Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"When he said "Xie Ovitz", Ronald's eyes burst out with an unusually angry look, which made him a little scared. He quickly interrupted and told Ronald not to show it on his face, otherwise it would be reported by the gossip media tomorrow.

"I don't know either, and there is no host to talk about the problem.

This year's Oscar producer, Alan Carr, is really nostalgic. He then invited two heavyweight old actors, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.

Bob Hope has hosted the Oscars more than 20 times and is an actor with a very good sense of humor. Every joke he made on the stage made the audience laugh. Ronald felt that even if he was asked to host again, it would be much better than having no host and messing around like now.

"We will announce the list, and we don't even need to look at the results in the envelope..."

Bob Hope finally finished telling the joke at the reminder of Lucille Ball. Inviting these old stars, one or two is fine, but this time so many were invited, and the old stars wanted to reminisce about the past.

At this time, Lucille Ball's loyalty was evident. This sexy idol of the old generation was very considerate of the audience's mood. She quickly finished her explanation. It turned out that the next performance was a song and dance performance, in which a new generation of young actors would perform some old-fashioned Hollywood skills.

Among the twenty young actors, Ronald only knew two. One was Patrick Dempsey, the male lead in "Love Is Not For Sale". The other was Richie Lake, a fat girl who had been Ronald's assistant for a while.

These two people were jointly operated by Daydream and Niceta, who gave them a chance to appear at the Oscars. Dempsey looked like a star and had been signed by Richard. And Richie Lake had been Ronald's secretary for so long. Although Ronald was not optimistic about her development, he still gave her a chance.

Each of these young actors showed a lot of traditional Hollywood talents, but the producer Allen Carr was really too outdated. Fencing, tap dancing, ballet... Now there is no audience who will be excited to see these in the movie, and it is worth the ticket price.

Traditional musicals are inevitably declining. Only the new genres of feature films with musical plots, such as Dirty Dancing and Breakdance, can make some money.

Next, Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fassett presented the Best Editing Award. This year's Oscars seem to focus on nostalgia, as these two were popular ten years ago.

Not surprising to most people, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" won this award. The flawless editing of animation and real people has indeed created a new type of Hollywood film.

"Owen..."

Diane was a little excited when she saw the lineup for the Best Original Screenplay Award. "Grown Up," in which she starred, was written by Spielberg's sister Ann, and now her sister-in-law was asked to go on stage to receive the award... Often, the Oscars have hints in the choice of award presenters.

"The winners of the Best Original Screenplay Award are Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow - Rain Man!"

"Wow..." The exclamations of the audience exceeded the applause, and the broadcast director had to add pre-recorded canned applause to prevent TV viewers from seeing the flaws.

Ronald looked at the "Grown Up" crew and Steven Spielberg on the other side. Ann was obviously a little out of control. She had just stood up and was about to go on stage. Steven, on the other hand, had a serious face and no expression.

Ronald felt embarrassed. The operation of the Oscars this year was also a record. If it wasn't Ann Spielberg who won the award, why did you let Amy Irving go on stage to present the award? Switching with the one who will present the Best Adapted Screenplay later will not cause misunderstandings.

The next guests to present the Best Adapted Screenplay were Dennis Quaid and Michelle Pfeiffer. Ronald was unsure now. "Dangerous Liaisons" was also nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay this year. What did it mean to let Pfeiffer present the award?

"The Oscar is given to Christopher Hampton - Dangerous Liaisons!" Michelle Pfeiffer, who had been hiding from scandals for half a year and made her first public comeback, announced the Best Adapted Screenplay Award with a smile from ear to ear. This was a movie she also participated in.

"So, the presenters and the winners are still related. Maybe the Best Original Screenplay was a surprise, and the organizing committee didn't expect it? Or maybe Amy Irving has some relationship with the Rain Man crew that they don't know about?"

Ronald began to think wildly, because

"The stars of the movie Little Lake, Goldie Hawn and her boyfriend Kurt Russell walked onto the stage hand in hand.

This year's presenters try to use couples, or screen couples. The man is tall and powerful, and the woman is sexy and beautiful, very pleasing to the eye.

"Ronnie..." Diane felt Ronald's palms begin to sweat, and hurriedly stroked his hand to comfort him.

Ronald couldn't help but feel nervous, because this pair of actors and himself can say that they are related. Goldie Hawn and Ronald's old friend, PJ Soules, the heroine of "Rock and Roll High School", are old partners, and Kurt Russell and Diane have worked together in "Demons in Chinatown".

