Unless thousands of judges simultaneously lost their minds and voted for films other than 'The Lord of the Rings', leaving Laila empty-handed, this year's Oscars were destined to make history and provide a perfect conclusion to the 80th-anniversary celebration.
However, the likelihood of such a disastrous outcome was less than 1%. Unless they truly wanted the Oscars' history to end at the 80th mark.
Just imagine what would happen if the highly favored 'The Lord of the Rings' didn't win a single award or only took home a couple of minor, insignificant ones. Laila and 'The Lord of the Rings' fans would undoubtedly unleash their full fury, accusing the Oscars of being unfair. At that point, who would still believe the Oscars were just and authoritative?
If the Oscars couldn't even maintain their fairness and authority, what purpose would they serve?
Moreover, if Laila were truly treated unfairly, she might become disillusioned and withdraw from the Oscars altogether. She's only 27, not even at the peak age for directors yet. Given her past achievements, she could continue making films for decades, bringing dozens, if not more, outstanding movies to the world.
If she maintained her quality, she would undoubtedly stand at the pinnacle of the film industry, becoming a cinematic deity. If someone of such immense influence in the film world were to reject the Oscars, what authority would the Oscars have left?
It probably wouldn't take long for them to fade into obscurity.
As Laila continued to drift in her thoughts, the awards ceremony finally began.
To celebrate the 80th anniversary, the Oscars had prepared a retrospective montage, featuring clips from classic films. A few snippets from Laila's 'Chicago', which had won Best Picture, also made an appearance.
Laila wasn't particularly interested in the retrospectives, singing, or dancing. She believed the other nominees were likely as anxious as she was, waiting for the final results. Yet, their faces showed no signs of anticipation, all seemingly engrossed in the performances.
Perhaps I lack some savvy, Laila thought, as she zoned out again while the host joked about the recent strike.
If certain people, especially her enemies, knew what she was thinking, they might want to rush over and bite her. How could someone like her claim to lack savvy? How else had they lost to her before?
Whether it was in the court of public opinion, direct box office clashes, or behind-the-scenes schemes, they had never won against her! No matter how favorable the situation seemed at the start, she always emerged victorious in the end.
Such a formidable woman dared to say she lacked savvy? She might as well invite a lightning strike from the heavens to ascend to immortality!
Finally, the first award of the evening was announced, kicking off the Oscars amidst music and applause.
Her hand instinctively found Roy's, and their fingers intertwined.
Roy smiled, covering their entwined hands with his other hand, hoping to absorb her unease and tension, to share the burden with her.
As per tradition, the Oscars usually save the major awards for the end, such as Best Picture, Director, and Acting awards. This year was no exception, with the ceremony starting with less significant and technical awards.
Though calling them "less significant" might be an exaggeration. Even the most minor awards hold great weight in the hearts of filmmakers.
Making a great film is impossible without these contributions. Why was Laila's team called the "dream team"? Wasn't it because each member was a winner or nominee of major awards? Even those who hadn't won yet had received nominations.
So, in some entertainment industry novels, it's quite unrealistic for the protagonist to sweep awards with a hastily assembled team. No matter how good the protagonist or director is, poor post-production can ruin everything.
Part of Laila's team came from Phoenix, veterans who had been with the company since Reynolds' time, battle-hardened and highly experienced. Others were newcomers recruited through the New Talents Program, who needed to hone their skills in the program's films before being absorbed into the more prestigious Dragon Soul Company.
The final part of the team came from external recruitment. There were always talented individuals on the fringes of other companies. Some preferred more flexible collaborations, others sought higher pay, and some simply hadn't been recognized for various reasons.
This diverse group gathered under Laila's banner, some directly joining her team, and others working within the company on different films. Under her leadership, this increasingly mature team was the reason she could create miracles.
"Some films this year seem to have strong momentum," Roy said, deliberately changing the subject to distract Laila from her "nervousness."
"Yes. 'No Country for Old Men' and 'Juno'—I think they'll be formidable competitors," Laila agreed with a nod.
Without her presence, these two films would have performed exceptionally well at this year's Oscars. One was a widely anticipated project from the start, while the other was a shining dark horse. She wasn't sure if, under the impact of these films, she could still achieve the historical success 'The Lord of the Rings' was supposed to have.
" 'There Will Be Blood' is also highly praised," Roy reminded her. "Lewis's performance is outstanding."
Laila laughed. "No matter how good Lewis's performance is, it has nothing to do with us. Do you think anyone from our film stands a chance at Best Actor?"
Roy then remembered that none of their eleven nominations were related to acting. Not even a supporting actor nomination.
"Well, our film is truly unique," he said. A film with so many nominations usually signals a sweep, yet not a single actor stood a chance at an acting award. In the past, no one would have believed it.
When 'Titanic' swept the Oscars, it didn't win any acting awards either, but it did receive nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.
"It's unavoidable. Our film is an ensemble piece. Everyone performed brilliantly, but their screen time was too limited," Laila said, equally regretful. If only they could have secured a few more nominations, perhaps they could have matched 'Titanic's' record.
In the end, she still hoped to topple the giant that loomed over her. Unfortunately, at least for now, this film couldn't do it.