[Chapter 370: Golden Globe Awards]
It was just past eight, and as the film screening wrapped up, snow flurries drifted down against the moonlit Berlin night sky. Link and Jodie Foster returned to their hotel, and as they were about to part ways, he asked her if she wanted to go up to his room for a drink.
Jodie looked up into his eyes, pressed her lips together, nodded slightly, and headed towards his room without pause. Link was taken aback; they were two people alone together, and by inviting her up to his room for a drink, she should have known what that implied. She wasn't attracted to men; why would she accept such an invitation?
"What's the matter? Didn't you invite me for a drink?" Jodie asked, standing at his door with a hint of playfulness in her tone.
Link smiled softly and opened the door, inviting her in. She walked over to the counter, poured two glasses of red wine, handed him one, and gulped down the other in one go.
"You're thirsty?"
"Yes, what's next?" Jodie wiped the wine stains from her lips as she inquired.
"What do you want to do?" Link replied with a grin.
"You're the man; shouldn't you be the one to take the lead?" Jodie looked up at him, her blue eyes blinking, her fair cheeks tinged with rosy warmth.
Link chuckled gently, cupped her face with his hand, and lowered his head to kiss her soft lips as she gazed at him with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
The woman seemed to struggle with the intimacy for a moment but gradually relaxed, leaning against his solid frame like a reed in the wind.
"How does that feel?" Link asked, glancing down at the mesmerized woman.
Her cheeks were flushed, her crystalline blue eyes sparkled, and her red lips parted slightly with quickened breaths. It was evident that the moment had stirred her.
Link wasted no time and wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning in for another kiss.
The delicate evening gown she wore slipped silently onto the carpet. Outside, the snow fell heavier, and the moon was completely obscured, casting a dim white glow that blended beautifully with the pristine brightness of the living room.
It was another intoxicating night.
...
Link enjoyed a good night's sleep. The next morning, he kissed the sleeping woman beside him before joining James Schamus and others at the Berlin Festival Palace for the film showcase, looking for potential box office hits.
Jodie Foster continued to sleep, wrapped in a cozy blanket on the large bed, not stirring until almost noon when she finally woke up. She initially wanted to get up but found herself unable to after a couple of attempts.
Her assistant arrived, hearing that she was awake, and helped her rise.
After a busy flurry of activity, Jodie returned to bed to rest. Upon seeing her reflection, she bit her lip, her cheeks turned rosy. Although she had seen Link with Michelle Pfeiffer and others, experiencing it firsthand was a different matter entirely.
The emotional impact was far more shocking than the visual one. She desperately wanted to detest him for his beast-like behavior, yet somehow she couldn't summon any hatred. Instead, she found herself overwhelmed with different emotions; the tightly shut door to her heart had been flung wide open, and now it was filled with thoughts of Link.
She yearned to slam that window shut, tried to, but found herself powerless. The woman angrily slapped the blanket.
...
Ding-ling-ling!
The phone on the nightstand rang a few times.
Link called to ask if she was feeling okay, reminded her to eat breakfast, and to drink plenty of milk. He mentioned he was discussing work at the showcase and would return by two in the afternoon.
Jodie felt annoyed and didn't want to speak with him, responding only with a few murmurs before hanging up.
...
She noticed she had two missed calls from Michelle Pfeiffer, who had called around nine. After contemplating for a moment, Jodie returned the call.
Once connected, she leaned back against her pillow and asked Michelle what was up.
"How did you feel last night?"
Michelle asked cheerfully.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play coy; it was just you and Link in Berlin last night. I don't believe nothing happened! And hearing your voice just confirms it -- last night must have been quite the adventure, right?"
Michelle laughed.
Jodie wanted to deny it, but her hoarse voice betrayed her.
"Well, you got it right, but we're not the same. I wasn't conquered by him, and I won't become dependent on him because of this; I'm still free, and if I get tired of him, I can kick him to the curb."
Jodie put on a tough front.
Michelle's laughter rang through the phone.
"Don't believe it?"
Jodie frowned.
"No, I believe it! You're the most badass independent woman in the world; no one can conquer you or hold you back."
"That's more like it."
"Haha, how do you feel, though? Not easy getting out of bed? Wanting to hit the bathroom often? But no need to worry; that's normal. Just rest half a day and you'll get used to it."
Michelle said.
With her cheeks still flushed, Jodie hummed a few notes, recounting the events that transpired, feeling a lingering aftershock; there were times she thought she wouldn't make it, yet she found herself very much alive.
She even grumbled about that rude guy.
Michelle reassured her not to stress, saying next time she and Diane would help make things smoother.
The thought of having Michelle and Diane around set her face and body ablaze.
After chatting for a while, Jodie began to feel drowsy. She hung up the phone, curling back under the covers, placing her palm on her belly as she slowly drifted into sleep.