"However, Kurt Russell's appearance on stage was not announced because his reputation is not as good as his girlfriend Goldie Hawn, and the two are not officially engaged, just like himself. "Ronald immediately denied his idea. This relationship can't be considered a special arrangement by the organizing committee, right?

"But if it's not me, who else could it be?" Ronald mentally calculated the accounts with the other four nominees.

Charles Clayton, the director of "A Fish Named Wanda", was originally an editor. He was active in the film industry in the 1960s, and has been directing TV series since then. I just recently returned to Hollywood and made my first movie in years. At that time, Goldie Hawn had just entered the film industry and would not have much interaction with him.

Although Martin Scorsese was nominated for "The Last Temptation of Christ", everyone said that he had no hope of winning, otherwise the Oscar would cause trouble for himself. He never makes comedy films like Goldie Hawn...

Alan Parker, "Mississippi Burning," which is from the British gang, there's no way you're going to get Goldie Hawn or Kurt Russell to make a movie.

Barry Levinson, "Rain Man", his directorial career began in the 1980s. If he wins the award, Richard Dreyfuss, the leading actor in his debut film, should be arranged to present the award, but Richard De Dreyfus has just presented the award with Amy Irving...

"No matter how you look at it, it should be me?" Although Ronald came to the award show with a very lively performance, when the matter came to an end, he had already put aside the self-deceptive idea that it didn't matter whether he won or not, and was like everyone else. Like the nominees, they started to think wildly.

Unlike last year when I was nominated for the first time and had no hope of winning, this year there is a real hope of winning. So there are a lot of ideas.

"Before announcing the award, I have a message for Dustin Hoffman..." Kurt Russell said into the microphone. "He was very anxious backstage because he was so excited and forgot to thank Tom Cruise. Si and director Barry Levinson, so he asked us to pass on his thanks.”

"Hi..." When Ronald heard Barry Levinson's name, he broke out in a sweat. My back feels wet. He couldn't help but feel that these two guests talked too much nonsense. Who are they?

At this time, Goldie Hawn, wearing a golden low-cut long dress, spoke gracefully on the stage, "I just felt backstage that it was very appropriate for the organizing committee to ask us to present the awards. We have acted opposite each other and are partners. , are they friends, or are they boyfriend and girlfriend..."

"There's only one thing we're not..." Kurt Ross seemed to want to interrupt his girlfriend's chatter...

"What?" Goldie Hawn looked a little surprised.

"We are not married..."

"Huh? Haha...are you proposing?" Goldie Hawn had already happily buried her head in her boyfriend's arms.

"Ah ha ha ha..." Diane laughed loudly beside her. If this was a proposal on the spot, it would be a good story. She grabbed Ronald's hand tightly and glanced at him secretly. What would Ronnie say now?

"Huh? My dear, you put me here..." Kurt Russell smiled a little awkwardly, and he continued, "My dear, let's speed up the pace of the award ceremony. We will talk about other things later... cough Well, the importance of the director to the film does not need to be explained in words..."

"Well, hehe, we are going to discuss it tonight..." Goldie Hawn showed a woman's reaction, "The nominees are..."

Ronald felt the force coming from his hand, so he had to focus on the stage to prevent Diane from taking advantage of the situation... This is a double embarrassment. What are you two parents-in-law doing? Announce it quickly...

The laughter of the audience became the loudest since the opening. We have been sitting here for a long time. It is quite funny to have such a pair of people teasing everyone, except for the five nominees...

Ronald felt that his whole body was stiff, and his expression must have looked serious. He wanted to adjust his facial expression and show a smile, but the muscles on his face did not listen to his brain at all...

Five cameras gave close-ups to each nominated director. Ronald felt himself getting stiffer and stiffer. If he were on the set, he would definitely have to stop and adjust, but this was a live broadcast, so he could only try his best to hold his breath and wait for the two parents-in-law to announce quickly.

I can't hold it any longer!

"The Oscar goes to..." Goldie Hawn opened the envelope...

"Barry Levinson - Rain Man"

"Huh..." Ronald took a deep breath and held it for dozens of seconds. Now that he didn't win the prize, it was actually like a relief.

"Oops..." Diane on the side called out. What a pity! Ronnie definitely came in with high hopes this year. When the winner was announced just now, his hands got cold.

The camera swept over and focused on Barry Levinson who came to the stage to accept the award.

Ronald smiled bitterly and immediately began to applaud. He also regained control of his facial muscles and showed a smile that said, "I am happier that he won the award than I did."

