NOVEL NEXT Chapter 451 - 451 Happy New Year
Chapter 451: Chapter 451 Happy New Year
“The following are the nominees for Best Director: George Clooney for ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’; Ang Lee for ‘Brokeback Mountain’; Bennett Miller for ‘Capote’; Steven Spielberg for ‘Munich’; Wang Yang for ‘Firefly’. And the Directors Guild Award goes to…”
Under the night sky of Los Angeles, the 58th Directors Guild Awards ceremony was underway at the national headquarters of the Directors Guild of America. The guest seats were fully occupied, with nominated directors, stars, and media reporters all in attendance. The eight television directorial awards had been handed out, and the documentary film award was lifted by Werner Herzog for ‘Grizzly Man’. Now, it was time for the ultimate prize, Best Director for a motion picture, and the entire venue was silently watching the stage.
The presenters Amy Rosen and Zhang Ziyi, likely considering the two hot contenders Wang Yang and Ang Lee, looked at the winning name on the envelope. Amy felt a sudden rush of disappointment inside but still laughed and read out with Zhang Ziyi, “Ang Lee for ‘Brokeback Mountain’.”
“Wow!” “Hoo-hoo—” There was a thunderous applause and cheering throughout the venue. Even Wang Yang and his wife, who had returned from San Diego to attend the ceremony, were smiling and clapping. However, if there had been a high-speed camera to record a super-slow-motion replay, one could see the first expression on Jessica’s pretty face was one of frantic grimacing…
What a mistake! Regardless, as the Directors Guild Awards ceremony drew to a close among rounds of applause, the media began scrambling to report the news. It goes without saying that Yang’s fans were very disappointed since with another DGA win, adding to victories at the LAFCA, ASA, BFCA, GGA, this year’s Oscar for Best Director seemed almost a sure thing. But now that DGA belonged to Ang Lee, the fog of doubt had risen and thickened once more.
There had only been six instances where the winner of the DGA did not go on to win the Oscar. The most recent was in 2003: “DGA: Rob Marshall for ‘Chicago’; Oscar: Wang Yang for ‘District 9’.” And before that, in 2001: “DGA: Ang Lee for ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’; Oscar: Steven Soderbergh for ‘Traffic’.”
Both were X-factors, one an upset, one upset. Would this year see the seventh dissimilarity between the DGA and the Oscars? Much of that depended on how many votes Wang Yang lost to Ang Lee by at the DGA. It’s worth noting that nearly forty percent of the voting jury for the Oscar for Best Director is from the Directors Guild. If Wang Yang was defeated by a large margin, his chances would be slim; conversely, if the vote tally was close, an upset was always possible. The problem was, aside from the accounting firm, no one knew the specifics.
Now the betting companies were scratching their heads, “Me, Myself & Irene”, trying to figure out how to set the odds for the upcoming Oscars. ‘Firefly’ had also lost to ‘Brokeback Mountain’ at the 17th Producer Guild Awards, announced on January 22. Diana Ossana and James Schamus lifted the award for Best Picture again; ‘Kung Fu Panda’ continued to lose to ‘Super Invincible Leader Dog: The Curse of the Rabbithumans’. That day, Wang Yang, who was in Park City, didn’t attend.
Having lost the GGA for Best Picture, PGA for Best Picture, and DGA for Best Director, ‘Firefly’s prospects at the Oscars could not be considered optimistic. Another highly anticipated award, the 12th Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) ceremony, was set to take place tomorrow evening on the 29th.
The week of January 20-26 came to an end, with the newly released ‘Underworld: Evolution’ topping the box office with $33.2 million its opening weekend, although its Rotten Tomatoes freshness score was only 16%/6%, with an audience approval of 77%. While the production and distribution company, Screen Gems, did not reveal the sequel’s budget, considering the original ‘Underworld’s $22 million production cost, it’s likely Screen Gems has reason to be pleased. Nevertheless, it seemed the audience wasn’t particularly buying into werewolves and vampires, and one wondered if ‘Twilight’ would perform “normally” against flame films that easily rake in one or two hundred million at the box office.
Film fans were quite concerned about this, but at the present, ‘Firefly’s excellent performance continued to expand. ‘Brokeback Mountain’ was rolled out across the US to 1,251 theaters (+500) this week, taking in $10.77 million to rank third, bringing its total box office to $51 million.
In its fifth week, ‘500 Days of Summer’ took in $6.81 million (-45%), with a North American total of $226.8 million. It had already had a full release in foreign markets, particularly in Asia where it was a box office hit. As a holiday film, it sparked a hipster frenzy in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Despite the film’s unconventional narrative style, the charm it exuded was warmly embraced by the media and the public, as was the theme of post-breakup healing. The name “Summer” became a hot topic on the Chinese internet, ranking among one of the most searched terms.
