Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 462 Became the Only One
After winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, Cao Yang completed the final piece of the puzzle to achieve the grand slam of the three major European film awards.

He became the fourth director to achieve a grand slam, following French director Henri George Clouzot, Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni, and American director Robert Altman.

Of the top three, the last to achieve the triple crown was Robert Altman, but he completed the final piece of the puzzle by winning the Golden Lion at the 50th Venice Film Festival in 1993 with "Crossroads".

In other words, before Cao Yang, the last athlete to achieve a triple gold medal Grand Slam was 16 years ago.

However, this is not the reason why China, especially the government, attaches so much importance to Cao Yang winning a Grand Slam.

Besides enhancing his international image and influence, there is another particularly important reason: Cao Yang is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions who is still alive!
That's right, the other three Grand Slam champions have already logged off.

Henry George Clouzot was the first to die, passing away as early as 1977.

Although Robert Altman was the youngest of the three, he also left the show in 06.

Michelangelo Antonioni lived the longest, passing away in 07 at the age of 95.

It is worth mentioning that Michelangelo Antonioni, true to his leisurely, romantic, and culturally "cultured" Italian nature, made his last two feature films in his later years, both of which were erotic films.

A film called "Days in the Clouds" was directed by this highly sophisticated director when he was 83 years old.

Sophie Marceau, the young and beautiful French goddess who is not yet thirty, made a brilliant artistic contribution in the film.

What does it matter if something is exposed or not, even if it's completely exposed...?
Just because an actress makes such a big sacrifice for a movie, does that mean we should despise her? Does that mean we won't enjoy watching it?
of course not.

It's all for art.

For the sake of the young and beautiful French goddess Sophie Marceau, this movie is definitely worth watching.

And this great Italian director's last film was also an erotic film.

However, this film was co-directed with American director Steven Soderbergh and Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai, and it is called "Eros".

The main cast includes Gong Li, Zhang Zhen, and Robert Downey Jr.

Currently, Cao Yang is the only one of the four directors who have won the triple crown of the Golden Horse Awards still alive.

Because of this one special location, the authorities will attach great importance to it.

Therefore, after Cao Yang won the Golden Bear and achieved a three-gold Grand Slam, all the media outlets that know what's going on started reporting on it one after another.

CCTV's evening news program gave him an unprecedented eight minutes.

This is the true value of the only three-gold Grand Slam title still in existence globally.

This is far more valuable than Cao Yang's previous achievement of becoming the first person in the world to win the grand slam of the three major European Best Director awards.

If so many official and representative media outlets have gotten involved, it goes without saying that other media outlets are even more involved.

Some media outlets not only report on Cao Yang's achievements since his debut, but also interview industry insiders to ask them what they think and what they want to say.

Zhang Yimou is currently preparing a new film, which will be his first film since directing the Beijing Olympics.

He had long planned to adapt the Coen brothers' early film "Blood Simple" and also intended to incorporate some localized and more down-to-earth comedic elements.

This was a key consideration for him, and it was also a new attempt.

Cao Yang's triple gold medal grand slam generated a huge media frenzy in China, and even Zhang Yimou, who was busy with film projects, inevitably learned about it.

His first reaction was that this was impossible and should not be the case.

Zhang Yimou knows those Europeans too well.

He must also really want to become a triple gold medalist.

However, some events made him realize that his chances of winning the triple gold medal Grand Slam were almost negligible.

Theoretically speaking, if one wants to achieve the three major gold medals, the ideal scenario would be for someone like Chen to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes in his first stop.

However, if Cannes is the final hurdle, it is almost impossible for a director from any other country to pass Cannes unless they are French.

This is the proud French.

Before Cao Yang, among the three Grand Slam champions, there were Frenchmen and Italians.

Therefore, to some extent, the French and Italian governments are also unwilling for directors from other countries to win the triple crown of the three major awards.

Only the German government might not care much.

Because they have never produced a director who has won all three major film awards.

In Zhang Yimou's mind, Cao Yang's decision to leave the Golden Bear award for last was the smartest approach, as it would reduce resistance from the perspective of national will.

Of course, this is the most ideal situation.

Zhang Yimou has a great reputation and influence in Europe, so he is aware that there are many forces in Europe and the United States that will try to prevent the next triple gold medalist from being crowned.

Add to that the resistance from Europe... Even Zhang Yimou couldn't imagine how Cao Yang could overcome all that resistance.

In a practical sense, winning the triple crown is no longer just a matter of whether the art expressed in the film is good or bad; it involves many more complex aspects.

