Echoes of Hollywood

"Thank you, thank you very much!"

Standing at the microphone, Murphy looked out at the audience, waiting for the applause to die down. He then raised the Oscar statuette and said, "I finally won an Oscar!"

Laughter filled the Dolby Theatre as Murphy continued, "At this moment, I am the happiest director in the world."

Due to personal preferences and being a Hollywood director, he had little interest in awards like the Cannes Palme d'Or, Venice Golden Lion, or Berlin Golden Bear. For a Hollywood director, the Oscar was the pinnacle.

"Thank you to the Academy, thank you to everyone."

Murphy paused, not having a talent for humor, and earnestly said, "First, I want to thank my fiancée, Gal Gadot."

He pointed to the "Diego-Ross" team, "She's right there!"

The camera immediately panned to Gal Gadot.

"She supports and tolerates everything I do, helping me silently! She is the best!"

Murphy then turned his thanks to his filming and behind-the-scenes team, "Thank you, Bill, for showing up when I needed you most and always providing the best advice. Thank you, Kara, you are an amazing woman. Thank you, David, your lighting has illuminated every one of my films. Thank you, Philip, you are the perfect cinematographer for me. Thank you, Helena, as an art director, you are truly unique..."

After praising the key members of his team, Murphy said, "Thank you to every member of my team, you are all indispensable! Your cooperation and support have given me the most incredible career experience! And thank you to Downey, Jim, Jonah, Seth, and Maggie, you are always the best actors, the best brothers, and the best friends!"

"Thank you!"

Murphy nodded slightly and, amidst the renewed applause, turned and walked over to Robert Downey Jr., choosing to stay and wait rather than head backstage.

The next award was the traditional finale of the Oscars—the Best Picture!

Having already won Best Director and previously secured Best Editing and Best Cinematography, "Diego-Ross" was the frontrunner for Best Picture.

Not only Murphy, but all the guests in the front rows knew that Best Picture was bound to go to "Diego-Ross."

"The Oscars have reached their climax," Billy Crystal said, now back on stage, "The final award for Best Picture is about to be announced. Please welcome the presenter... George Lucas!"

George Lucas, having decided to sell Lucasfilm to Disney and retire from mainstream filmmaking to focus on experimental and research projects, was making his last appearance on the Oscars stage.

"Tonight is a celebration of cinema."

Holding a large envelope, George Lucas stood at the microphone, "Watching a movie on the big screen, sharing the experience with hundreds of others, there are countless reasons why we love going to the movies..."

He gestured to the large screen behind him, "Here are nine of them!"

Clips from "The Descendants," "The Help," "Hugo," "Moneyball," "Diego-Ross," "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close," "The Artist," "The Tree of Life," and "Midnight in Paris" played one after another on the big screen.

"A journey's end always starts with a dream." George Lucas opened the envelope.

The Dolby Theatre fell silent as everyone awaited the announcement of the final award.

Harvey Weinstein had never prayed so hard for the Academy to stick to its tradition of sharing the awards. If they did, "The Artist" might still have a chance to win Best Picture.

But George Lucas shattered his hopes, "The Best Picture award goes to 'Diego-Ross'! Please welcome producers Gal Gadot and Murphy Stanton!"

"It's us!"

Backstage, Robert Downey Jr. raised his arm in triumph. Murphy also pumped his fist, relishing the moment.

Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Director—all at once!

"We won!"

The team below erupted in joy. Gal Gadot stood up, rallying the team to join her on stage, though she remained calm.

A dozen people marched onto the stage, joined by Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. from the other side. This was the moment for "Diego-Ross"! Murphy's moment! The entire team's moment!

The Best Picture award never honors a single individual but an entire film production team.

When the rule limiting only two producers to accept the award was challenged, the Academy began allowing the whole crew to come on stage.

Still, there was always a primary spokesperson.

Having just received the Best Director Oscar, Murphy let Gal Gadot take the forefront. She accepted the Best Picture Oscar from George Lucas.

The team embraced each other in congratulations. Winning the Oscar for Best Picture was an incredible achievement for them.

Both Murphy and the others had worked tirelessly for over a decade to reach this day.

"Dear," Murphy stepped aside, letting Gal Gadot speak on behalf of the team, "It's your turn."

Standing at the front, Gal Gadot looked at the Best Picture Oscar and said, "This is an incredible honor and a truly stunning moment. It embodies the collective effort of so many people. Our entire team worked tirelessly for a year, and this award is the best recognition for our efforts! I want to thank everyone on the team!"

She looked up and added, "Our society is not perfect. When the social environment deteriorates to a certain extent, some people may make poor choices out of desperation. I want to tell them that such choices are wrong! But we should also consider whether they would have more choices if the social environment improved. While movies might not change much, they can remind people to strive for a better society and family!"

"I also want to thank Murphy for bringing me into this industry and letting me enjoy every wonderful moment!" Gal Gadot seemed a bit emotional. "When Murphy proposed to me, he said he wouldn't let me count the days to retirement but would create glory with me. I want to say, you did it!"

Murphy then took his turn, having already expressed his thanks, simply saying, "Thank you, thank you, everyone!"

Harvey Weinstein sat in his seat, expressionless, lightly clapping his hands. Despite winning Best Actress, Weinstein Company had failed comprehensively.

Was the Oscars truly changing?

He couldn't understand how a film like "The Artist," tailored for the Academy voters, lost to a noir film like "Diego-Ross."

Was the Catholic Church's interference that effective? Or did the media hype play a role?

Ever the strategist, Harvey Weinstein didn't rant or panic. Instead, he calmly pondered what had happened and how to avoid such an outcome at the next Oscars.

"Great! A great victory! Congratulations to Murphy for winning Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture!"

Daisy, now calmer, typed rapidly in the discussion forums, soon posting a message.

"After ten years of waiting, I finally saw Murphy achieve great success at the Oscars!"

"So difficult!" someone agreed, "Ten years of being a runner-up!"

"Murphy's days as a runner-up are over," someone reminded.

"Yes!" Many echoed, "Murphy is no longer the perennial Oscar runner-up!"

"Haha, indeed."

"Best Actor, Best Director, Best Picture, along with Best Cinematography and Best Editing—five out of ten nominations, worth celebrating!"

"Let's celebrate, folks! Anyone in New York want to go out for a drink?"

"I'm in."

"Me too."

"Count me in!"

Shutting down her computer, Daisy put on a jacket and headed to the nearest movie-themed bar. She wanted to join the revelry until dawn!

For Murphy's fans, there was no need for sleep tonight!

A beautiful three-win streak made "Diego-Ross" the biggest winner of the night. In the backstage interview area, the team, especially Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., became the focus of ABC's coverage, surrounded by microphones and cameras.

"Director Stanton."

The earlier reporter approached Murphy, asking, "Can you share your feelings right now?"

"Very happy!"

Murphy didn't hide his emotions, exclaiming, "Very excited! Tonight is an amazing night! I will never forget it!"

The reporter asked, "What do you think led your team to win five major awards?"

"Hard work!" Murphy wasn't about to mention any behind-the-scenes maneuvering. "We worked very hard, giving it our all, plus a bit of luck, which resulted in today's achievements! Tonight, luck was on our side!"

"And what do you want to do now?" the reporter asked again.

Murphy laughed, "Celebrate! We need to celebrate this rare honor!"

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