“Why did they miss each other? I think their problem stems from having different starting points. Tom approached his relationship with Summer from a laissez-faire, step-by-step attitude; whereas Summer, with many failed relationships in her past, didn’t want to go through it all again. Isn’t it said that a woman dreams of wearing a wedding dress? In fact, Summer did hint at Tom to propose to her, but he didn’t get it… He missed every opportunity, and the woman became someone else’s. I remember someone said that when he first saw his future wife, he declared she would be his wife, while others might just feel ‘I like her’ upon seeing a woman. There’s a difference. Affairs of the heart, especially understanding a woman’s mind, are indeed complicated, but the film was really great,” said Amélie.
“‘500 Days of Summer’ could well have been called ‘She Just Wasn’t That Into You’. Loving someone deeper or loving someone far better than oneself is painful. You are afraid of losing her, but she isn’t worried about losing you…” Magic Cinderella wrote a long film review.
“The hesitation to commit comes from uncertainty; even Xia Li herself was surprised by getting married because she hadn’t met the right person before. Once certain, everything becomes so natural. Fate isn’t just what one person thinks; it’s about the mutual certainty between two people. That’s what we’ve acknowledged in each other,” Bing Er said; there must be a tea enthusiast who said: “A movie worth savoring is like drinking Pu-erh tea, it has the aroma of years, the smoothness upon entry, the lingering taste that’s a bit astringent and slightly sour, with no sweet aftertaste.” Sauce Someone must be a young girl: “What’s on Magic Yang’s mind? The male lead is too effeminate… The male lead is a bit sleazy… I really can’t grow to love this face… Once a creep from our class grabbed my hand~~!! It was just like this!! This face!! Omg~~!!”
“It’s hard to describe the complex emotions I felt after watching this movie. I just broke up with her, and I don’t know if this is an ointment that will soothe my wounds or a poison that will make me struggle more. Either way, I still agree with how I felt at that time; everyone will encounter the good and the bad, the joyful and the painful. Everything that’s meant to come will come when the time is right. Nobody knows a damn thing, so just let it pass quickly,” Live Once said…
Everyone has their own Hamlet, Sam, and set of views, but what can be certain is that “500 Days” received high praise and its overseas box office has already broken one hundred million. Nearly effortlessly, the global box office has broken through 300 million US Dollars. Since 1998, all ten movies directed by Wang Yang have grossed over 300 million at the box office each.
The 58th DGA Award announcement day fell on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The night was thick, and outside the grand gates of Wang Yang’s home hung two huge red lanterns. There was also a pair of poorly handwritten spring couplets: “Wishing the baby health and happiness, the whole family fulfillment and joy” with the horizontal script: “Excel and Stand Out.” It overflowed with a festive and joyous atmosphere.
However, having returned from the award ceremony a while ago, Jessica was still fussing and talking nonstop. If she had known, she wouldn’t have come back to attend; DGA really messed up a perfectly good New Year’s Eve! Twice! Twice she got the Golden Globe but couldn’t get the guild award, ah, ah, ah, it’s maddening!…
“Jessie, I need your opinion on something,” Wang Yang said seriously, propping his head sideways and looking at her in the dimly lit and spacious bedroom, “You know about the filming location issue for ‘I Am Legend.'” Jessica also turned to nestle into his arms and replied with a YEP. Wang Yang, holding her with his right hand, asked, “Where do you think we should film? San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York?” Jessica thought silently for a moment, slightly puzzled, “Why are you asking me? I don’t know much about producing, but… I feel, New York is more spacious than California.”
“It’s not about producing, it’s about our lives,” Wang Yang said gently caressing her hair and back, further explaining the impact of the filming location. The preparations and filming would mean a long period of residency. Before, such things didn’t seem to matter; Salt Lake City, Vancouver, wherever it was. But after having a child, a lot of things have changed. Finally, he said, “Sweetheart, your opinion is very important. You decide.”
Jessica nodded, indulging in his tender touches, feeling comfortable as her neck tickled. While watching his eyes, she smiled and asked, “I have a few questions. Which location is better for the film?”
Wang Yang pondered with wide eyes, “California and New York both have their charms, they give off different vibes. California would be gentler, New York more oppressive, the audience would feel more anxious… Not to say which is better, but New York would be more fitting.” Jessica immediately asked another question, “Where do you most want to shoot? I mean, just consider the film itself, don’t think about life, me, or Keke.” After a moment of silence, Wang Yang held her face in his hands, “You and Keke are more important than the film, more than anything. Family comes first. I’m not the type of person that chases after art and career, sacrificing everything else, you get me?”
