Echoes of Hollywood

Amidst the thunderous applause, Robert Downey Jr., brimming with confidence, strode toward the Oscars stage, frequently waving to the audience. His earlier tension and anticipation had vanished, replaced by a flamboyant demeanor. But this was typical of Robert Downey Jr., wasn't it?

Murphy had heard from Susan Downey that Robert Downey Jr. had prepared a particularly unique acceptance speech, and now he finally had the chance to hear it.

On the other side, Harvey Weinstein was clapping mechanically, his plump face expressionless and far from pleasant. A seemingly sure-win award had slipped through his fingers!

Watching Robert Downey Jr. receive the Best Actor Oscar from Natalie Portman, Weinstein slumped in his seat, a growing realization dawning on him: this Oscars ceremony did not belong to him or Weinstein Company.

"How many comebacks have I made?" 

On stage, Robert Downey Jr.'s opening line drew laughter from the entire audience, as everyone knew he was even more adept than Murphy at creating a lively atmosphere. "First, I want to thank the person who told me this morning at 10 AM that George Clooney would win, so I shouldn't bother preparing a speech."

Robert Downey Jr. and George Clooney were old friends, and he took this opportunity to joke at his expense.

He continued, "I don't have many people to thank—colleagues, crew, friends, brothers, and family—they've helped me too much for a simple 'thank you' to suffice. Uh… I guess I could thank 20th Century Fox… actually, they should thank me. So many holiday movies almost squeezed 'Diego-Ross' out of the spotlight. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't have had any chance."

The Dolby Theatre echoed with laughter. No one had expected Robert Downey Jr. to deliver such a special acceptance speech upon winning Best Actor.

"This guy," Murphy chuckled and clapped, with Gal Gadot laughing beside him, "He really knows how to stand out."

Standing at the microphone, Robert Downey Jr. continued his unique speech, "I don't really want to thank Murphy Stanton, although this guy probably..."

He counted on his fingers, "Well... at least six times saved my career."

Looking at Susan Downey, he added, "I don't really want to thank my wife either. Without her, who knows where I'd be tinkering around. Murphy had a vision for this film, bringing together so many people. By the way, he once said the magic of art lies in its ability to transform into various novel forms. So, I should thank... or not thank the Academy. They're a bunch of innovative folks, and now I'm one of them!"

Finally, Robert Downey Jr. lifted the Oscar, walked to the side of the stage, but didn't head backstage. Instead, he stood at the side, waiting for the Best Director award announcement.

Murphy felt a bit nervous too. Having come this far, only a few knew the hurdles he had overcome—the initial funding secured amidst risks, the relentless efforts to break into the mainstream, the numerous nominations and runner-up finishes, and the strategic maneuvers that created the current scenario.

"A young man, a brilliant actor at nineteen, a superstar in the eighties."

Billy Crystal introduced the Best Director presenter, "He remains a legend to this day! Welcome Tom Cruise!"

As the iconic "Mission: Impossible" theme played, Tom Cruise walked onto the stage, synchronized with the music.

"Finally, it's here!"

The online discussion groups buzzed with excitement, "Murphy's moment has finally arrived!"

"Raise the Oscar for Best Director!"

Daisy eagerly typed, "Murphy is the Best Director!"

"Murphy is the Best Director!"

"Murphy is the Best Director!"

"Murphy is..."

A chorus of agreeing voices followed.

But Daisy wasn't done. She added another line, "If Murphy doesn't win Best Director tonight, we'll burn down the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences headquarters tomorrow! Burn down the entire Wilshire Boulevard!"

"I'm in!"

Eager participants joined.

"Me too!"

"All together now!"

Some were more rational.

"You won't need to. Murphy is definitely the Best Director!"

Over at Nielsen, the North American viewership for the Oscars peaked at 38.26 million during the Best Actor award!

However, this number didn't last long. When Billy Crystal announced the Best Director award, the North American viewership surged past 40 million in less than half a minute!

And it continued climbing, heading toward 45 million!

Daisy stared at the live stream, unblinking.

Justin clasped his hands together, seemingly praying for his favorite director.

Countless Murphy fans across the USA set aside their beers, sodas, burgers, and sandwiches, waiting quietly for their beloved director's moment of triumph.

