Each year after the Oscar nominations are announced, the most captivating topic is who will be the final winners. The media, prediction agencies, and numerous fans each have their favorites, eagerly awaiting the moment the envelopes are opened.
If the audience is interested enough, they can even participate in online predictions and sweepstakes on the Oscar website. With a bit of luck and if their predictions match the winners, they could win a 50-inch LCD TV provided by Sony.
Days ago, the giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the newly renamed Dolby Theatre (formerly the Hollywood and Highland Center) was already set up. Once this majestic "Mr. Oscar" was in place, the construction of the red carpet area commenced, particularly the 600-foot-long red carpet, a key venue for stars to showcase their glamour.
A giant tent covering an area of around 500 square feet was erected at the starting point of the red carpet. Stars and guests arriving for the ceremony would pause there briefly before walking the red carpet into the Dolby Theatre. A vast media area for photographers was set up alongside, and given that February is Los Angeles' rainy season, the organizers had prudently designed canopies for all viewing stands and media areas.
As noon passed, helicopters began circling overhead in Hollywood, and streets were cordoned off. Security measures at the Kodak Theatre, the venue for the Oscars, were as stringent as ever, employing both technology and manpower to their fullest extent.
To ensure order, every corner was monitored by surveillance cameras and metal detectors, each manned by a police officer. Even fans sitting in the open-air stands watching the stars walk the red carpet were under close surveillance.
Before the Oscars, the most notable change was the renaming of the Kodak Theatre to the Dolby Theatre. After years of struggle, the world's largest film manufacturer could no longer withstand the onslaught of digital technology and filed for bankruptcy. Due to its bankruptcy, Kodak applied to the court to terminate its naming rights contract with CIM.
Despite rumors that a company from across the Pacific would take over the naming rights, CIM ultimately chose Dolby Laboratories as its new partner.
Dolby Laboratories signed a 20-year naming rights contract with CIM, ensuring that the Oscars would be held at the Dolby Theatre until at least 2033. Consequently, the Hollywood and Highland Center was officially renamed the Dolby Theatre before this year's Oscars.
"What do you think is the biggest contender for this year's Oscars?"
Compared to traditional TV viewers, young people like Daisy prefer watching programs online, where they can freely express their opinions while watching. Early in the afternoon, she had already sat down at her computer and entered ABC's online Oscar live broadcast section, where two guests were discussing who would be the night's biggest winners.
Internet broadcasts offer greater freedom and don't require the formality of TV broadcasts, allowing guests to speak more freely.
Daisy sat at her computer, listening to the webcast hosts and a guest chatter away.
After the host asked the seemingly unimportant question, the guest, Morgan Witwich, immediately responded, "I think the hottest or most hopeful film is 'The Artist'!"
The host followed up, "Why 'The Artist'?"
"It's simple..." The guest took on the demeanor of an Oscar expert, "At the biggest predictor awards before the Oscars, the Golden Globes, 'The Artist' was the biggest winner, taking Best Actor in a Drama, Best Director, and Best Drama. According to tradition, the chances of this film winning..."
Hearing this, Daisy almost spit out the water she was drinking. As the leader of a sizable discussion group on IMDb, she knew a bit about the Oscars. Though not as much as the self-proclaimed expert on the broadcast, she knew that the Golden Globes had little to do with the Oscars. Moreover, in the recently announced guild awards, "The Artist" had only performed moderately compared to "Diego Ross," which had a stronger showing.
As the two continued their discussion, Daisy switched windows to the Murphy fan club's discussion forum, where the conversation was lively.
"Will Murphy win his first Best Director Oscar?"
This was the focal point of the discussion.
"He definitely will. Otherwise, there's no fairness in the Oscars!"
"It's time to end the Oscar snub!"
"If he doesn't win this time, we'll stage a sit-in protest at the Beverly Hills Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences!"
Some were also providing rational analysis, "Murphy's nominated film 'Diego Ross' has ten Oscar nominations, just like the frontrunner 'The Artist.' Even if they split the awards, Murphy should get some."
