Catherine didn't lose her temper—getting angry at a supporting actress would make her look petty and lacking in grace.
Besides, if someone performed well, she couldn't exactly blame them for it.
Catherine believed that as the director, Gilbert would surely be aware of this and make the necessary adjustments.
Halting the scene, Gilbert discussed with cinematographer John Schwartzman how to change the camera angles and positioning to achieve their goal.
During the next take, Catherine noticed that Lilia's performance was even better than before—clearly, she had entered an even stronger state.
She couldn't help but quietly move closer to Gilbert, waiting to see how he would react.
Winona, watching the performance from the new camera angles, gave Gilbert a thumbs-up. "Your directing skills have improved a lot since I first met you.
By adjusting the camera work, the supporting actress's strong performance is still visible, but it no longer overshadows the lead's scene."
Gilbert nodded, and he didn't forget to compliment Lilia after she finished her performance. "Great job, Lilia."
As he spoke, he led the crew in applause, encouraging everyone to clap for the Black actress.
Lilia's face lit up with joy, and she repeatedly bowed in gratitude, as if she had just won an Oscar.
Catherine let out a cold snort and joined in the applause, though inwardly she thought, Let's see how she feels when the final cut only leaves her with side-profile shots.
Winona, still unimpressed, muttered, "If you've already decided not to let a supporting role overshadow the lead, why bother applauding her?"
Gilbert replied, "She won't get front-facing shots because she can't steal the scene. But her performance itself was still good—it deserves applause."
Winona shot back bluntly, "So fake…"
Gilbert shrugged, then noticed Catherine standing behind them. She was already in full makeup, her short black hair giving her a sharp and stylish look.
In Hollywood at this time, long hair was a crucial part of a female star's image. Catherine had cut hers short, which was a major sacrifice.
Whether the trade-off was worth it would depend on the success of the film and her own performance.
"There are a lot of dance moves in your next scene. Are you sure you can handle it?" Gilbert asked, aware that Catherine was on her period and might not be in peak condition.
Catherine responded firmly, "I'm fine. I can do it."
"Good," Gilbert nodded. "Go rehearse. We'll start soon."
Catherine stopped paying attention to the Black actress who had annoyed her and went off to prepare.
Winona was curious about something. "Doesn't this Black actress realize Catherine is the lead? Why is she deliberately targeting her?"
Gilbert's answer was simple. "Because on Broadway, she's the current Velma in the latest production."
"Oh, that explains it," Winona immediately understood. "No wonder. If I were in her shoes, I probably wouldn't be able to swallow that either."
As long as it didn't interfere with the shoot, Gilbert usually wouldn't step in.
He wasn't every actor's babysitter—he had enough on his plate managing the shoot itself.
Hollywood was fiercely competitive, and these kinds of rivalries were everywhere. Even Winona had been stabbed in the back by her so-called best friend, who stole her leading role.
Sure, Catherine had been handpicked by the director. But what did that have to do with Lilia? If she delivered an outstanding performance, the director might take notice and cast her in a future project. That was her real goal.
Lilia fully understood the nature of Hollywood. As long as her actions didn't disrupt the production, the director wouldn't interfere—unless she targeted someone Gilbert was personally close to, like Naomi Watts.
Then again, Naomi Watts hadn't reached A-list status solely because of Gilbert's support—she had her own cunning and strategic mind.
So while Lilia dared to challenge Catherine, she wouldn't dare pull anything against Naomi Watts.
Among the cast, competition was constant, but people like Naomi Watts and Tom Cruise had already risen above this kind of petty struggle.
Sometimes, these subtle battles could have surprising effects—like pushing actors to perform at their best.
It was obvious that Catherine didn't want to be outshone by a supporting actress. If she were, it would be humiliating, so she had to step up her game.
But sometimes, pressure had the opposite effect—causing an actor to perform worse than usual.
Perhaps feeling overwhelmed, Catherine's initial take was underwhelming—her performance was even bad.
Sensing Lilia's mocking gaze, Catherine felt the weight of expectation pressing down on her.
Noticing her struggle, Gilbert called for a halt and pulled her aside for a quick talk.
"Velma isn't supposed to be like this," he told her. "You want fame, right? Then you can't let the situation in front of you cloud your judgment or break you down under pressure.
Perform with strength. Sing with power. I want you to channel all your anger and frustration into the role.
