Chapter 462: 462: And The Best Supporting Actor Goes To…

“The following are the nominees for Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney, ‘Serenna’; Paul Giamatti, ‘Iron Man’; Jake Gyllenhaal, ‘Brokeback Mountain’; William Hurt, ‘A History of Violence’; Heath Ledger, ‘Firefly’.”

With the introduction of presenter Nicole Kidman, a round of loud applause erupted in the Kodak Theatre. The 3,000-plus elegantly dressed guests all looked up at the stage screen, and the live camera had already turned toward the nominees, splitting the screen into six parts.

In the top left corner, Clooney smiled with pursed lips; he was the hot favorite to win the award, having dominated the prelude to the ceremony, with nearly a ninety percent chance; Giamatti, Gyllenhaal, and Hurt were considered also-rans. If their pre-ceremony achievements, popularity, and external factors were to be converted into points, they would all be at the bottom, with little chance of an upset, which led them to all wear a relaxed smile; “potential upset candidate” Ledger, on the other hand, appeared calm and somewhat serious.

“And the Oscar goes to…” As Kidman opened the envelope on stage, Heath Ledger instantly became more tense, instinctively reaching for his forehead, his lips puckering – he really wanted to win this award! To commemorate the blue glove, thank the amazing Yang, and dedicate it to Michelle and Matilda! Time seemed to stand still as he pleaded with earnest humility in his heart, “My God, PLEASE! PLEASE!” All pride was false before God, and Ledger, feeling so insignificant, rarely begged like this. He had begged when his parents decided to divorce, and God did not respond to him; what about this time?

Michelle Williams showed little sign of a smile, her elegant and beautiful face expressionless. She was not unhappy about being overlooked for Best Supporting Actress; she knew his feelings. After the last Golden Globes, he had been sullen for a while, occasionally uttering, “Why?” “I don’t understand.”… Oh God! PLEASE!! Let a miracle happen!

As Kidman peered into the envelope, the chattering, applauding guests had long since fallen silent. Countless eyes from the two-level ceremony hall focused on the stage. Outside the theater, the enormous golden Oscar statue stood solemn and dignified, and only a few staff walked on the deep red carpet under the dark night sky.

Countless ‘Firefly’ fans were also very tense. Yes, ‘Firefly’ had swept nine technical awards before, but the remaining four trophies were even more meaningful. Best Supporting Actor was the first battle related to whether they could break the decades-old tragedy of ‘Star Wars,’ which had gone home empty-handed. What about this time?

The moment Kidman’s lips parted, Wang Yang’s heart skipped a beat, and so did Jessica’s. The hearts of everyone in the audience supporting the amazing Yang and supporting Ledger did the same; and so did those with their own supporters. Clooney naturally longed to win the award, and although Gyllenhaal, the godfather of the little hooves and a good friend, inevitably felt a faint hope – Ledger was good, but he was even better! As a fellow Australian film star, perhaps Nicole Kidman favored Ledger to win the award. For whom would she bring good luck?@@novelbin@@

Little hooves is watching, right? This thought suddenly flashed through Heath Ledger’s mind. If he could stand on that broad, opulent stage, making funny faces at his daughter… how wonderful that would be!

“George Clooney, ‘Serenna’.”

“Ahhhh—.” The entire venue erupted instantly, the sudden thunderous applause shattering many a dream and allowing Clooney to embrace those nearby with a radiant smile, happily heading to the stage; the three runners-up smiled even brighter as they applauded, devoid of disappointment, only Gyllenhaal shrugged while chuckling and saying something to someone next to him. Ledger, on the other hand, smiled. While clapping, he talked to Michelle Williams.

“We lost,” Heath whispered softly. He took a deep breath and sighed; his heart was still aching. He knew not to expect a miracle. He continued with a smile, “We lost.” Michelle seemed unsure how to comfort him, she too attending the Oscars for the first time and feeling equally upset. She managed to say, “We didn’t lose.” Heath shook his head, scratching his cheek, his numerous small actions revealing his complex emotions. He said, “We lost is lost, we lost.”

Michelle stopped clapping and patted his thigh, smiling and said, “Your name may not be inscribed on this year’s Oscar trophy, but it’s certainly etched in people’s hearts. When they talk about this year’s Best Supporting Actor, they won’t forget you.” Surrounded by many ears, she naturally couldn’t say much more, holding onto his hand while her smile grew more charming and alluring. She said, “Don’t blame yourself.”