On the Dolby Theatre stage, with the "Mission: Impossible" theme still playing, Tom Cruise, with his signature charming smile, couldn't draw focus away from the moment. At this critical juncture, even Tom Cruise was just a backdrop for the Best Director award.

Harvey Weinstein was fully alert, wondering if the Academy would grant Weinstein Company a share of the spotlight. After all, he had put in so much effort!

"Many know that cinematographers shoot the scenes, actors play the roles, and writers pen the scripts. But what does a director do?"

Despite being fifty, Tom Cruise still looked as handsome as ever, his voice as captivating as always. "In truth, a director is someone who sacrifices everything for a vision. These five nominees are dreamers recognized for their exemplary works."

"Here are the nominees for the Oscar for Best Director!"

Tom Cruise turned to the screen, aligning his words with the visuals, "Michel Hazanavicius—'The Artist,' Murphy Stanton—'Diego-Ross,' Martin Scorsese—'Hugo,' Woody Allen—'Midnight in Paris,' Terrence Malick—'The Tree of Life.'"

Who would win? The Dolby Theatre and countless fans across North America waited!

With his trademark smile, Tom Cruise opened the envelope, glanced at it, and without looking up, read the result.

"Murphy Stanton, 'Diego-Ross!'"

"We won!"

Margot Robbie immediately clapped and looked at Murphy. All of Murphy's tension and anticipation vanished. He turned and kissed Gal Gadot hard.

"We won..." Gal Gadot whispered in his ear, hugging him tightly, "We won!"

Susan Downey, David Robie, Philip Lashère, and Helena Espola came over one by one to congratulate Murphy.

Meanwhile, the online discussion forums erupted.

"We won! We won!"

In a chic apartment, Daisy jumped from her computer chair, pumping her fist. She was incredibly excited. As one of Murphy's earliest fans, she knew the hardships, efforts, and struggles Murphy Stanton had endured to reach this point!

"Go, Murphy!" she shouted.

"Congratulations to us!" Back in her chair, Daisy quickly typed her message in the discussion forum.

"Yes, we did it!"

Sitting at his computer, Justin had just lifted his hands from the keyboard. He felt a sense of fulfillment. What could be more joyful than seeing your favorite work and director being recognized?

"Wow, Murphy won!"

"Murphy is Best Director!"

"Murphy is going to raise the Best Director Oscar!"

"We won!"

The discussion forums became a sea of joy, with countless fans posting celebratory messages.

At the moment Tom Cruise announced the winner, countless bars across the USA erupted in cheers. The sound of clinking glasses rang out, followed by silence as everyone waited for the director to take the stage.

Harvey Weinstein and the "The Artist" team sat in stunned silence—they had lost!

Watching Murphy receive congratulations from everyone, Harvey Weinstein clenched his fist, then relaxed. Was Murphy Stanton's Oscar runner-up era truly over?

At this moment, Harvey Weinstein couldn't believe it was real. Had he and Weinstein Company truly lost?

As he watched that tall figure walk to the stage amidst the congratulations, Weinstein finally realized they had indeed lost, and lost completely!

Although Best Picture hadn't been awarded yet, Weinstein, an Oscar veteran, understood this year's Oscars. The Academy intended to fully recognize Murphy Stanton, setting a precedent for supporting film directors in the Hollywood-Catholic Church disputes. The Best Picture award would undoubtedly go to "Diego-Ross," not "The Artist."

Martin Scorsese also clapped. If someone else had won, he might feel bitter, but not losing to Murphy. Murphy's noir films, especially his crime noirs, were exceptional. Even at his peak in making noir crime films, Scorsese had merely reached Murphy Stanton's level.

"No worries." Harvey Weinstein reassured the disgruntled Bob Weinstein, "We'll try again next year. And given Murphy Stanton's dark and commercial style, who knows how many years it'll take for another Oscar run!"

As Murphy stepped onto the stage and accepted the Oscar from Tom Cruise, the Dolby Theatre erupted in applause. Gal Gadot stood up, gesturing for a standing ovation. The "Diego-Ross" team stood up, followed by the surrounding audience, delivering a tsunami of applause.

The entire Dolby Theatre stood up to honor the Best Director of the night!

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