"Click!"
"Click!"
"Click!"
Flashes kept lighting up in front of Ethan, accompanied by the constant sound of camera shutters clicking, creating an incredibly noisy scene.
However, both Ethan and Scarlett were already accustomed to such an occasion, so they remained composed, walking forward while waving to everyone in greeting.
Scarlett was dressed in a red strapless sequined gown adorned with various diamonds, making her shine brilliantly. Paired with her neatly coiled hair, she looked just like a noblewoman.
Ethan, on the other hand, wore a black suit, and his short, neatly styled hair made him look energetic and confident.
The reason for walking the red carpet together in such a high-profile manner this time was mainly to promote the film Lucy.
With this as an excuse, Scarlett finally got to experience what it felt like to stand alongside Ethan.
The two walked into the auditorium and found their respective seats.
As soon as Ethan appeared, numerous celebrities gathered around him, eager to strike up conversations.
They only dispersed when the awards ceremony was about to begin.
Ethan could clearly feel that his status was no longer the same as before. If, in the past, many celebrities saw him as a highly capable and visionary director of artistic films, now he was recognized as a top-tier director of commercial blockbusters.
The billion-dollar club—just Inception alone was enough to make Ethan one of the most influential figures in Hollywood.
Not to mention, he also represented capital. The various companies under his name, when combined, carried far more weight than any ordinary actor or director.
In fact, top-tier actors and directors often align themselves with different financial groups. Some start their own companies, while others become partners in film studios.
But someone like Ethan, who built his own company from scratch and took it public, was extremely rare—one in a million.
That was why these celebrities now spoke to Ethan with utmost respect. They saw the rise of a future Hollywood mogul, someone who could potentially collaborate with them at any time. Offending him was out of the question.
After handling these social interactions, Ethan sat in the front row, watching as the Oscars ceremony began.
Everything proceeded as usual. The host entertained the audience with humorous remarks about the nominees and applauded the winners when they took the stage.
Ethan clapped many times—sometimes for others, sometimes for himself.
No Country for Old Men was nominated for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It successfully won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Inception was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Original Score. It secured wins in Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.
As the ceremony progressed, the highly anticipated major awards were announced.
"For Best Supporting Actor, the nominees are: Tom Wilkinson for Michael Clayton, Hal Holbrook for Into the Wild, Philip Seymour Hoffman for Charlie Wilson's War, Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men, and Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James."
Applause immediately filled the venue. Under everyone's gaze, the presenter opened the envelope and glanced at the nominees.
"Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men!"
"Wow!"
The applause grew even more enthusiastic.
Javier Bardem, sporting a short haircut, walked onto the stage and stood before the microphone.
"I think this award should be accepted by Anton from the movie," he said.
As he spoke, he pulled out a wig from his pocket—the same hairstyle his character had in the film.
The audience gasped, and the director cut to multiple celebrity reaction shots.
Javier Bardem put on the wig and, with a blank expression, said, "Thank you to the Academy, to director Ethan, to all the crew members, and to all the people I killed in the movie... Thank you for your contributions. So, should I flip a coin? Heads or tails to decide your fate?"
"Hahahaha!"
The audience couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Alright, back to being serious. Thank you so much to the director. Even though this hairstyle is absolutely awful—I'm serious—it was totally worth it." Javier Bardem grinned, showing off his signature movie smile.
Amid cheers and applause, he finished his speech and left the stage.
After that came even more prestigious awards, like Best Actor and Best Actress.
However, none of these had anything to do with Ethan's films.
As he watched the segment introducing the Academy's Scientific and Technical Awards, Ethan suddenly remembered that if Jessica hadn't been pregnant and declined the Oscars' invitation, she would have been the one standing on that stage.
Thinking of Jessica led Ethan to reflect—he had changed many people's lives and careers.
It was fascinating. He had gone from being an observer of history to an active participant, reshaping events beyond recognition.
To be honest, it felt pretty great.
As these thoughts ran through his mind, the ceremony reached its final stage. With only two major awards left, the host introduced the presenter for Best Director—Martin Scorsese.