“I’m not either,” Jessica suddenly laughed out. Her beautiful eyes rolled upwards as she continued the playful inquiry, “Last question, can’t we live in New York? And can you still handle the other work?” Wang Yang had thought about these questions long before, “Actually, we can manage. It’ll just mean more flying.” He also laughed, “Without a doubt, I like California’s lifestyle, but New York is no primitive jungle.”
“So let’s make it a primitive jungle!” Jessica kissed him, then said sincerely, “Dear, you should know I’ve been moving around since I was little. After becoming an actress and over the years, going to different places has become too simple for me; I’m like a migrating bird! I’m a housewife now. Where can’t I live? As long as I’m with you and Keke, with our family, even if you said we had to live on Mars for half a year to a year, I wouldn’t mind.” She laughed, then continued, “Yang, don’t forget what has given us all this. Don’t forget your pursuits, movies. My opinion is, wherever’s better for it, let’s go there!”
“OK, I think I’ve got an idea now…” Wang Yang nodded with a smile, his heart racing at her mature and virtuous demeanor. With a “smack,” he playfully slapped her upturned buttock, laughing, “Happy New Year, Big Bird!” Jessica pinched his cheek, smiling back, “Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year.” “Happy New Year.” “Happy New Year.” They repeated, their gazes growing more fervent, hearing each other’s hearts beating rapidly. Wang Yang said in a low voice, “Do you know what I want to do most right now?” Jessica seductively bit her lip, “What?” He suddenly pulled her close, laying her down and climbing atop her, his hands exploring her graceful figure, “Our spring couplet.” A lightly panting Jessica couldn’t help but laugh, “I’ll take it down tomorrow.” Surprised, Wang Yang asked, “Why? Isn’t SEX part of happiness?”
“You know what we’re talking about.” “I know what we’re doing!” … “Do you like it?” “Wow! That really is the best New Year’s gift, YEAH—just like that!” … “It’s my turn now.” “Oh, oh, oh—oh!” …
As the sky gradually lightened, the sun rose into the heavens, and the morning of the first day of the New Year arrived! But in Los Angeles, private fireworks were strictly forbidden, only certain sanctioned areas in Chinatown could set off firecrackers for celebration. The traditional Golden Dragon Parade had to wait until the seventh day of the New Year to take place, and the firecracker race wasn’t until February 12th. The atmosphere and activities fell short compared to San Francisco’s Chinatown and certainly couldn’t match Wuhan’s Plum Blossom Festival. However, this New Year’s Day, the Wang family was destined to spend in Los Angeles, and as long as the New Year spirit was strong at home, that was all that mattered.
In the spacious kitchen, Danny, clad in a red outfit adorned with the character “福” for fortune, was conspicuously enjoying his breakfast, now enhanced by some ham and eggs. He wasn’t sure what brought on this feast, but he was happy to eat first and ask questions later.
Wang Yang and Jessica had a sacred tradition to uphold – to give Keke her New Year’s money. Every child in an ordinary family looks forward to this once-a-year big event! Wang Yang had always looked forward to it since he was a child, especially during the years of bountiful harvests, which made the holiday all the more memorable. Thus, the more festivals, the better.
“How much did you seal?” By the living room sofa, Wang Yang shook a red envelope inscribed with “Happy New Year” and decorated with boys and girls greeting each other respectfully. Jessica also shook a matching red envelope, “And you?” Wang Yang glanced at the envelope with a shrug; inside was just a single 100 US Dollar bill. He didn’t want Keke to grow up too spoiled, so strictly controlling her finances was necessary. Giving her whatever she wanted would not make her a good child who appreciates value and could deprive her of many joys of childhood. He chuckled, “Not too much.”
Jessica also took a look at the envelope, arching her brows, “Me neither, not too much.” Wang Yang looked skeptical and reached out to grab it, “The envelope looks pretty plump, a thousand dollars?” Jessica lifted the envelope and sidestepped, “Just one, but I wrote some wishes for HOPE.” Wang Yang didn’t try to grab it again but smiled, “Wow, romantic. Jess, I have to remind you of an old saying, ‘Too much love from a mother can ruin her child,’ meaning you can’t indulge children too much.” Jessica burst into laughter upon hearing this, “Does it look like it? Yang, who was spoiled by his parents growing up? An Asian with a ‘B’? If you were my dad, he would have taken away your Super 8 long ago.”