Ronald turned his head and saw a pair of eyes full of disappointment like his, that was Martin Scorsese. The two nodded in greeting and turned back to look at the stage.

"Ah... thank you", Barry Levinson took the trophy and said into the microphone, "This is all the performance of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Without their accurate expression, I would be It’s impossible to stand here.”

Levinson understands that the key to the success of this film lies in the successful performance of the two male protagonists.

"I would also like to thank Michael Ovitz, who kept the film going during a difficult time. I would also like to thank my wife, Diana, who was seven months pregnant when I took over the film. …”

"Thank you again Ovitz... and you didn't mention my name..." Ronald didn't know what Ovitz had done for the movie "Rain Man" that made two consecutive winners thank him by name.

And when he went to visit the crew, he helped Dustin Hoffman solve the problem of not being able to perform. Lai Vincent didn't mention his name either.

Of course, this is not difficult to understand. Facing Ronald, who is much younger than him and is also a competitor, in this case, only people with an open mind can be honest about who they benefit from.

Although Ronald understood, he still couldn't get over it. You have won and won the trophy. Mentioning me will not damage your reputation at all. Can I still steal the credit from you?

...

After the award ceremony, Dustin Hoffman returned from the backstage again. This time he went on stage with Tom Cruise to present the award for Best Actress.

"I was too excited just now and forgot to mention Tom in my thank you speech. Thank you, Tom, I love you..."

Dustin Hoffman came up and apologized for his gaffe. Won a round of applause. Such a humble winner will give people a good impression, and the loser will not feel too bad.

Tom Cruise was also a little touched, and his resentment for not getting the nomination was reduced a lot. At least he won't vent to Dustin Hoffman.

Who will win this time? Ronald feels that Melanie Griffith has a relatively good chance. Several other actress nominees, such as Mel Streep, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie Foster, and Glenn Gross. None of them have won enough major award nominations like her.

If a movie has no other awards but only one leading actor award, it is very abrupt. If other people are not good, only one leading actress's performance is top-notch, this kind of thing does not happen often.

The only movie with more nominations is Glenn Gross in "Dangerous Liaisons". She and supporting actress Michelle Pfeiffer won the best actress and supporting actress respectively. But this movie was not nominated for best director. Melanie Griffith has also been very popular in the media recently, and the possibility of winning is still greater than Gross.

"The winner of the Best Actress is..." Tom Cruise opened the envelope and let Hoffman reveal the answer.

"Jodie Foster... The Boss!"

"Tonight doesn't belong to me..." Ronald lamented, how could this happen?

The last time a whole movie had only one nomination, and the winner was Sophia Loren in 1960. But half of the male stars in Hollywood fell in love with her that year.

Jodie Foster wore a pale blue low-cut dress. She was obviously very nervous. She kept adjusting her skirt with her hands to prevent exposure.

"Hahaha..."

Jodie Foster took the trophy from Tom Cruise and couldn't help laughing.

The audience smiled in response. This actress was actually very difficult. She was innocently involved in the accident of assassinating the former commander-in-chief that year. After years of dormancy, she finally made a breakthrough.

"I want to thank Kelly McGillis and... all the crew members, including the director and screenwriter..."

Jodie Foster looked in Ronald's direction and almost said thank you to Ronald. But she was a top student at Yale after all, so she stopped in time and didn't let Ronald know that she and McGillis had exchanged this opportunity.

"Don't worry, there's another best picture..." Diane felt Ronald's palms start to sweat again, and hurried over to comfort him.

"Tonight doesn't belong to working girls," Ronald lamented, he no longer had any hope for the best picture.

The award presenter was a single female star, last year's best actress Cher.

Traditionally, she should present the best actor statuette, but this year's awards ceremony was very bad, and Ronald was used to it.

Cher seemed to have received a hint from the organizing committee that time was running out, so she stopped telling jokes and quickly announced that the winning movie was "Rain Man".

Mark Johnson, the producer of "Rain Man", went up to give his acceptance speech.

"In the past six weeks, I have been taught that producers need to thank many people for winning. I thank Peter Gubel, who did everything an executive producer should do. I thank the director and screenwriter, Tom and Dustin. I should also thank Michael Ovitz the most, without him there would be no movie..."

Thank Ovitz again!

Ronald felt very strange. Why did all the winners of "Rain Man" today, starting with Dustin Hoffman, break the rules and thank Ovitz?

Did Ovitz force them to do this? He wanted to switch to being a producer and take over a big production company? Was this a declaration to everyone in Hollywood?