The previous year's Best Director was here to present the award for this year's Best Director.
Dressed in a classic black tuxedo with his signature black-framed glasses, the legendary filmmaker walked onto the stage with an energetic stride.
"I'm honored to be back here and to have the privilege of presenting the Academy Award for Best Director. Trust me, this award means the world to the winner," he said, pausing briefly before getting straight to the nominations.
"The nominees for Best Director are..."
A montage played on the big screen, with golden letters flashing one by one.
"Paul Thomas Anderson for There Will Be Blood."
"Ethan Norton for No Country for Old Men."
"Julian Schnabel for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
"Tony Gilroy for Michael Clayton."
"Joe Wright for Atonement."
Unlike in the original timeline, Juno had been released in 2007, so it was replaced by Atonement in the 2008 Best Picture category.
But that didn't matter. What mattered was that this was Ethan's first nomination for Best Director!
Although every nominee received applause when their name was called, when Martin Scorsese announced Ethan's name, the audience responded with the loudest ovation of the night.
"Wow, your dad got a Best Director nomination! I knew he could do it!" Jessica, sitting by the bedside, held her daughter, Elena, and couldn't help but give her a kiss.
Elena—her name held a symbolic meaning, representing a promise. This was the name Ethan and Jessica had chosen for their daughter.
The little one, after being kissed, blinked in confusion. Seeing her mother's smiling face, she grinned as well.
Then she turned to the television screen, looking at Ethan, opening her tiny mouth and babbling while waving her hands.
"Baby, are you giving Daddy your blessing? That's amazing! Maybe with your blessing, he'll actually win Best Director!" Jessica said, turning her attention back to the screen.
Compared to the other nominees, Ethan's heartbeat remained steady, and his expression stayed calm.
He never placed too much importance on success or failure. Even if he didn't win this time, he could always make another remarkable film in the future.
Still, it would be a shame to miss this opportunity.
But perhaps Elena's blessing really had some magic in it.
Martin Scorsese opened the envelope, and after reading the name, his face showed visible surprise.
"And the Academy Award for Best Director goes to..."
The big screen displayed images of the nominees, then Scorsese announced:
"No Country for Old Men, Ethan Li Norton!"
"Wow!"
"Ah!"
Applause, screams, and whistles erupted simultaneously, surpassing all the previous reactions—it was simply unbelievable.
Ethan stood up amidst the claps from those around him, buttoned his suit, and walked toward the stage.
Standing before the microphone, Ethan had just lowered his head when another wave of enthusiastic cheers interrupted him.
He had to raise his hand to quiet the crowd before saying, "Thank you. To be honest, I am overwhelmed by this award."
"My childhood dream was photography and film. Last year, I successfully held my own photography exhibition. And today, I have won this award. Thank you all for your recognition."
Thunderous applause followed.
"I also want to thank everyone in the crew. Even though I often scolded you all, you still did an excellent job in presenting this work perfectly."
"Thank you for allowing my childhood dream to continue."
After finishing his speech, Ethan stood up and walked off the stage with the trophy in hand, surrounded by the audience's cheers.
Next was the final and most prestigious award of the night—
The Academy Award for Best Picture.
The presenter for this award was Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood's most famous Black actors. Standing on stage, he said, "The Oscars have crowned 79 outstanding films as Best Picture."
"Now, let's see what the 80th Best Picture will be. The nominees are…"
There Will Be Blood
No Country for Old Men
Michael Clayton
Atonement
Inception
The moment the last title was announced, the audience practically exploded.
It had been years since a sci-fi film was last nominated for Best Picture—this was historic.
Not to mention, among the five Best Picture nominees, two were Ethan's films. It was unbelievable.
Tonight, all the audience's astonishment was directed at Ethan. Now, the only question was whether he could create another miracle and take home the Best Picture award.
After announcing the nominees, Denzel Washington went straight to revealing the winner.
"No Country for Old Men, produced by Greta Gerwig!"
Ethan applauded as his film won another award.
On the screen, Taylor Swift let out an excited cheer and jumped off the couch.
"Taylor, stop jumping around. You're a grown woman now."