“Shh! Don’t talk about this in front of the child.” Wang Yang quickly hushed, as Keke, lying on the couch with big eyes, was amusing herself by gnawing on her fist, “Huh?” Wang Yang let out a breath of relief and said seriously, “It’s because they didn’t spoil you that I’m afraid you might give Keke too much.” Jessica rolled her eyes, “Please, I know children!” Then she laughed again, “Haha, it seems we have clear sides now, you’re the bad cop.” Wang Yang voiced his denial helplessly, “OK… I’m not!”
“Sweetie, happy New Year, daddy wishes you grow up healthy and joyful.” After the friendly argument, they began the tradition! Wang Yang squatted down and placed the red envelope in Keke’s little hand, which had already learned to grasp objects, and kissed her chubby cheek; then, Jessica did the same, squatting down with a genuinely amused and sincere smile, kissing her daughter’s cheek, “Sweetheart, happy New Year, mommy wishes you grow up healthy and joyful.” Keke, wearing a red top with the “福” symbol and a diaper, curiously grabbed the two envelopes and tried to stuff them in her mouth, “Oh-ah.”
“Wait! That doesn’t taste good.” Wang Yang called out, taking the red envelopes from his daughter’s hands and placing them on her belly instead. Jessica, however, glared at him, “See, who’s spoiling her?” Wang Yang gasped and defended himself, “I don’t think now is the time to let her think everything is food.”
Jessica returned the red envelopes to Keke’s hands, scoffing, “Then when? Babies learn about the world this way; you can’t mess that up…” and she took the opportunity to lecture him at length. Wang Yang listened without protest, until after a while, he suggested, “Maybe we can stand up and continue this conversation…”
Listening to the two affectionate voices, Keke held the red envelopes to her mouth and struggled to suck on them. When her grip loosened, and the envelopes fell onto the couch next to her, a satisfied Jessica picked them up and stored them in a prepared exquisite mahogany box, to be opened by Keke herself when she grew up – a collection of New Year’s red envelopes marking her milestones.
Soon, the box was filled with more envelopes from grandparents and others, but only after they had been rubbed and touched by Wang Yang could they be stored. Joshua had also given a thin one; it wasn’t that he was stingy with his niece, but he was currently striving for a production plan and uncertain about the co-financing because he had yet to secure a script, though it was a breakthrough that he had decided to make a horror movie!
Horror movies were a camp of low costs and high box office returns, and compared to those independent films seeking deep meanings, the scripts for horror films that merely aimed to frighten were easier to judge, making them particularly suitable for a novice like him. He also believed that he had a certain talent and a keen sense for horror. The next critical step was to find a good script or a writer to draft one, and then work on the budget and seek investors.
Despite the absence of the Golden Dragon Parade, Wang Yang and Jessica still took Keke to the brightly decorated New Chinatown to join the festive crowd. They were initially supposed to enjoy the beautiful evening scenes, but they had to dress up in formal attire to attend the 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Xuelan Exhibition Center.
“And now, the nominees for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, ‘Arrested Development,’ ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ ‘Desperate Housewives,’ ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ ‘My Name Is Earl,’ ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ And the Actor goes to… ‘Desperate Housewives’!”
The ceremony hall, filled to capacity and being broadcast live by TNT and TBS, resonated with applause and cheers. The guests applauded with both hands; Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, and others joyfully stood to embrace and celebrate. The camera panned over to Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, and others who were also clapping and laughing. Sitting in the front row, Wang Yang appeared equally untroubled and chatted happily with Jessica beside him. He kept getting screen time throughout the evening. However, to TNT’s and TBS’s disappointment, the organizers hadn’t managed to get Magic Yang to present an award.
Directors were not the stars of the evening; it was the actors’ night. After receiving their awards and offering thanks, the winning Desperate Housewives paid a special New Year’s tribute, the stunning women shouting, “Happy Spring Festival!”
The Best Actor in a Comedy Series went to Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), and the Best Actress to Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”); the Best Actor in a Drama Series was Kiefer Sutherland (“24”), and the Best Actress Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy”); the Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie to Paul Newman (“Empire Falls”), and the Best Actress to S. Epatha Merkerson (“Lackawanna Blues”).
“Lost” took home the award for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Shirley Temple. In the film awards section, Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) took home the trophy for Best Leading Actor and Reese Witherspoon (“Walk the Line”) took home the Best Leading Actress award. The two, having won the GGA and now the SGA, had nearly secured their spots as this year’s Oscar winners for Best Actor and Best Actress; Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz (“The Constant Gardener”).
“Firefly” had been nominated for Best Supporting Actor but missed out. Yet the ultimate prize for Best Film Performance had not been announced!
