director trophy on the table and looked at Yin Tangxiu's gaze, feeling a bit sheepish:

"Hehe, it really was said... I didn't expect there to be so many awards..."

"Naoki-san..."

"Haha, anyway, it's the last one~"

"......."

It was just a small interlude. The award process for the 8th Japan Academy Film Prize naturally continued. Male host Ken Ogata was already prepared to announce the final big award.

"The nominated works for the Best Film Award are: 'The Summer of Kikujiro,' 'The Funeral,' 'Setouchi Boys Baseball Team,' 'Heaven's Station,' 'Mahjong Wandering'..."

Ken Ogata took a deep breath and opened the envelope,

"The final winning film..."

His pupils widened slightly, as if he couldn't believe the result inside, but after raising his head, he looked toward a certain place:

"Best Film — 'The Summer of Kikujiro,' Naoki Nagayama!"

"!!!" "Roar roar roar~"

The venue instantly boiled over. Some people who were looking forward to it kept clapping, some had stiff faces, some thought the award was well-deserved, and some thought the Japan Academy Film Prize had violated the unspoken rules!

"Is it me?" Naoki Nagayama also looked at Yin Tangxiu in surprise. "What about the unspoken rules?"

"I don't know..." Yin Tangxiu shook his head. "But now is not the time to talk about this. Naoki-san, hurry up and go on stage! Everyone is waiting!"

"!!!"

Naoki Nagayama had no choice but to stand up and walk toward the podium,

"But my acceptance speech has already been said! There's nothing left!"

"......." ===== CHAPTER 796 =====