…

After the awards ceremony, the winners went to the lobby, leaning against the life-size Oscar model, holding the trophy, accepting media interviews and taking pictures.

"Hi, congratulations, Mark."

While waiting in line for photos, Michael Ovitz went up to congratulate Mark Johnson, the producer of "Rain Man".

He looked at the little golden man with a little envy. Although he got most of the profits from "Rain Man", as an agent, he was not eligible to win the award, although he was the one who did most of the work of the producer.

"But you shouldn't thank me. It's the tradition of agents' work. We are behind the scenes..."

"Don't say that, Michael. This movie couldn't have been successfully shot without you. And Dustin and Barry both thanked you... We should take a group photo, and you come hold the Oscar together." Mark Johnson pulled Ovitz to take a photo.

"Uh, one is enough..."

Ovitz, who never takes photos, made an exception and took one. He also figured it out. Anyway, the whole Hollywood will know that he broke the rules tomorrow, and it's useless to cover it up. Anyway, Sony's acquisition of Columbia is almost done. By then, he will be the CEO of the new Columbia Company, and he will be a frequent guest thanked at the Oscars in the future.

"Alan, Gene..."

After taking the group photo, Ovitz turned to find the two nominees of "Mississippi Burning" and wanted to say hello to them and explain.

"Huh..."

Gene Hackman sneered, turned his back, and walked straight to the hall next to him - the venue for the dinner after the Oscar ceremony.

"I'll remember tonight..." Alan Parker was more aggressive, came over and said something harsh, then ignored him.

Ovitz felt wronged, he couldn't possibly turn out two Oscars for Best Director and two Oscars for Best Actor, right?

Who can be blamed for this? Good things are always scarce. If you want to blame someone, blame you for not being one of us.

Ovitz also went to the banquet hall, where only the nominees and their friends can come in. He glanced left and right and saw the tall Ronald's back, with Tom Cruise in front of him, and the two were chatting.

"This guy can still try to get some forgiveness, who knows if he will wake up and find a Jewish girl to marry?" Ovitz walked up...

"It was really embarrassing today, Dustin apologized to me directly on the stage, I didn't know how to respond..." Tom Cruise whispered and joked with Ronald.

"Don't mention it. Last year, my leading actress even thanked her hairstylist, but she didn't thank me." Ronald also talked about Cher's story last year. "She must have been very nervous when she won the award, and it was inevitable that she would forget the words."

"Ha, me too. I am Cher's main agent, and she didn't thank me like everyone thanked Michael today."

The speaker was a middle-aged handsome man wearing a California casual shirt and a bronze complexion. His sweater was wrapped around his waist, which was completely different from Ovitz's usual suit and tie appearance.

He is Ron Meyer, the owner of another equity in CAA.

Unlike Ovitz's nickname "Boxer", many people in the industry call him "Velvet Glove". The different styles of the two people, the division of labor between good police and bad police, can be seen from the nicknames.

"Yes, Ronald." Ovitz interrupted the conversation.

"I didn't actually manipulate any votes. I could only exert influence. This was the result of the judges' votes..." Ovitz was eager to explain why Ronald lost. Before he became the CEO of the new company, Ronald could still bring him a lot of business.

"Tsk..." Ronald sneered. This guy is really thick-skinned. He still says these things after all this. The three winners thanked you in their speeches... Is there any need to deny it?

"This may sound hard to believe, but I can never get all the votes... Ronald, if you want to talk about complete manipulation, I only manipulated one vote. My vote was for Rain Man. You know, I have more clients in that movie, and your movie doesn't have so many CAA clients. This is a kind of professional ethics..."

"Hahaha, don't talk nonsense, Michael..." Ronald laughed out loud, "The audience live and the audience in front of the TV tonight have seen and heard it. Be a man (Be a an!)... Bravely admit your ability..."

"Hahaha..." This time, not only Ronald, but Cruise and Ron Meyer beside him also laughed out loud. At this point today, there is no need to explain more in front of people who know the business.

"Okay, you win, Ronald." Ovitz raised his hands in surrender. "I know it's hard for you to believe me. Let's move on. I know you want an Oscar. So, let's talk about the promising players next year."

"Let's make an appointment..." Ronald thought to himself that this guy was really shameless and shook hands with him.

Everyone dispersed again and went to chat with their acquaintances.

"Next year's players..." Only Ron Meyer, wearing white framed glasses in California casual style, was left. Will Ovitz sweep all the major awards next year?