Another pointed out, "Murphy is the most popular director among the nominees!"
Although most forum members were optimistic about Murphy's chances, some remained level-headed.
"That has no bearing on Oscar wins. The Academy's old guys don't care if a director or film is popular..."
This statement quieted the forum for a moment. Anyone with some knowledge of Hollywood knew this was true.
"Murphy Stanton will not win!"
Suddenly, this sentence appeared in the discussion forum, standing out among the Murphy fans and immediately catching Daisy's attention. She scrolled through the comments and was enraged by the user's ID.
"Catholic Believer!"
That was the name of the user.
The person wasn't done yet, adding, "I tell you, the Catholic Church has mobilized all its forces in Hollywood to stop Murphy Stanton from winning!"
Daisy didn't think twice and typed back, "Stop spewing nonsense!"
"Dammit, a Catholic troll. Let's mess him up!"
"Let me trace his IP and find his address. Let's go get him!"
The friction between the Catholic Church and Murphy had clearly influenced his fans.
"Murphy Stanton will definitely not win! Do you think our church has no influence in Hollywood? Don't be naive!"
Seeing the response, Daisy's eyes widened with rage. Those bastards attacking Murphy and his films deserved to die!
"If you dare, come find me!" The person taunted, "I threw eggs at Murphy Stanton at the Santa Monica mall. Next time, it'll be rocks!"
"It was you!" Daisy typed furiously, "You asshole! How dare you brag here? If I punched you once, I'll punch you again!"
The person remained defiant, "You think I'm scared? I curse Murphy Stanton to be an Oscar runner-up forever!"
"Bang!"
Daisy slammed her fist on the desk. If that guy were in front of her, she'd use the harshest punishment to torture him all day before letting him die!
"I swear! If I catch you, you're dead!" she gritted out.
The forum moderators intervened, kicking the person out and banning him from rejoining.
But Daisy's anger hadn't subsided. She deeply regretted not being harsher back then, feeling she should have pressed his face into the sand until he suffocated.
"Murphy is on the red carpet!"
Seeing the latest highlighted message in the forum, Daisy composed herself and returned to the live broadcast. Murphy and Gal Gadot were already walking the red carpet, surrounded by flashing cameras.
In front of the Dolby Theatre, Murphy escorted Gal Gadot down the red carpet. Except for occasionally waving to fans calling his name, he didn't dawdle like others but walked at a normal pace. By the time they reached the media area, they nearly caught up with Anne Hathaway, who looked a bit awkward.
Murphy ignored Anne Hathaway, walking straight past her with Gal Gadot and not pausing for the photographers' requests, heading directly towards the Dolby Theatre entrance.
"Isn't that a bit impolite?" Gal Gadot glanced back.
Seemingly, the more unattainable, the better. Most cameras had turned away from Anne Hathaway and were now focused on her and Murphy.
Murphy smiled, "Dear, that's because you look stunning tonight."
Gal Gadot, in a white custom Versace one-shoulder gown, paired with vintage hair and red lips, epitomized elegance and glamour.
"Oh, you..." Gal Gadot shook her head.
But she knew Anne Hathaway was moving too slowly, almost shuffling down the red carpet. Once in the media area, she seemed reluctant to leave. How were they supposed to proceed? They couldn't wait there indefinitely.
Gal Gadot glanced back again. For stars, the Oscars were a grand party, filled with memorable moments—some playful, some humorous, some touching, and some ambiguous.
This year, many stars walked the red carpet with family, making it a family affair.
Brad Pitt, nominated for Best Actor for "Moneyball," arrived with partner Angelina Jolie and his parents.
Melissa McCarthy, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "Bridesmaids," was attending the Oscars for the first time as both a nominee and a presenter, accompanied by her husband, parents, and sister...
In the interview area in front of the Dolby Theatre, a large man suddenly appeared in front of Murphy and Gal Gadot.
"Hello, Harvey," Murphy greeted warmly, walking over.
Seeing Murphy and Harvey Weinstein, the surrounding accredited reporters immediately gathered around.
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