...
Around two in the afternoon, she woke up to find Link back, sitting on the sofa looking through documents.
"What are you looking at?"
Jodie asked, leaning against the wall as she stumbled into the living room, wearing a loose-fitting nightgown, her golden-brown hair cascading over her shoulder. Her pale cheeks and slightly furrowed brow gave her a weak yet broken beauty.
"Documents for acquiring film distribution rights."
Link stood and gathered her into his arms, settling her on the sofa.
"Did you find any good films at the exhibition?"
Jodie asked, sitting in his lap and flipping through the papers.
"James picked two films, I checked them out, and they're pretty solid."
...
James Schamus was the vice president at the production company, responsible for international film production and collaborations. His work included production and acquiring promising foreign films for North American distribution.
At this Berlin film festival, they had selected three films from over 800 submissions: Trainspotting, the Czech film Kolya, and a third film, Mon Homme, which they passed on due to copyright disagreements.
Of the two films, Jodie had only seen Trainspotting.
Trainspotting was Ewan McGregor's breakout role, telling the story of a young addict named Mark who meets a group of friends also grappling with drug issues, living a life of despair on the fringes of society, and gradually discovering themselves after a series of events.
The director was Danny Boyle, who rose to fame the previous year with his indie film, Shallow Grave. This was his second film.
After watching it, Link agreed to acquire the North American distribution rights for $3 million, the highest offer made among all the distributors.
The second film, Kolya had an estimated North American rights fee of $1.5 million. He hadn't watched it yet, but James Schamus and the others thought it was good, and Link trusted their judgment.
...
"How do you feel?"
Link asked, holding her close, running his palm gently over her back.
"What do you think?"
Jodie shot him a glance, feeling a need to vent her frustration as she playfully punched his chest. After she did, she regretted it.
Her action felt too much like that of a little girl, and it didn't align with her usual demeanor.
She huffed in embarrassment, trying to wriggle free from Link's embrace, but he held her firm with his strong arms.
"I was too rough, next time I'll be more gentlemanly," Link chuckled.
With her head hung low, Jodie poked his muscular arm, doubting his words.
Link was even more robust than she imagined, his strength overwhelming, leaving no room for him to become more gentlemen-like.
But she liked it that way, because being with Link brought her unprecedented joy.
---
After resting most of the day, Link took Jodie to the festival palace to attend the day's award ceremony.
This year's Berlin International Film Festival had 20 films nominated for the main competition.
Among them were projects from Guess Pictures like Sense and Sensibility, Dead Man Walking, and Hard Eight, along with Miramax films like Restoration, All Things Fair, and My Man (Mon Homme), and others.
Following the voting, Sense and Sensibility won the Best Film Golden Bear Award, as well as the Readers' Jury Prize from the Berlin Morning Post.
This also marked Ang Lee's second Golden Bear win, his first being for The Wedding Banquet in 1993.
Dead Man Walking won for Best Actor; and Hard Eight picked up the Best Directorial Debut Award, while All Things Fair won the Jury Prize.
All three films produced by Guess Pictures returned home with awards, marking a successful outing.
...
"Ha ha, Link, congratulations! Guess Pictures has produced another three excellent films!"
At the party, Harvey Weinstein approached with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Thank you! You did well too. I heard you secured the distribution rights for My Man (Mon Homme)?"
"Ha ha, I had my eye on that film for a while. I came to Berlin mainly to snag the North American distribution rights."
Harvey smiled.
"Here's to hoping it becomes a box office hit."
Link replied, smiling subtly. Initially, Guess Pictures had intended to acquire the North American rights for My Man (Mon Homme), but Harvey's advance offer of $3 million forced them to back out, along with other studios.
It was uncertain if Harvey would actually pay the $3 million, as he had a reputation for using such tactics at film festivals, leaving a bad taste in many mouths within the industry.
Yet, his distribution capabilities were strong; he often pushed smaller films into contention for the Golden Globe and Oscars, bringing glory to filmmakers and actors alike.
That was why many directors, fully aware of his dubious reputation, still entrusted him with their film's distribution.
In this regard, Guess Pictures still had much to learn from Harvey.
"Thank you!"
Harvey replied, laughing, discussing the status of Fight Club and inquiring when they would kick off that project, assuring Link that Miramax would be supportive of Guess Pictures' work.
Link mentioned that the director and actor selections were confirmed, with shooting expected to start around March, and the project materials would be delivered to Miramax by month's end.
Harvey nodded, then asked if there were any additional film projects in development, expressing hope for further collaborative opportunities.
Link assured him that any suitable films would be presented for discussion.
...