If you don't know how to act it," Gilbert gestured toward Lilia, who was resting nearby, "just look at her. She's playing Velma on Broadway, and right now, she's outshining you. Doesn't that piss you off? Doesn't that make you furious?"
Reignited by Gilbert's words, Catherine's anger flared. She looked at Lilia, picturing her as the enemy, and instantly, her performance improved dramatically.
The next take went smoothly, and Gilbert was very pleased with Catherine's delivery.
This time, there was no applause. A supporting actress delivering an exceptional scene deserved recognition. But for the lead? Applauding her would feel like mockery.
As she wrapped up her visit, Winona spoke to Gilbert. "I heard Gwyneth has her eyes set on the Oscar for Best Actress. Do me a favor—crush that dream for her."
Gilbert chuckled. "Alright, I'll do my best."
"No, not 'do your best.' Make it happen," Winona insisted.
Gilbert, not wanting Winona to spiral and end up shoplifting again, gave in with a smile. "Okay, I'll make sure Gwyneth doesn't win that Oscar."
Only then was Winona satisfied. "Now that's more like it..."
Former best friends, now bitter rivals—this was the true nature of Hollywood's relentless pursuit of fame and fortune.
Looking at this scene, how different were they from the characters in Chicago—Roxie, Velma, and Billy? In the end, they were all the same.
A few days after Winona's visit, Gwyneth Paltrow also came to the set.
Watching Naomi Watts and Catherine perform, she felt the pressure—but Gwyneth seemed confident.
"Did you know? Harvey has already decided to fully support me in my Oscar campaign for Best Actress."
"Oh? Is that so?" Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "Then I should congratulate you in advance. With Harvey backing you, winning Best Actress shouldn't be a problem."
"Thanks," Gwyneth said. Today, she had come to dissuade Gilbert from pushing Naomi for the Oscar. "I know you specifically made this film for Naomi. But considering our past relationship, could you step aside for me?"
"That's funny. Just a few days ago, Winona was here, asking me to do the opposite—take you out of the race for Best Actress," Gilbert teased. "What's going on between you two?"
"What else?" Gwyneth replied nonchalantly. "I just took a leading role she wanted. Does she really need to be so petty?"
Gilbert couldn't help but chuckle. No wonder Winona had reacted so strongly.
Though they hadn't kept in touch for a long time, given that Gwyneth had been his way into Hollywood—and they had once shared a bed—Gilbert decided to offer her a piece of advice.
"Gwyneth, I don't mean to interfere, but while Hollywood is full of fake friendships, sometimes you do need real friends. You shouldn't make enemies everywhere."
Gwyneth glanced at Gilbert and remained indifferent. "They're all nobodies, not worth my time. By the way, how about we get back together?"
"Back together?" Gilbert was taken aback.
"Yeah," Gwyneth said shamelessly. "After all these boyfriends, you were still the best. The others were all useless, even Pitt—just all looks and no substance."
Gilbert was speechless. He pointed toward Naomi Watts, who was rehearsing with Catherine. "I'd have to ask her first—see if there's any room left in Melon Manor."
Gwyneth sized herself up against Naomi and immediately felt the gap between them.
"Forget it. With so many women at your Melon Manor, I'm not interested. Bye-bye..."
With that, Gwyneth didn't linger, grabbing her little handbag and walking away.
Gilbert called after her, "Want to grab lunch? Why are you walking so fast?"
Hearing that, Gwyneth walked even faster.
Naomi Watts approached Gilbert, puzzled. "What was she here for?"
"If I told you she wanted to get back together, would you believe me?" Gilbert asked with a grin.
Naomi nodded. "I believe it. She's probably regretting it now. If she hadn't broken up with you back then, her career would've been much better."
"If she hadn't broken up with me, I would've broken up with her," Gilbert said, wrapping his arm around Naomi's slender waist.
She was dressed in costume—a white outfit that made her look stunningly sexy.
Gilbert continued, "Gwyneth came here to throw down the gauntlet. At next year's Oscars, she'll be your strongest competitor."
Naomi was full of confidence. "Let her come. I have faith in this film, and I have faith in you."
"Good. As long as we do our job well, everything else will fall into place," Gilbert said as he headed back to the set to continue shooting.
Naomi watched Gilbert's back, then glanced at Gwyneth, a cold smile forming on her lips.
Hmph. She took Gilbert for granted because Spielberg was her godfather. Now she regrets it? Too late.
Best Actress? Naomi was determined to win it. Gwyneth could try again in her next life.