"The first award is here. I remember 'Diego Ross' is also nominated, right?"
In the online discussion forums, Daisy was already fully focused on the Oscar ceremony. As soon as she asked the question, many responded.
"Yes, Murphy's dedicated cinematographer, Philippe Rousselot, is nominated!"
"Do you think Philippe Rousselot can give Murphy a winning start?"
"He definitely can. Think about the nominated films. Which one can surpass 'Diego Ross' in cinematography? That black-and-white cinematography in 'The Artist' is outdated!"
Clearly, these fans were influenced by the media hype. The long take in "Diego Ross" had been praised by many.
Reflecting on the nominees for this category, Daisy nodded slightly. The other nominated films didn't measure up to "Diego Ross." If this award didn't go to Murphy's team, the Oscar voters must be blind!
However, she wasn't a novice anymore. She knew that the Oscars could be heavily influenced by PR, and Harvey Weinstein was known as an Oscar PR expert. Many media outlets had reported this recently.
"It's just a technical award. It wouldn't matter if they lost, right?"
Some in the forum were indifferent, considering it was just Best Cinematography.
Daisy thought for a moment and analyzed, "Don't underestimate Best Cinematography. Among the technical awards, it's as significant as Best Editing. A film losing both has little chance of winning Best Director or Best Picture. Conversely, winning both boosts the chances of taking Best Director and Best Picture to at least 80%!"
"So, it's very important!"
"I'll switch back to watch the awards!"
Everyone left the page to watch Tom Hanks.
Inside the Dolby Theatre, after the usual preamble, Tom Hanks synchronized with the images on the big screen, announcing, "The nominees for Best Cinematography are: Guillaume Schiffman for 'The Artist,' Jeff Cronenweth for 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' Robert Richardson for 'Hugo,' Philippe Rousselot for 'Diego Ross,' and Emmanuel Lubezki for 'The Tree of Life.'"
Tom Hanks looked down to open the envelope. There was a tense atmosphere around Murphy's group. They knew they had invested all their resources in this Oscar campaign. This crucial technical award could serve as a barometer for the night.
Whether the Oscar voters had been swayed by the negative publicity about Murphy and "Diego Ross" would be evident from this award.
A successful start often heralds a good outcome!
Not only was Murphy's group thinking this way, but so was "The Artist's" team.
Harvey Weinstein sat confidently, watching Tom Hanks pull out the card. He was certain the next name would be "The Artist" and Guillaume Schiffman.
He glanced at the "Diego Ross" group, including Murphy Stanton and Robert Downey Jr. They seemed visibly tense.
"Hmph..." Harvey Weinstein shook his head, "A bunch of Oscar rookies!"
Other than technical awards, what major Oscars had Murphy Stanton and his team won? How could they compete with Weinstein Company?
Bob Weinstein seemed worried and looked over. Harvey reassured him, "It's fine, don't worry."
Tom Hanks glanced at the card, then said, "And the Oscar for Best Cinematography goes to..."
The Dolby Theatre fell silent. The Academy knew the importance of this award to a film.
"Philippe Rousselot for 'Diego Ross!'"
"Yes!"
Robert Downey Jr. was the first to applaud and stand. Murphy also stood, clapping and turning to his cinematographer. Philippe Rousselot was visibly excited. For a Hollywood cinematographer, this was the highest honor. He took a deep breath, composed himself, hugged his team members, and finally reached Murphy.
Murphy embraced Philippe Rousselot, patting his back, "Congratulations, Philippe! You did an amazing job!"
"Thank you, Murphy!" Philippe reciprocated the pats, "Joining your team was the best decision of my life!"
"Go up there!"
Robert Downey Jr. urged. Philippe Rousselot adjusted his suit and walked towards the stage, with "Diego Ross's" score playing for the first time in the Dolby Theatre.
"What..." Harvey Weinstein watched Philippe Rousselot take the stage and accept the award from Tom Hanks. A shadow crossed his face, "What happened?"
Such a critical technical award had been snatched by Murphy Stanton.
Harvey Weinstein felt uneasy but reassured himself. This was the Oscars; no one could guarantee a 100% win. It was just Best Cinematography.
On stage, Philippe Rousselot approached the microphone.
"Thank you, Academy. Thank you, everyone. I'm truly overwhelmed! I can't believe you put Best Cinematography first. What a high start!"
After a joke, Philippe Rousselot took a dramatic breath and continued, "I love filmmaking. I have an incredible team—David Robey, Helena Espora, Gal Gadot, Paul Wilson. Thank you all for your help! And I must thank my parents and my fiancée."
He added, "I especially thank Murphy. Back then, I was an unknown cinematographer, merely an assistant. Murphy trusted me, and now I have this."
He lifted the Oscar statuette as the closing music began, "Thank you!"
Philippe Rousselot, led by the host, exited with Tom Hanks.
Murphy's team applauded vigorously, and the entire theatre joined in.
"Looks like we have a good chance."
Robert Downey Jr. whispered to Murphy, who nodded, "Let's see how many statuettes we take home tonight!"
"Harvey Weinstein is watching you," Gal Gadot warned.
Murphy shrugged, "Ignore him."
The result couldn't be changed now. Even if Harvey Weinstein's gaze was piercing, Murphy wasn't afraid.
Harvey Weinstein quickly composed himself. It was just a technical award. The Academy might throw some consolation prizes Murphy's way. As long as he didn't win Best Picture or Best Director, Harvey would still prevail.
"Murphy won!"
The internet discussion forums were abuzz. Core groups of Murphy's diehard fans, like Daisy's discussion group, celebrated in the forums.
"Best Cinematography! What a great start!"
"We'll keep winning awards!"
"Will 'Diego Ross' sweep the Oscars?"
"Definitely. I think Murphy's team will take home at least five Oscars!"
Amidst the excitement, a dampening comment appeared.
"Just beginner's luck. Murphy Stanton will soon be crying!"
The ID "I Am A Catholic Believer" taunted, "I'll be in Beverly Hills throwing eggs at Murphy Stanton!"
Daisy immediately flared up, "It's you again! Don't think I won't recognize you with a different ID!"
"So what if it's me?" The ID retorted, "Wait and see. Our archbishop has reported to the Vatican. When the Pope speaks, your Murphy Stanton will have to tuck his tail between his legs!"
"Ban him!"
"Kick him out!"
Amidst the barrage of comments, "I Am A Catholic Believer" disappeared from the forum.
But Daisy's anger didn't subside. She felt her restless heart almost beyond control.
"I will find you and deal with you properly!"
Daisy vowed, determined not to let this person off.
In the Dolby Theatre, Billy Crystal returned to the stage, continuing his witty banter.
"Over the past year, many celebrities have taken to movies."
Pointing to the big screen showing a woman's photo, he said, "Like Hillary Clinton, who wants to run for President. She reportedly loves 'Kill Bill,' maybe because it helps her fulfill her wish to 'kill Bill'?"
After the joke, Billy Crystal smoothly introduced the next segment, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome James Franco to present Best Supporting Actress!"
"Could Maggie win?" Gal Gadot was curious.
Murphy was equally curious. Margot Robbie wasn't officially part of Murphy's circle but was often associated with them. Media had started to lump her in with Murphy's crew.
Having James Franco present Best Supporting Actress might hint at the Academy's intentions. After all, the Academy knew how to use intrigue to attract viewers.
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