“Nominated for Best Cast in a Movie are ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ ‘Capote,’ ‘Firefly,’ ‘Good Night, and Good Luck,’ and ‘The Constant Gardener.’ And the recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Award is…”
Jessica nervously clenched Wang Yang’s hand, wanting to go onstage and thank the director in front of the whole world, to tell him she loved him, to tell Keke she loved her! Oh god! She had almost forgotten her speech, god, could it be “Firefly”? Oh god, oh god, oh god! Wang Yang was also heart pounding, breath holding, much more nervous than when the Directors Guild Award was announced, his hair almost tingling, silently chanting, “Firefly, Firefly”. This evening was hers, and he so wanted to see her elated and excited! That would be one of the most beautiful moments.
Everyone in the audience stared at Hilary Swank on stage as she opened the envelope and looked down; Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Jake Gyllenhaal, George Clooney, David Strathairn, Robert Downey Jr., Ellen Page, Terrence Howard… all of them, and every TV viewer, felt a flash of tension before hearing Swank announce, “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
“Wow!” “Woohoo—” The sound of thunderous applause and cheers filled the Sheraton Exhibition Center! Although Wang Yang was smiling and clapping, it was a forced smile, and his heart was in pain, filled with an urge to curse. FUCK! How could it be “Good Night, and Good Luck”? Jessica’s performance had been so great, whether in drama or action, everyone was so great, even including himself. FUCK! There was so much chemistry, so lively, so classic; Mal, Jayne, Wash, Zoe, Kaylee, River, Simon, blue glove agents, Reaver leader, whirlwind… FUCK!
He glanced at Jessica next to him, who was clapping with a smile, but her eyes seemed a bit dazed, the corners of her mouth almost imperceptibly trembling. He whispered words of comfort, “Jessie, Jessie, it’s okay…” Jessica nodded, maintaining a rigid smile, “Yes, I know, it’s nothing.”
“Thank you, thank you!” Watching George Clooney and others happily going up to receive their award on the screen, countless spectators in front of their TVs were cursing, having been fooled by the promotions again for the sake of “Firefly” only for this outcome! Where were the performances in those movies better than “Firefly”? Many sci-fi cowboys had already picked up the remote to change the channel or simply turned off the TV and walked away—not interested in Clooney and the others’ acceptance speeches.
The 12th SAG Awards came to a close, with the Flame Group taking home three television trophies, “Desperate Housewives” also being the only winner of multiple awards this season; however, FF left empty-handed. Another phase of the awards season had ended, and now everyone was waiting for the Oscar nominations to be announced on January 31st.
In the dimly lit bedroom, all was quiet. After getting back home, Jessica finally didn’t have to hide her low spirits. She was silent the whole time, lying in bed without much conversation, and soon after saying she was tired and wanting to sleep, she lay motionless, turned away from him. Wang Yang couldn’t fall asleep for a while, lying with his eyes wide open staring at the ceiling, reminiscing scenes from the filming of “Firefly”; her efforts, her collapse from illness, everyone’s efforts, the acting showdown on set, her smiles… why wasn’t the SAG award theirs?
“HEY, sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Wang Yang suddenly heard Jessica’s melancholy sigh and it pained him; he turned her body towards him and saw her furrowed brows and slightly moist eyes. As soon as their eyes met, her tears started to flow as she choked out, “It’s nothing, just a little disappointed.” Wang Yang held her tight, kissing her cheeks and consoling with praise, “Everyone knows how great the cast of ‘Firefly’ was, knows how great your performance was! Don’t let any award deny you, it doesn’t have the power to, understand?” Jessica nodded fervently, “I understand, I understand… I wanted to thank you, I wanted to tell you… sob, Yang, sob…” She couldn’t hold back a few cries.
“Only for a moment, now it’s the New Year, even if it wasn’t, we should always be happy.” Wang Yang gently wiped her tears and kissed her lips, “What did you want to tell me? Tell me now.” Jessica, crying through a smile, tilted her lips upward, looked at him with a quivering soft voice, “I wanted to tell you, I love you.” Wang Yang touched her nose, “I’ve known for a long time, I love you too.” Just when they were about to kiss passionately, a baby’s cries of “Wahh, wahh—” came from the baby monitor on the nightstand.
“Look at you, you made Keke cry too.” Wang Yang began to laugh, and Jessica smiled brightly, “I think it’s because we didn’t tell her we love her.” Wang Yang said, “Maybe, maybe that’s it…” He suddenly broke into loud sobs, “Wahh, wahh— this is how we celebrate the New Year!” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote, and your support is my greatest motivation.)