Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 671 It seems like the house is still missing a lion.

The hustle and bustle of the red carpet was shut out as the doors closed.

Inside the awards ceremony venue, the lights were dazzling, and the atmosphere was solemn yet tinged with an indescribable tension.

The creators of all the shortlisted films sat in their designated seats, waiting for the final results.

Wu Chen's gaze calmly swept across the entire room. He spotted Roman Polanski not far away, the controversial film master, sitting upright with a serious expression;
I also spotted George Clooney on the other side, chatting quietly with his co-star Ryan Gosling, looking quite relaxed.

In the media section, reporters from several Chinese-language media outlets huddled together, quietly confirming the final details.

"It's confirmed that neither Johnnie To's 'Life Without Principle' crew nor Wei Te-sheng's 'Seediq Bale' crew came."

"So that means tonight's show is 4 out of 2? '30 Days of Warmth' and 'A Simple Life'?"

"It should be. Four films were shortlisted and two received invitations; the probability is already very high! How many awards are there in the main competition?"

"The odds of winning the Best Actress award seem pretty high. I just don't know if Liu Yifei can make history and win three double Best Actress awards. If she does, it'll be a huge sensation!"

"It's a bit tough. The other films aren't pushovers either. Besides, in these kinds of awards, a sentimental approach is naturally less effective than a tragic one. Look at all the critically acclaimed films this year; it's not easy."

"."

Just as the media was buzzing with discussion, the awards ceremony officially began after a spectacular opening performance.

The awards were presented one by one, starting with some technical awards and those in non-main competition categories.

The awards in the "Horizons" section were, without a doubt, presented by Jia Zhangke, the chairman of the jury for that section.

Then, the most nerve-wracking and exciting part, the main competition segment, finally arrived.

The atmosphere at the scene became increasingly tense as time went on.

The important trophies in the main competition have been brought to the stage by the hostesses.

The Golden Lion Award trophy is a lion with outstretched wings, its body painted gold, and its base is a piece of black marble.
This is also the highest honor of the world's first film festival!
The Silver Lion award is slightly smaller, and also features a winged lion design.
"Hehe, I feel like our house is missing a lion."

Liu Yifei followed Wu Chen's gaze and saw that he was looking at the trophies. She immediately showed her cute little teeth and whispered.

"I'll take one home tonight," Wu Chen replied quietly. "Do you want the gold one or the silver one?"

Since the organizing committee has given a hint, at least one award tonight belongs to them.

To be honest, it was quite a difficult choice for him, because he liked all of the trophies here.

"It's okay, they're all beautiful!"

Liu Yifei and Wu Chen looked at each other, smiles spreading across their lips, like gentle, bright ripples on the water as a small boat glides across the surface under the moonlight.

"It's begun! It's begun!"

The media section was even more anxious than the main cast and crew.

The reporters were all prepared with their tools, ready to send the results of each award back to China as soon as possible and create breaking news.

The preceding awards were for Best First Project, Best Technical Contribution, and Best Newcomer.

This year's Venice Film Festival has also unusually included several smaller awards.

"The Best Screenplay Award goes to Yorgos Lanthimos and Isimis Feliper for *Alps*!"

"."

"Wow, great news! If the script award went to someone else, it proves that the awards our two production teams received were quite prestigious!"

"."

The Chinese-language media were all smiles. However, what followed immediately was the highly prestigious "Wolpione Cup - Best Actress Award".

The atmosphere at the scene was instantly pushed to its peak.

Several crew members from films and television series that were considered contenders for the award instinctively held their breath. This naturally included the crew of "The Warmest Thirty Days of My Life."

"Go, Sister Yifei!"

Li Qin sat next to Liu Yifei, nervously raising her fist to encourage her.

Liu Yifei chuckled and nodded.

Wu Chen was holding her delicate hand tightly in his palm.

Everyone would want to take it if given the chance.

Meanwhile, the production teams of the other leading actresses were also anxiously waiting.

Kate Winslet sat gracefully with a composed smile, but her tightly clasped hands betrayed her inner nervousness.

Another British actress, a newcomer who gave an outstanding performance in "Wuthering Heights," was so nervous that her face turned pale.

"Do you think Liu Yifei has a chance?" Zhao Tao was sitting next to Jia Zhangke at this moment, quietly paying attention to who would win the award.

If Liu Yifei wins this award tonight, she will become the first Chinese actress to win both Best Actress awards at the three major European film festivals—an unprecedented achievement.

"I haven't had much interaction with the judges in the main competition. I can only say that there's a slight chance."

However, the subject matter of her film isn't particularly appealing for winning acting awards.

At that moment, the award presenter, renowned Italian actress Alba Lova, quietly announced the winner's name amidst the attention of the crowd.

"The winner is Deanie Ip, for 'A Simple Life'!"

Immediately, the entire audience erupted in applause!
When Deanie Ip, a Hong Kong actress in her sixties, heard her name called, she was stunned for a moment, and then burst into tears.

With Andy Lau's help, she slowly stood up.

Upon hearing the result, Liu Yifei's face showed no sign of disappointment.

She immediately stood up and gave them the warmest applause.

As Deanie Ip, supported by Andy Lau, prepared to walk onto the awards stage, they offered their congratulations as she passed their area.

"thanks, thanks!"

Deanie Ip was so excited that she could hardly contain her joy.

Andy Lau helped Deanie Ip to the front of the stage, but they didn't go up there.

This scene, however, is full of the meaning of inheritance.

"It's just a pity."

As Wu Chen watched this scene on stage, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Unfortunately, the current state of Hong Kong cinema, facing a lack of new talent, was already predetermined the moment Mr. Chan picked up the camera.

"It's up to you."

Liu Yifei sat back down, turned around, and smiled at Wu Chen.

"Um"

(End of this chapter)