Her mother's voice came from the kitchen. Their family was preparing a late-night snack, and only Taylor was sitting in front of the TV.
"Ethan is just incredible." Although the producer was the one accepting the award, Taylor still credited everything to Ethan.
Because she knew that he was the backbone of the film. No one else.
If nothing unexpected happened, these awards would probably be displayed in Ethan's office the next time she visited.
After the final major award was handed out, the Oscars officially came to an end.
As per tradition, Ethan attended the after-party and turned his phone back on.
He had switched it off during the Oscars ceremony.
The moment his phone powered up, he saw over a dozen missed calls—all from his mother, Camila.
"Hello, Camila, you know I was at the Oscars… What?"
Ethan's brows immediately furrowed deeply, forming a crease on his forehead—an expression he had never shown before. A storm was brewing in his eyes.
"Alright, I'm coming now."
Ethan glanced at the glitzy party filled with stars and turned away without hesitation.
"Ethan, where are you going?" Scarlett Johansson, passing by, asked in confusion.
"Sorry, I have something urgent."
Ethan didn't elaborate.
Seeing him leave, the celebrities at the party were all puzzled. Many of them had been hoping to chat with him, but now, it seemed they wouldn't get the chance.
Ethan walked out of the hotel and got into Tom's car, heading straight for the airport.
"What's wrong?" Tom asked. It was the first time he had seen Ethan with such a grim expression.
"Annie… she fell… FXXK!" Ethan ran a hand through his hair roughly. "I told her not to move around too much! If she needed something, she should let someone else handle it. But she never listens!"
He vented his frustration loudly before calming down slightly, his tone shifting to worry. "I don't know how serious it is."
"What about the baby?" If it had been Jimmy or Carl, they wouldn't have dared to ask this question.
But Tom was different. His directness was both his strength and his flaw.
Ethan didn't mind. He remained silent for a while, then, as the airport came into view, finally said, "The doctors said it might not survive."
"Damn it." Tom said exactly what Ethan was thinking.
"It's fine." Ethan seemed more composed. "As long as she's okay and doesn't suffer any long-term effects."
He was still young. Annie Hathaway was still young. There would be chances to have children in the future.
Tom stopped talking and drove in silence.
When they reached New York, they headed straight to the hospital, where they found a worried Camila waiting.
"How is she?" Ethan asked.
"The surgery is over, but Annie isn't in great shape. Go see her," Camila shrugged and gestured toward the room.
"Okay." Ethan walked into the ward and gently closed the door behind him.
The only sounds in the room were the occasional beeping of machines. The white walls were accented with wood tones, giving a sophisticated look.
Besides an en-suite bathroom, the room also had a TV, computer, and even a treadmill.
If you had money, a private hospital could be more luxurious than expected.
Ethan walked past the curtain and approached the bed.
Annie Hathaway lay there, pale, gazing out the window into the dark night.
Ethan sat beside her and held her hand. "We can always—"
"She was supposed to be named Tiffany…" Annie suddenly interrupted.
"She should have been called Tiffany… It's my fault. I lost her." Tears welled in Annie's eyes.
Ethan leaned in and wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her back.
"I should have been more careful…" Annie closed her eyes, and two tears rolled down her cheeks.
Ethan wiped them away. Both fell into silence.
"You don't have to stay with me…" After crying, Annie spoke emotionlessly. "Jessica deserves your company more."
She was a smart woman. She knew exactly what was going on with Ethan, though she had kept it to herself.
"She is her, and you are you," Ethan replied.
"But I don't have a child anymore. You can go to Jessica, hold your baby, instead of sitting here crying with me," Annie said, still staring out the window.
Ethan turned her face toward him. "I wasn't with you because of a baby, Annie. You know that."
"Then why are you with me? Just to satisfy a fleeting desire?" she sneered.
"If I wanted to leave someone, I could do it anytime," Ethan said seriously. "But I've never thought about leaving you."
Annie looked into his eyes and quickly averted her gaze.
She didn't say anything else. She seemed calmer.
Ethan peeled an apple for her, and she obediently ate it.
