"To portray every aspect of a character to its fullest, this is the essence of being an actor. Here are the nominees for this year's Oscar for Best Actor." After Natalie, in a purple gown, said this with a radiant smile on stage, the large screen beside her showed the faces of the candidates sequentially with introductions.
Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Capote," David Strathairn in "Good Night, and Good Luck," Adrien Brody in "The Pianist," Terrence Howard in "Hustle & Flow," and Vigo Mortensen in "A History of Violence." As people whispered among themselves, making last-minute speculations, Natalie had already opened the envelope: "The Oscar goes to Adrien Brody!"
Immediately, applause and the music from "The Pianist" resonated, Brody, holding his hands together, seemed somewhat in disbelief but soon stood up to shake hands with friends nearby in celebration, and even embraced Adrian.
"Thank you, Mr. Cowell," he said excitedly.
