The host and the audience were taken aback by her "confidence."
It's worth noting that the Oscar for Best Director had five nominees, meaning each had a 20% chance of winning on average. Yet, she confidently claimed a 50% chance, implying that the combined odds of the other nominees equaled hers. While it might seem that way, wasn't she worried about offending the other nominated directors?
The host deliberately remarked, " 'The Lord of the Rings' is indeed a rare classic, but this year's competition is fierce." He thought it would be great if the other directors could engage in a debate with Laila on this topic, but there wasn't enough time. Otherwise, it would have been a highly attention-grabbing discussion.
Laila didn't fall for his trap and simply smiled faintly, "The competition is indeed fierce. Not just this year, but every year it's the same. Isn't this a sign that Hollywood is still vibrant? If one day we can no longer find outstanding films and directors, that would be the true sign of the industry's decline."
The host was momentarily speechless, thinking, 'If you acknowledge the fierce competition, at least give the other directors some face. Claiming 50% for yourself leaves only 10% for the rest?'
As he was silently making complaints, Laila added, "So, my chance of winning is 50%, and my chance of losing is also 50%."
So that's what she meant by 50%! The host was utterly confused, feeling like a struggling student facing a top scholar. He quickly wrapped up the conversation, "Well, I wish you both the best of luck," and hurried off to interview others.
If he stayed any longer, he felt he might need to see a psychologist. This was no way to treat a host!
Once he left, Laila and Roy entered the venue without any further obstacles.
Roy was supposed to sit with another crew, but since he played a significant role in 'The Lord of the Rings' and was Laila's fiancé, he sat beside her.
Janet and Xiao Ye had also arrived from elsewhere. One didn't like the hustle and bustle, while the other, due to professional habits, disliked being in the spotlight, so they came with the rest of the crew.
"I'm a bit nervous. What should I do?" Janet, sitting next to Laila, fidgeted nervously, rubbing the hem of her dress.
Laila chuckled, "Mom, this isn't your first time here. You've already won a few awards. What's there to be nervous about now?"
"I'm nervous for you! Eleven nominations! Even if only half of them win, that's still four or five trophies to take home!"
Xiao Ye laughed beside her, "Four or five? That's not much compared to our previous film, 'Chicago'."
"It's different, it's completely different!" Janet insisted though she couldn't quite explain how. She was a person who relied on intuition, and her intuition told her this was different, so she believed it.
Laila seemed to understand her anxiety and comforted her, " 'The Lord of the Rings' is a trilogy. The first two films already won several awards. This one might just set a record, like the most-awarded trilogy in film history."
Roy nodded, "Exactly. At the very least, it's already the highest-grossing trilogy."
"Really? That impressive?" Janet, who hadn't heard this before, felt even prouder. She wanted to stand up and shout to the surrounding filmmakers, "Who else can achieve such success?" She exclaimed, "That's my daughter for you! She takes after me!"
The crew members at the table laughed. Through several collaborations, they had come to understand what kind of person the "boss's wife" was. While they shared similar looks and height, their personalities were worlds apart—one was a sweet, naive type, while the other was a domineering CEO. They were nothing alike!
But such thoughts were best kept to themselves. Saying it out loud would be pointless.
Of course, they had to be alike! How could the boss's mother not resemble the boss?
Laila watched them joke around, feeling their high spirits, but she found herself unusually calm.
She should have been excited. With so many nominations and being closer than ever to the award she most desired, any filmmaker would be thrilled. Yet, for some reason, she felt no excitement, no fluctuation in her emotions.
"Laila," Roy noticed her distant gaze and gently took her hand in his. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Laila snapped out of her thoughts, feeling the warmth of his hand, which warmed her heart as well. "I've never felt better."
"That's good," Roy said, still a bit worried about her state. Lately, she seemed distracted. He wondered if the pressure from so many nominations was getting to her.
Eleven nominations might not compare to the fourteen *Titanic* once received, but it was still enough to leave a mark in Oscar history. He believed no one in Laila's position could have handled it better.
"Even if we fail this time, we're still young. There will be many more chances. Just relax and wait for the results. Don't overthink it," he said, mistaking her distraction for anxiety about winning.
Laila wanted to say she wasn't nervous or worried, and that she was perfectly relaxed. But seeing the concern in his eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say more.
She squeezed his hand in return, smiled, and looked around.
This year marked the 80th anniversary of the Oscars, and after a hundred-day writers' strike, people were eager for a grand event to wash away the gloom. The vibrant attire of the stars this year reflected that, with many opting for bright colors instead of the usual steady attire. Laila spotted several actresses in red dresses.
She remembered that in the 80th Oscars of her previous life, the ceremony had been rather dull due to rushed preparations. The strike back then hadn't been resolved as early, dragging on until the 13th, leaving only ten days to prepare for the Oscars.
For an 80th anniversary, ten days were far from enough. That year left everyone with a bland impression, completely lacking the celebratory atmosphere befitting such a milestone.
But this time was different. Laila's involvement had ended the strike earlier, and her presence, along with 'The Lord of the Rings', had drawn significant attention away from the Oscars. With Laila and her film, this year's Oscars could already be considered a success.