After that, Link embraced Jodie and welcomed others coming over to congratulate him and ask for updates. Directors from England such as Stephen Frears, Japanese directors like Hiroshi Teshigahara, South Korean directors like Park Kwang-su, Taiwanese directors like Edward Yang, Chinese directors like He Ping, and Barry Sonnenfeld, who directed Get Shorty, and others approached one by one to extend their congratulations and hopes for future collaboration.
Link exchanged contact information, inviting them to consider investing with Guess Pictures.
Since Link carried himself in a down-to-earth manner, not posing as a grand director or billionaire, the filmmakers all flocked to greet him, whether or not they had collaborative ventures in mind.
It seemed that even a conversation with him was a form of honor.
...
"Link is really popular!"
"Of course! Link is a world-class director and also the boss of Guess Pictures, making him one of the biggest names at the festival."
"Isn't that Jodie Foster next to him? I heard she is a lesbian; I didn't think she would fall for Link either."
"Link is impressive."
Harvey stood amidst the crowd, frowning at the discussions surrounding Link. Once, he had been the celebrated figure at parties; no matter which festival, his presence attracted many filmmakers seeking his praise in hopes of collaboration.
At the 1992 Sundance Film Festival, Link had to queue just to speak with him.
But since Guess Pictures' rise, everything changed. Link had become the center of attention, the figure everyone clamored to acclaim.
And now, after standing there for over ten minutes, only two or three familiar faces had greeted him, and their enthusiasm no longer matched the warmth he once received.
Harvey clenched his fist, vowing silently to change all of this, pledging that he would obtain whatever power, wealth, or beauty he desired.
---
After the Berlin Film Festival party, Link and Jodie returned to the U.S. to begin their work back home.
The immediate focus was on preparing for the upcoming awards season.
This included the 53rd Golden Globe Awards on January 21, the 49th British Academy Film Awards in early February, and the mid-February Critics' Choice Awards along with awards from various guilds across America.
This year, at Golden Globe Awards, sseven films from Guess Pictures received nominations, totaling 19 nods.
The Shawshank Redemption received three nominations, including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Sense and Sensibility garnered six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay, among others.
The Sixth Sense received four nominations, including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Actress, and Best Screenplay.
The Butterfly Effect grabbed two nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress.
In & Out received two nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress in the musical/comedy category.
While You Were Sleeping received one nomination for Best Actress in a musical/comedy.
To Die For received one nomination for Best Actress in a musical/comedy.
...
After the announcement of the nominations, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Guess Pictures had released 12 films last year, with seven of those films making it to the Globes.
The Golden Globe Awards hold immense prestige, and films nominated are considered of high quality.
Guess Pictures' ratio of excellent films last year approached 60%, exceeding that of any studio in Hollywood.
However, some media outlets challenged this view, arguing that the Golden Globes considered both artistic merit and commercial viability, as well as popularity.
These numerous nominations had as much to do with its box office success; Guess Pictures spent substantial funds on publicity; only films nominated for the Oscars could be deemed exceptional.
In response to the controversy, Guess Pictures refrained from interfering, while Link urged his company to concentrate resources on the impending Oscars to secure more nominations.
---
On January 21, the 53rd Golden Globe Awards took place at the Hollywood Hilton in Los Angeles, with Link alongside Ang Lee, Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Monica Bellucci, Jennifer Connelly, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, Diane Lane, Nicole Kidman, and others in attendance.
In the end, Sense and Sensibility won both Best Motion Picture and Best Screenplay.
The Sixth Sense secured the Best Supporting Actor award, with Haley Joel Osment becoming the youngest actor to win an award at the Globes.
The Butterfly Effect took home the Best Supporting Actress award, by Renee Zellweger.
While You Were Sleeping won Best Actress in a musical/comedy, awarded to Sandra Bullock.
Among the remaining awards, Babe received Best Motion Picture in the musical/comedy category, Mel Gibson won Best Director for Braveheart, Nicolas Cage won Best Actor in a dramatic role for Leaving Las Vegas, and Sharon Stone received the Best Actress award in a dramatic role for Casino.
This year, there were 13 awards in the television category, and Guess Pictures' films secured 5, which was truly remarkable.
...
At the Golden Globes after-party, Link found himself once again in high demand, with many stars surrounding him, congratulating him on the wins for Guess Pictures and his directorial successes.
From afar, Harvey Weinstein gazed at Link amidst the crowd, visibly seething as he nearly crushed his champagne glass in his grip.
This year, Miramax had also had four films nominated, including Woody Allen's Mighty Aphrodite, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, and others, yet they struck out, leaving all efforts in vain.
All of this was because of Link.
With a scoff, he thought to himself that Link shouldn't get too proud; winning a few awards isn't all that matters; the real competition would be at the Oscars in March to see who would take home more awards.
...
"Harvey, aren't you envious of Link?"