“I just feel sorry for Wang Yang,” Heath said as he observed her smile, the discomfort gradually dissipating. He, too, smiled, “I’ve let him down.” Michelle knew that right now he admired and respected Wang Yang the most. Heath was like that, once someone completely won him over, he practically dreamt about that person every night. She was one such person, and the miraculous Wang Yang was another. Michelle laughed, “You know Wang Yang. Just don’t let him down on set, and you won’t. This here doesn’t matter.” Hearing this, Heath’s dimple showed as he smiled, “That’s right, well, thank you.” Michelle looked away with a smile, long accustomed to cajoling him like a child—this was her secret to winning.

“OH! MY-FUCK!” Natalie was truly disappointed. Could the tragedy of ‘Star Wars’ be repeating itself? Sweeping the technical awards but losing out on the big ones? No way! “How could this be?” Rachel was truly disappointed; concerned about the Best Director. It was so well shot! “Such a pity.” Even though she wasn’t precisely one of Wang Yang’s people, Serenna too felt it was a shame for Jake and ‘Firefly’ because the performance as the blue-gloved man was really superb! “What a shame.” Hathaway, Scarlett, and others were secretly regretting. However, their acting skills were impressive. Not a smile or round of applause less, they showed no sign of disappointment.

If there were a ranking for women under 30, all the women in front would actually hope that Heath wins the award, and that was because of the director behind him. The index of the magical baby’s popularity with women was self-evident.

Wang Yang was indeed disappointed but it was expected. He knew Heath must be feeling terrible. There wasn’t much he could do; he had done everything he could in his work. Damn it! Jessica really wanted to rush on stage, snatch that little gold man, and shove it into Jake’s hands. It was hard to imagine what it would be like if Wang Yang missed out on Best Director later… No, it wouldn’t happen! She pouted slightly, looking at Wang Yang as if she had suffered a great injustice. He blinked, arching his eyebrows to show it was okay.

The two exchanged a smile; without speaking, they knew what the other was saying. Glancing at Clooney, who was making his speech on stage, they looked at each other again and laughed. Wang Yang asked softly, “What are you laughing at?” Jessica rolled her eyes, “And you? What are you laughing at?” Wang Yang shrugged, “The same as you.” Jessica chuckled softly, “I’m laughing at you.” Wang Yang nodded, “Me too, I’m laughing at you.” Jessica looked surprised, “Isn’t it the same as me?” Wang Yang countered, “Isn’t it? Aren’t we both laughing at YOU?”…

Next to them, Joss Whedon and his wife Kai Cole could vaguely hear the couple’s conversation and found them quite amusing. Then they heard one say, “Obviously, it’s you!” “Yes, YOU is an abbreviation for YOUNG.” After that, they couldn’t hear anymore, just saw the two of them huddle together, whispering and laughing about something.

Best Supporting Actor was lost! Not a single space cowboy around the world was convinced; no ‘thank you’ from the ‘bluish gloves.’ The breakthrough stats for ‘Firefly’ turned to 9/11… Ahhhhhhhh—countless fans screamed in anger and indignation. Don’t think 9 trophies will appease them!!

After Will Smith took the stage to present Best Foreign Language Film to ‘Tsotsi’ (South Africa), only six major awards remained for this stellar night: Best Original Screenplay, Best Adaptation, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Picture.

“Dad is getting this award!” As Uma Thurman appeared to present the Best Original Screenplay award, the Whedon kids, Aden Kohler and Squire Kohler, shouted excitedly. As Whedon was a staunch supporter of feminism, they took their mother’s surname.

At Wang Yang’s house, Joshua yelled excitedly, “Keke, it’s your dad’s turn again!” Holding Keke, who was intently sucking on her little fist, “DADA?” Those clear, big eyes looked around, her small arm twirled, and she threw a punch to her uncle’s chest, “Yiyah—”

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PS: After dinner, I was suddenly struck by severe stomach pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, and after trying for a long time, I really couldn’t write. Reluctantly, I only finished half of the planned chapter. I apologize to you all. I’ve taken medicine and am going to lie down. (

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