"Did Cao Yang really win the Golden Bear?"

Zhang Yimou still seemed somewhat incredulous as he asked the reporter.

At this moment, the reporter, who had a good relationship with Zhang Yimou, was about to conduct an interview with him, mainly to ask what Zhang Yimou thought about Cao Yang winning the Grand Slam.

Currently, many journalists in China are using all their skills to try and interview well-known industry figures with whom they have good relationships, especially someone like Zhang Yimou.

The reporter stated confidently, "How could it be false? The results from Berlin have already been released, and CCTV and People's Daily have reported on them. How could there be a mistake?"

Zhang Yimou remained silent.

His face appeared calm, but that was only on his face.

His mind was in turmoil, filled with countless questions, but he didn't know who to ask or where to begin.

"Director Zhang, are you... available now?"

The reporter put himself in Zhang Yimou's shoes and quickly empathized with him.

Zhang Yimou has a grand slam of jury awards, two Golden Lions, and a Golden Bear.

Moreover, almost all of these were feats he accomplished before 2000.

What was Cao Yang doing before 2000?
He was still thinking about his first film, still worrying about what to make, how to attract investment, and what actors to cast...

Almost ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Over the years, Cao Yang has not only won the grand slam of the three major European Best Director awards, but also won two Golden Lions and one Palme d'Or. He has caught up with the three major European awards.

Not only that, he also broke into Hollywood, winning Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director...

Originally, "I" was destined to be the protagonist, and "I" was meant to represent the highest artistic achievement of Chinese cinema. But how did things change so drastically in just a few years?
Now he's a triple gold medalist!

In addition, Cao Yang also has the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Picture, so he has achieved a grand slam of five awards.

Zhang Yimou doesn't understand.

Aside from oneself, how can anyone else treat winning awards as simply as eating and drinking?

"Director Zhang?"

"Oh, um..."

Zhang Yimou pursed his lips and said in an extremely deep voice, "What do you want to ask?"

As a member of the Beijing Film Academy, Zhang Yimou certainly couldn't refuse to talk about Cao Yang, especially after Cao Yang won the Grand Slam of three gold medals. Since it's unavoidable, let's bring it up.

"Director Zhang, after Director Cao Yang won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, he achieved a grand slam of the three major European film festivals. What is your opinion on this?"

the reporter asked.

Although the reporter sympathized with Zhang Yimou, deep down he still desperately hoped that Zhang Yimou could offer some different perspectives.

Ideally, it should be controversial.

Zhang Yimou fell silent again.

Just when the reporter thought that Zhang Yimou was probably upset and wouldn't say anything, Zhang Yimou spoke up.

"Cao Yang is... a remarkable director, a director with very innovative ideas, and a director with a very prolific creative output..."

After saying all this, Zhang Yimou paused for a moment before continuing:

"The three major awards are a victory for the dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. It proves once again that Chinese-language films can be rooted in the local culture and touch the world. This is the ultimate recognition of the film's authorship and an affirmation of Eastern culture."

After saying these words, Zhang Yimou said nothing more.

The reporter was a little disappointed, but as someone who had a good relationship with Zhang Yimou, he was thinking about a long-term, steady relationship, so he couldn't very well try to sow discord, could he?
That would be tantamount to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

The little guns aren't as subtle as Zhang Yimou's.

When interviewed by reporters, he laughed and said without hesitation, "I think the Golden Bear in Berlin came a little late. Actually, Berlin should have given the Golden Bear to Director Cao last year."

With such a profound analysis of human nature and such a profound performance by Jackie Chan, doesn't "Love in a Seaside City" deserve a Golden Bear?
I think Director Cao winning the Golden Bear last year was the most meaningful thing.

"why?"

The reporter asked with a hint of doubt.

Little Cannon glared, a hint of roguishness in his eyes, and chuckled, "Passing on the torch! Don't you understand? As far as I know, the last person to achieve the triple gold medal grand slam was...who passed away in 07. If Coach Cao had won the Golden Bear in 08, wouldn't that have been a perfect passing on of the torch?"

The reporter was speechless for a moment. What kind of tradition is this? What kind of fallacies and heresies are these?
However, you can't exactly refute Little Cannon's words, can you?
So, the reporter, like a little cannon blast, asked again: "Director Feng, what are your thoughts on Director Cao Yang's historic breakthrough?"

"What do I think?"

Little Cannon originally wanted to crack a joke, but after thinking about it, he realized that as the holder of the record for Chinese-language films, it would be a bit inappropriate for him to say that. So he decided to be more official.