Robert Shay said, holding a champagne glass nearby.
"Link's impressive, but there's no one I envy," Harvey said with a stern expression.
Robert chuckled, gazing at the man surrounded by admirers.
"I envy him! He makes amazing films that do well at the box office, and he manages his company efficiently; its market value keeps skyrocketing, and he has so many lovely women around him; I definitely envy him. If I were twenty years younger, I'd compete with him."
Harvey scoffed, "When I see Link, I think back to Michael Ovitz's presence at the 47th Golden Globe Awards after-party; CAA's film project Born on the Fourth of July and Driving Miss Daisy dominated all the awards. At that time, Ovitz was even more popular than Link is now. But just six years later, he faded into the background, and the mantle of Hollywood's most powerful shifted.
Hollywood is a stage where more than one play is performed, and the lead won't always be the same.
I believe in a few years, Link will also step back, and who will take his place at the top remains to be seen. Robert, you still have a chance; don't give up too soon."
"Haha, my wish now is simple: to ensure New Line Cinema doesn't go bankrupt and get absorbed by its parent company before I retire. Everything else doesn't concern me. As for who comes out on top in the power rankings, let you young filmmakers fight for that."
Robert Shay waved his hand, raising his glass in the direction of the crowd.
...
Harvey squinted his heavy eyelids, cursing the old fox under his breath; claims of not caring about Guess Pictures' development were all nonsense! Everyone in this industry wants to be the main character. Who would be content playing a supporting role?
He wanted to be the lead!
...
After waiting a bit, Harvey saw Link surrounded by fewer people, raised his glass, and with a cheerful attitude walked over to congratulate him.
Link thanked Harvey again, discussing the Oscars. The Butterfly Effect was a co-production between two companies, and winning Oscar nominations and awards could elevate the film's box office revenue. He hoped Miramax would partner with Guess Pictures in Oscar campaigning, just like they did with Pulp Fiction in '93.
Harvey chuckled, politely declined, claiming Miramax's marketing team had other commitments and couldn't join the campaign for The Butterfly Effect.
Seeing Harvey's expression, Link ceased to press the matter. Since Miramax was unwilling to participate in marketing efforts further, they would need to account for that in future box office revenue splits.
...
"Harvey's smile is so insincere."
After Harvey left, Renee Zellweger remarked softly, a laugh barely contained.
"Alright, him showing up to congratulate us is something," Link smiled back.
"Darling, we've had a massive victory! How about celebrating tonight with a big party at home, along with some fun games?"
Renee, linked arms with Sandra Bullock, said gleefully.
Sandra, holding her Best Actress trophy, flushed with excitement.
Link smiled and agreed to their request.
When he looked up, he caught sight of the stunning Nicole Kidman, gazing at him with a forlorn expression, reminiscent of a neglected wife.
Just as he was about to approach her to chat about her divorce, Julia Roberts crossed his path wearing a strapless evening gown, her tall, slender figure accentuated, her red lips incredibly striking, exuding sensuality.
However, she too wore an expression of sorrow, leaving Link puzzled; he couldn't recall ever crossing her.
...
"Hey, Julia!"
Link was familiar with her and had crossed paths several times.
Julia Roberts stood before him, looking forlorn. "Link, can I ask you something? Am I pretty?"
Link raised an eyebrow and nodded, stating, "You're very pretty." While Julia Roberts didn't fit his personal taste, there was no question she was indeed beautiful; otherwise, she wouldn't have achieved stardom.
"Am I sexy?"
Julia twirled before him, showing off her height and enviable figure.
Her movements caught the attention of many around them.
"Julia, your figure is indeed sexy. Don't forget, you made it onto People magazine's list of the 'Sexiest Women'; no one can deny that."
Link acknowledged her.
Hearing his words, Julia's expression turned even more forlorn. "If I'm pretty and sexy, then why will you date all the beauties in the industry but ignore me? Am I less than them?"
Link's lips twitched. He never thought he would face such complaints due to his dating history. "Julia, I just have many female friends, and you're one of them; there's no difference."
Julia wasn't buying that explanation. "Don't kid me; I'm close friends with Julianne and Michelle; they've filled me in."
"Well, since you're aware of this, you should also know I'm a bit of a player. Would you accept the advances of a player?"
"You could give it a shot. How would you know unless you try?"
Julia winked, smiling.
After some light-hearted banter, Julia got down to business, mentioning she had a film project looking for investment and asked if he had any interest.
The movie centered on a cooking show critic named Julianne, who upon learning her friend Michael was engaged, realized her love for him and exhaustively attempted to get him to ditch his fiancee.
Link listened closely and noticed a sense of familiarity in the plot. He expressed his interest in the story, encouraging her to bring the script by the office to discuss further.
Julia happily agreed.
*****
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