Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Foreigners are actually a group that really enjoys gambling. Not to mention major sporting events, even the betting odds at the three major film festivals have a long history.

All betting platforms are the same; where there are betting odds, there are bound to be shady dealings. Whether it's the World Cup or the welfare lottery... well, it's quite a welfare program in itself.

In short, capitalists don't care about people, they only care about money and pleasure.

Therefore, this tactic is called "using a borrowed knife to kill".

From beginning to end, Zhuang Huai'an made reasonable use of unspoken rules. In fact, it could be said that he was just the catalyst for this whole affair, and the gambling company, sensing the opportunity, rushed in to act as the driving force.

How sensational is it that two Chinese directors have won the triple crown of the Golden Horse Awards within a year?

At least Zhuang Huai'an felt it was bigger than Poyang Lake!

The ninth day of the film festival,

All members of the judging panel began a closed-door vote.

As the artistic director, Fremo naturally couldn't be absent.

"An, is there anything else you'd like to say before we vote?"

"No,"

Zhuang Huai'an shook his head, glanced at everyone at the round table, and said, "I believe you all already have your plans. Let's get straight to the procedure."

"Alright," Fremo said, forcing himself to take over the hosting duties. "Then, for the first item, Best Screenplay, please nominate and give your opinions."

The process proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner.

Wong Kar-wai, still with his arrogant demeanor, nominated six Best Actress winners for "Volver" and five Best Actor winners for "Glorious Years".

But he wasn't the chairman, so nobody paid any attention to his proposal and treated it as an abstention.

"I propose that the Best Actor award go to Semi Bouajila from 'Glorious Years.' He is the core of the narrative, has the most screen time, and is the spiritual perspective of the entire film."

He repeatedly stood up against the French army's racial discrimination against colonial soldiers, confronting officers and sergeants on numerous occasions, engaging in numerous debates and conflicts. His character arc is well-developed, connecting the film's overall theme of "equality," making him the primary perspective character in this ensemble film.

Zhuang Huai'an looked at everyone and continued: "For Best Actress, I propose Penelope Cruz as Raymond.

She is the central figure in the film's narrative, and most of the major events revolve around her: her daughter killing her stepfather, disposing of the body, taking over the restaurant, making a living, uncovering the family's incestuous past, and reconciling with her mother.

Furthermore, her screen time, lines, and plot-driving role far exceed those of others; key scenes in the film's opening, climax, and ending all fall on her.

Everyone nodded in agreement; this suggestion was indeed much more reliable than Wong Kar-wai's.

That being said, both of these films are ensemble pieces, and each character has a significant role; the entire storyline would feel incomplete without one.

To be fair, Wong Kar-wai's actions in the original Trails series weren't without purpose; he was just indecisive or too lazy to make things complicated, so he simply opted for a happy ending.

Those who have actually seen both movies don't really have much of an opinion on this approach, but there's always a distinction between primary and secondary characters, so you can only choose based on which character's backstory is clearer.

"I have no objection." Female director Lucrecia was the first to invest, as she has a strong preference for realistic female-centric themes like "Volver".

"I agree too," Monica Bellucci nodded in agreement.

"I approve of An's judgment. It's a pass." Director Pallister nodded.

Fremo looked at the others and said, "Please make your choice."

Apart from Wong Kar-wai, who insisted on sticking with the group, the others followed suit and voted.

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at Sunglasses King without showing any emotion, inwardly scoffing.

"Well then, everyone, next up is the Palme d'Or selection."

Fremo took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I hope that the rumors from the outside world will not affect your selection of this award. Please let An speak first."

"I choose to love this movie. I really like its unwavering beauty and profound meaning found in the ordinary."

Zhuang Huai'an played his hand without hesitation, his eyes revealing a hint of domineering arrogance as he looked at the crowd: "I've finished speaking. Who agrees? Who disagrees?"

These words immediately made the atmosphere in the room more serious. Everyone exchanged glances without making a sound, and remained silent, thinking of letting the other person speak first.

Upon seeing this, Fremo realized this wouldn't do. For the sake of his life, he had no choice but to break the deadlock, "Ahem, Director Elijah, what do you think?"

"Um... I think An's suggestion is good,"

Honest Elijah was suddenly called out, and said somewhat helplessly, "But I think the movie 'The Wind Blows Through the Wheat' is equally excellent, so I choose to abstain."

Framer nodded, then asked, "Mr. Ross, what about you?"

"I share the same thought as Director Elijah; it's too difficult to decide, so I have to abstain." Pianist 1900 passed the buck without batting an eye.

"Samuel, what are your thoughts?"

"Mr. Fremo, please allow me to abstain as well," Lu Dan from S.H.I.E.L.D. shrugged, making a double entendre: "To be honest, with so many excellent films, choosing one is too difficult. If I had known that being a judge would be so difficult, I would have preferred to watch the live stream at home."

Fremo sighed helplessly and looked at Director Pallister.

"I still approve of An's judgment. Till death do us part is so romantic. No French man could resist that kind of love," Pallister said with a smile, making his decision: "I've decided to vote for love."

Zhuang Huai'an gave him a thumbs-up in appreciation. This old guy truly deserves to be Leo's close friend.

"Now there are 3 abstentions and 2 votes for love. We would like to ask the other judges to make their choices." Fremo looked at Helena.

"I abstain." The British aristocrat's answer was concise and to the point. As a member of an old money family, Helena was well-informed and unwilling to get involved in this kind of trouble.

Monica Bellucci chimed in, "I also really like this movie and would give it my vote."

Lucrecia looked left and right, calculating in his mind. There were 4 abstentions and 3 votes in favor. The man behind him, Wong Kar-wai, was Chinese and would definitely choose to agree. So his vote was crucial.

Remembering the instructions from the financier behind the scenes, Lucrecia made his decision: "I vote for love."

"very good,"

Zhuang Huai'an nodded in satisfaction, then took over the process and looked at Wong Kar-wai, "Director Wong, 4 abstentions, 4 votes in favor, what's your choice?"

"Director Zhuang, you have so many people supporting you, you don't need me."

Wang Jiawei tilted his head, making it impossible to see his expression behind his sunglasses. "Since it's a 4-4 tie, I'll choose 'Wind Blows Through Wheat Fields'."

Love is too cliché; I don't like it.

Upon hearing this, everyone stared at him in astonishment.

Zhuang Huai'an's eyes suddenly turned cold. Although according to the judging rules, it was a fact that "Amour" had won the Palme d'Or, this damn thing was really annoying!

Damn it, we have to get him!

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Fremo quickly spoke up:

"This year's judging has come to a successful conclusion. Thank you all for your hard work. That's all for today. I hope you will abide by the confidentiality agreement and not leak any information before the closing ceremony tomorrow."

There are rooms prepared upstairs; please make yourselves at home.

After saying that, Fremo hurriedly left, lest things get complicated and he needed to finalize the conclusion as soon as possible.