"Achieving the Three Golden Awards requires works that combine 'authorial expression' with 'universal resonance.' Director Cao has perfectly balanced Eastern and Western aesthetics, which is the highest tribute to the director's professional spirit and a manifestation of the soft power of Chinese film culture."

The reporters were dumbfounded. Was this still the same "big-mouthed" Little Cannon?

Aren't you the one who loves to criticize people the most?
When did you start saying such "official" things?

Little Cannon was secretly pleased with himself. Didn't he know what these lousy reporters were up to? He wasn't stupid. He had finally managed to get in touch with Cao Yang, and hadn't he seen Cao Yang give him two movies in a row?

If I don't treat Cao Yang well, am I supposed to criticize him?

The higher Cao Yang's status, the higher my status will definitely rise. Do they really think I'm a fool?

However, Cao Yang is really awesome.

Just a few days ago, Chen Guofu of Huayi was confidently boasting that Cao Yang could never win a Grand Slam because the West wouldn't allow it... This is no longer just about the movie; it's an extension of other things.

At the time, I even thought what the Taiwanese person said made sense.

Damn, I almost got fooled.

It's impossible for an ordinary person, but is Cao Yang an ordinary person?
Just trust that kid Cao Yang!

"Director Chen, what are your thoughts on Director Cao Yang winning the three major awards?"

Chen Kaige was inevitably asked this question by familiar reporters.

He was very frustrated about this.

I just got back to China from Berlin last night, and today I heard this news. It's really...sigh.

He knew Cao Yang would win an award, but he never expected that Cao Yang would actually win the Golden Bear.

Old Chen and Old Zhang have different feelings.

Zhang Yimou may have felt envy, a little jealousy, and also self-pity.

But Old Chen is the most direct comparison – first he clashed with "Joker" at the box office and was completely defeated; then he clashed with "Like Father, Like Son" in Berlin and was also completely defeated!

Who can understand this feeling?

Old Chen didn't want to say anything in the interview, but he had some thoughts he felt compelled to share.

"Awards are a collision of the opportunities of the times and personal talent. A grand slam is a double gift of personal talent and the opportunities of the times, and a continuation of the golden age of Chinese-language films."

After saying all that, Old Chen thought for a moment and added:

"The three major European awards are the 'holy grail' of art films. Winning them all means that the winners have joined the ranks of world-class directors. However, what we need to be wary of is the disconnect between the awards and local audiences. This is what we should be most concerned about."

The reporter couldn't help but feel secretly delighted, for he had, of course, understood what Director Chen meant.

The first half seems somewhat unconvinced, arguing that it was an opportunity of the times, and that it was the continuation of the golden age that allowed Cao Yang to achieve this.

What is the Golden Age?

Of course, it was through his and Zhang Yimou's continuous "struggle" in Europe that this golden age was created.

The following words, in their underlying meaning, imply "educating" from the perspective of a senior.

However, Old Chen was being somewhat subtle in his words.

Jiang Wen was much more direct.

"Grand Slam? Not bad. Director Cao Yang has... two or three films, which are quite impressive. However, the European trophy is just icing on the cake. Ultimately, a film should serve the audience and make them say it's awesome."

The Berlin Film Festival awards ceremony is on February 15th, and the Oscars awards ceremony is on February 22nd, only one week apart.

After winning the Golden Bear, Cao Yang certainly couldn't immediately return to China or go to the United States.

There are some unavoidable gatherings to attend in Berlin: official press conferences, official thank-you dinners, and private parties hosted by Dieter...

He's now a triple crown winner, and the European arts and culture scene will definitely invite him to participate in small-circle exchanges.

These also need to be participated in.

Putting everything else aside, the European rights to "Like Father, Like Son" are going to be sold, right?
If Cao Yang ignores these small circles because he won the three gold medals, will he still sell the copyrights of Chinese-language films in the future?
Furthermore, with the triple crown of gold medals, Cao Yang's influence in the European arts and culture scene will undoubtedly rise, making it easier for him to wield power over the three major European awards.

Are we going to give up all of this?

Going through the entire process will take at least three days.

As a result, he had no time to return to China.

He could only apologize to the Chinese people through an interview with CCTV, explaining that he was going to attend the Oscars and would return to China after the Oscars.

This is understandable domestically.

Joker received thirteen Oscar nominations, making it one of the biggest contenders this year.

The Beijing Film Academy and the authorities also hope that "Joker" will be a big win at the Oscars.

It would be even better if we could win the triple gold medal grand slam and then have a big win at the Oscars.

(End of this chapter)