Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 579 "A Chinese Person Wins the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay"

In front of the Dorothy Chandler Hall at the Los Angeles Music Center, Liu Yimin sized up the American director who had struck up a conversation with him. He was dressed in a well-fitting black suit with a feather-like ornament stuck in his chest. He wasn't very old, but he already showed signs of balding.

His thick eyebrows and the nasolabial folds on his forehead were particularly eye-catching. His slightly round face made his nose bridge not seem very high. He held Liu Yimin's hand for a long time and was reluctant to let go. His eyes were filled with curiosity, scrutiny and respect.

"Frank, shouldn't you introduce me to Liu?"

Frank's hostility vanished in an instant, replaced by a strong desire to conquer: "Liu, this is our biggest competitor today, Oliver Stone, the director of 'Platoon'!"

"Hello, Oliver!" Liu Yimin slowly withdrew his hand.

“Liu, Frank has misunderstood me. We are not competitors, but partners fighting side by side. We are going to expose the evil in the world.” Oliver gently placed his right hand on his chest, which rested on “chicken feathers”.

Oliver is a renowned American director whose films are characterized by their political sensitivity. While challenging authority and daring to express themselves, he is also adept at capturing political events that can resonate through his films.

"Platoon" is his cinematic expression of the politically sensitive issue of the Vietnam War. He later directed many documentaries, including "Nixon," "Alexander the Great," "George W. Bush," and "Snowden."

He won an Academy Award before the age of thirty and was a regular at the Oscars, but he also won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director several times.

The Golden Raspberry Awards are the counterpart to the Oscars. They are usually announced the day before the Oscars and are used to select the worst films of the year in the United States. The first Golden Raspberry Awards were presented by then-President Ronald Reagan.

"Oliver, you want to make 'House of Cards'?" Frank asked curiously, setting aside his competitive spirit.

Oliver patted the feather on his chest again: "Of course, Frank, I think this work will only be well received by the audience if it's in my hands."

Frank wanted to argue, but he also knew that Oliver was right; Frank had never made a political film before.

Liu Yimin did not give a direct answer, but instead congratulated Oliver on making a good film and hoped that he would have a fruitful night at the Oscars.

Oliver Stone continued, "Liu, I hope you'll consider this. Our goal is to produce great films and make a lot of money from them. Frank, we can work together. I hope we can have a chance to meet after the Oscars."

“Okay, Oliver, but for Frank, nothing is more important than tonight’s Oscars,” Liu Yimin joked.

They wanted to leave, but Oliver shamelessly followed behind, saying he wanted to introduce Liu Yimin to the Los Angeles Music Center and some figures in the American film industry.

Outside the Rosie Chandler Hall, lights of various colors flashed rhythmically, music played in the square, and Oscar-nominated movie posters were displayed in prominent positions.

On the red carpet leading into the hall, American film directors and actors posed for photos, while numerous American film directors and stars were also giving interviews. Everyone wanted to gain attention in front of the cameras; everyone present was a competitor for media attention.

Male celebrities feign elegance, while female celebrities strike poses with smiles as they walk, flaunting their unique "beauty" in front of the camera.

Oliver asked, "Liu, this is your first time attending the Oscars. What do you think of the red carpet show?"

“This red carpet is white!” Liu Yimin said with a smirk.

"White?"

Frank and Oliver smiled in unison: "Liu, you're very humorous. The reporters' flashes really did turn the red carpet white."

Liu Yimin glanced at Oliver, who frowned slightly before continuing, "Liu, could you take a look at my outfit? Let's walk the red carpet together."

“Very good, I feel like reciting a poem in this situation.” Liu Yimin touched the “feather” on Oliver’s chest: “Award ceremony feather outfits, everyone’s wearing feathers!”

Frank clapped and said, "Great!"

"Well, Liu, your literary skills are indeed superb, although I don't know what it means," Oliver praised.

Seeing that the reporters had noticed him, Oliver touched the feather on his chest again, waved to the reporters, then tugged at the hem of his suit and walked toward the red carpet.

When Liu Yimin and Frank appeared together, they attracted the attention of the American media. The two waved to countless reporters as they walked on the red carpet, and before they even reached the interview area, reporters couldn't help but ask questions.

"Yimin Liu, what are your expectations for tonight's Oscars?"

"Of course, the goal is to win an award!"

How do you feel about "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" not receiving a nomination?

"This isn't a loss for 'Hachi: A Dog', it's a loss for the Oscars!"

When the two met Oliver again, he was showing the media the feather on his chest: "This symbolizes peace. The American people are tired of war, tired of all violence. I fought in the Vietnam War, a period that still gives me nightmares. Americans have had enough of this! American soldiers have had enough! The anxious mothers of soldiers have had enough!"

Oliver launched into a passionate and detailed account of his time in Vietnam. Upon seeing Liu Yimin, he immediately extended an invitation to him, pulling Frank and Liu Yimin to his side.

"I never expected to meet Liu here today. Liu is a great screenwriter. His collaboration with Frank on 'The Redemption of a Slave' is the strongest contender in this year's Oscar nominations, but I think we might be able to stand on the same stage together. Liu has contributed many wonderful scripts, and he is a screenwriter worthy of respect. Frank is a young director, but I also believe that his future is limitless."

Liu Yimin and Frank answered questions from the media. Finally, an American reporter asked if the fact that the three of them were standing together meant that there was a possibility of future cooperation.

Oliver said, "I really want to, but it depends on Liu's decision. I'm always ready, and I hope Liu can give me a chance to work together!"

“We just met today, and Oliver was very enthusiastic, but there are no concrete plans for collaboration yet. But I believe my script will be directed to the director who is most suitable for it.”

Frank expressed his determination to work with Liu Yimin and promoted the upcoming film "Green Book".

"Green Book, the masterpiece of Liu and me. We can find the answer to how to bridge racial divisions in this film!"

After the interview, the three walked into the concert hall, which was quieter than the noise outside.

Waiters in gray suits and black shorts stood at the door, and they greeted each person with a smile.

"Liu, my seat is over there. I hope you have a wonderful Oscar night!" Oliver waved slightly and walked to his seat.

Frank and Liu Yimin sat together, and the movie stars next to them greeted them and shook hands.

Frank introduced Liu Yimin to several actors from "Green Book" and "Redemption of a Slave," and then explained the Oscar ceremony procedures to him.

The stage in Rosie Chandler Hall is very professional, with a circular metal band encircling the stage and the word "Oscar" displayed in a lightbox format, making it sparkle from the outside.

The stage is illuminated by brown-yellow light strips on both sides, giving the stage an elegant and dignified appearance.

"Liu, the awards ceremony lasts for three hours. It will be late at night when we leave the music center. Let's stay in Los Angeles tonight!"

"Row!"

At 7:00 PM, the Oscars ceremony officially began. As the host emerged from the elevator beneath the stage, applause and gasps filled the hall.

Before the Oscars are presented, there is an opening performance. Several stars who are performing walk up the steps from the back of the stage with microphones, and songs and cheers resound from every corner.

Once on stage, the group sang and danced. Frank introduced the performers to Liu Yimin, but his mind wasn't on them; he was focused on the awards ceremony that followed.

About thirty minutes later, the opening performance ended, and the host made lighthearted jokes about last year's well-known movies in a relaxed and humorous tone. When he heard the joke about "The Redemption of a Slave", Frank laughed heartily.

"Liu, the answer is about to be revealed!" Frank took a deep breath, rested his chin on his hands, and looked extremely nervous.

"Liu, aren't you nervous?"

Liu Yimin smiled calmly: "What's there to be nervous about?"

"Maybe it can win the Best Screenplay Award!"

Liu Yimin remained silent, gazing towards the stage. The Oscar winners weren't announced by the host, but by the presenters they invited onto the stage. "Now for the reveal: the 59th Academy Award for Best Picture is *Platoon*!"

Cheers and congratulations erupted first from where Oliver was standing. Frank shook his head regretfully, then clapped and celebrated with Oliver.

Oliver walked onto the stage, and amidst applause, he held up his Oscar trophy and bowed to the audience in gratitude: "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you all for liking 'Platoon,' thank you to my mother, thank you to the actors, and thank you to Kennedy for starting the Vietnam War."

"Hahaha!" The audience burst into laughter upon hearing Oliver's last sentence.

The Oscar acceptance speech was very short; Oliver spoke for about a minute before leaving the stage. The next awards were for Best Actor and Best Actress, with the Best Actor award once again going to the cast of *Platoon*.

"The Academy Award for Best Director has been awarded to Frank Darabont!"

Frank was a little surprised for a moment, then excitedly said to Liu Yimin, "Liu, it's me."

"It's you, Frank!"

Frank quickly got up and walked towards the stage, where he was introduced again: "Frank's unique style was showcased in 'The Redemption of a Slave,' and he is another young director who has won an Oscar in American history."

Frank is 28 years old this year, the same age as Oliver when he won the Academy Award.

Frank, holding the Academy Award, said in a trembling voice: "Thank you to my screenwriter, Yi Min Liu, thank you to all the members who voted, thank you to the actors of 'The Redemption of a Slave,' and thank you to everyone who loves me."

"The Redemption of a Slave" is the best screenplay I've ever directed. I even think it's the next Best Original Screenplay award, and its creator, Yi Min Liu, is sitting in the audience. I want to thank him again.

This is my first award, and I hope to continue creating films that audiences love in the future. By the way, *Green Book* is ready!

"wow—"

Frank walked back to his seat amidst cheers, reaching out to present the trophy to Liu Yimin from afar. Liu Yimin glanced at the Oscar trophy; it was covered in gold leaf and a layer of luminous paint.

"Frank, congratulations!"

"Liu, I couldn't have won the Best Director award without you. Although we didn't win Best Picture, I think we're not far from our next goal," Frank said confidently, showing no trace of his earlier disappointment.

The Oscars ceremony continued, and as Frank had predicted, "The Redemption of a Slave" did indeed win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

After receiving the award, Liu Yimin joked, "If it weren't for Frank's enthusiastic invitation, I would be in China right now and almost missed the Best Screenplay Award."

"Liu, your wife is also a very beautiful Chinese director and actress. I hope we can meet her here someday," the host said with a smile.

"Thank you for mentioning my wife; she's the next person I want to thank."

In addition to the trophy, each Oscar winner also receives an Oscar gold necklace with an Oscar statuette as a pendant. The name of a family member can be engraved on the necklace, and Liu Yimin decided to have "Zhu Lin" engraved on it.

After thanking everyone, Liu Yimin shared his thoughts on the script of "The Redemption of a Slave" before stepping off the stage.

Frank jumped up excitedly and hugged Liu Yimin: "Liu, we did it! Liu, we will win more film awards in the future! The Oscar is just the beginning. Our future will be full of honors."

"Cough cough, Frank, sit down!" Liu Yimin's neck was red from being strangled by Frank.

While the Oscars don't offer prize money, the winners' market value skyrockets. One statistic suggests that winners' asking prices for upcoming film contracts can increase by more than 10%.

Liu Yimin placed the Oscar trophy aside; it's said the trophy is worth only a few hundred dollars. Winners are not allowed to buy or sell the trophy; if they really want to sell it, they can sell it to the awarding organization, but the price is only one dollar.

The awards ceremony continued, and "The Redemption of a Slave" won another award for Best Editing. It won three out of six nominations this year, making it a very successful film.

"Platoon" also won three awards, while "Top Gun" only won the Best Music Award.

After the awards ceremony, classic film clips were played, and tributes were paid to some deceased American filmmakers.

At 10 PM, the Oscars night officially ended.

There are two red carpet events in total, with one after the main event. The first is the formal red carpet, which is only open to guests, award presenters, and special guests. The second is the Vanity Fair, which has fewer restrictions on attendees and allows many celebrities who couldn't attend the awards ceremony or fashion designers to showcase themselves or their work.

Several American celebrities flocked to Liu Yimin and Frank, striking various poses to steal the spotlight, to which Liu Yimin and Frank responded with disdain. After attending the dinner for a while, the two prepared to leave.

Oliver came over with the Oscar to congratulate the two, and Frank instinctively raised the trophy to his chest.

"Liu, congratulations. If it weren't for 'The Redemption of a Slave,' I would have won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay tonight. It's a very good film, and I would have felt disappointed if you hadn't won. Liu, Frank, I'd like to invite you to lunch tomorrow."

“Okay, Oliver!” Liu Yimin agreed.

Stepping out of the music center, the noise around them lessened considerably. Frank looked at Liu Yimin: "Liu, although I hate to admit it, having Oliver direct 'House of Cards' was definitely the best choice."

“Frank, I’m glad you think that way,” Liu Yimin said in surprise.

"Liu, what do you think of me being Oliver's right-hand man?"

“I think Oliver felt the same way.”

Liu Yimin and Frank checked into a hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

The next day, as soon as he woke up, Frank handed the newspaper to Liu Yimin—"Chinese man wins Oscar for Best Original Screenplay."

Chinese screenwriters are making their way into Hollywood!

From China to Hollywood: How Did Liu's Screenplays Conquer America?

"What a jumpy person!" Liu Yimin threw the newspaper aside.

Frank said, "These media outlets keep making predictions before the awards, but when you actually win the Best Original Screenplay award, they can't stand it."

Frank took Liu Yimin to tour the company in the morning, and then met with Oliver at noon.

Oliver and his wife and daughter warmly welcomed them, and during the meal, they asked Liu Yimin and Frank about their thoughts on "House of Cards".

Liu Yimin told Oliver that he could direct the script, but Liu Yimin's script was to be sold to Huanxing Pictures, which was under his control.

Frank, as the operator, offered a script fee of $300,000 and a 0.5% share of the box office revenue.

Liu Yimin and Frank's film company, as key investors, were responsible for funding and contacting investors. Oliver, as a director, received a director's fee and could also participate in profit sharing.

Oliver did the math in his head and thought that would work, but the director's fee needed to be clarified beforehand.

"Frank will discuss all the details with you. Frank will be involved in the filming as the assistant director. I think the two of you working together will definitely make a great film."

Oliver said, "Liu, Frank, I'd like to invest in this movie."

“Oliver, we’ll accept your investment. We can discuss the specific percentage later,” Frank said.

Oliver raised his glass and said, "I hope the collaboration will go smoothly."

Oliver happily entered the study and showed Liu Yimin the collection in his study, which was a testament to his many years in the film industry.

(End of this chapter)