"So, what's their name?" Annie suddenly asked.
"Who?" Ethan was confused.
Annie pursed her lips. "That baby…"
"She's called Elena," Ethan replied.
"She? A girl?"
"Yes, a girl." Ethan nodded.
"She must be adorable."
"She is."
"That's nice…" Annie didn't finish her thought, but Ethan could see her envy.
Silence followed.
Annie closed her eyes, seemingly drifting to sleep.
Ethan rested his head beside her and shut his eyes.
Then, a faint voice broke the quiet. "Can I see her?"
Ethan opened his eyes and smiled. "Of course."
Anne Hathaway was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day.
Then, under Ethan's arrangement, she visited Jessica's home as a guest, alongside Cindy and Kayden, under the guise of being a friend.
Seeing the little one, Elena, in Jessica's arms, Anne Hathaway couldn't help but ask if she could hold her.
Jessica didn't refuse and agreed.
Then, as Anne Hathaway held the baby and watched the little one stretch lazily in her arms, her chubby and adorable look made her instantly break into the brightest smile she had shown in a long time.
"She's so cute, absolutely adorable." Anne Hathaway kept praising her, reluctant to let go.
After the gathering, Anne Hathaway successfully became friends with Jessica.
For some time after that, she often visited Jessica's home, spending time with her and Elena.
Before long, she became little Elena's godmother, playing with the little angel every day.
Seeing that her emotions had finally stabilized, Ethan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
However, before he could relax for long, his heart was once again on edge.
Because another close person of his had something happen to them.
This time, it was Avril.
While touring in California, she had experienced severe headaches and rashes and was now receiving treatment in a hospital.
Upon hearing the news, Ethan immediately took a flight to be by her side and met her at the apartment she had rented.
But compared to her usual lively self, Avril now looked extremely haggard—even her favorite smoky eye makeup was absent.
"You're here..." Avril saw Ethan but didn't even have the energy to scold him, simply rubbing her head with a weak expression.
"How's your body? Sit down quickly." Ethan took her by the arm and sat her on the sofa, massaging her head.
Avril weakly replied, "I don't know. I don't even know why I'm like this."
"What did the doctor say?"
"The doctor said there's nothing wrong with my head, and my body is healthy." Avril shrugged, but just as she tried to curl her lips into a smile, the pain interrupted her.
"Rest for a while."
Ethan let her lay down on his lap.
Avril looked at Ethan's face and smiled, "I watched the Oscars. You looked really handsome. No wonder so many bitches want to be with you."
She was still as sharp-tongued as ever.
"So, how's that bitch Hathaway doing? Is she enjoying herself?"
Ethan shook his head, "No, she lost her baby."
"What?" Avril sat up despite her headache.
"She... fell before, and the baby's gone."
Avril was stunned for a moment, then lay back on Ethan's lap and muttered, "Who told her to move around recklessly while pregnant..."
For the first time, she didn't call Anne Hathaway a bitch.
Perhaps because the topic was rather somber, the air in the room grew heavy.
It wasn't until Avril's stomach rumbled that Ethan asked, "You haven't eaten?"
"Yeah, my head hurts so much every day. I don't even have the strength to cook..."
Ethan glanced around and noticed that Avril's place was a mess. It seemed that her headaches had been tormenting her terribly.
"Then let me do it. I'll cook for you."
Ethan patted Avril's head, then got up to make her some food.
It didn't take long before a plate of steaming spaghetti with meat sauce was placed in front of Avril.
"Eat up." As Ethan set down the plate, he casually crushed a small bug beside it.
The house was too messy—it was already attracting insects.
But just as Avril took her first bite of pasta, Ethan suddenly froze while staring at the dead bug on the table.
"What's wrong?" Avril rubbed her head and looked at him.
"Avril..." Ethan's tone grew serious, as if he had just remembered something. "Let's go to the hospital for another check-up tonight."
....
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (20 chpaters)
MV Director (30 chapters)....
Douluo Dalu:Breaking Clan(30 chapters)
Made In Hollywood (50 Chapters)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu