"We've already lost several awards. Can we win this one?"
In the online discussion forums, Murphy's fans were worried. After "Diego-Ross" had an initial success, it hit a streak of bad luck, not winning any subsequent awards. Murphy even lost the Best Original Screenplay to "The Artist," shaking the confidence of those who had initially been certain of Oscar fairness.
"This Oscars is still rigged; Murphy is in danger."
To fans, if their favorite didn't win, something was wrong.
"Will they only give 'Diego-Ross' a consolation prize for Best Cinematography? The Academy often does this!"
"Yeah! Just give Murphy a technical award as a consolation, then let him be a runner-up for the rest of the night..."
Murphy's fans were clearly worried that the Academy would treat Murphy and his film the same way as in previous Oscars.
The atmosphere in the forums grew tense, and even Daisy didn't know what to say.
However, like all of Murphy's other fans, she quickly switched back to the Oscars live broadcast page, waiting for Seth Rogen to announce the winner for Best Editing.
In the Dolby Theatre, although Seth Rogen, a member of the Stanton faction, was on stage, few believed that the organizers had invited him to award his faction.
Murphy sat calmly in his seat. Next to him, Gal Gadot was anxious, holding his hand tightly. On his other side, Margot Robbie was equally nervous, gripping Gal Gadot's other hand. Robert Downey Jr. frowned, watching Seth Rogen on stage, as memories of Murphy being an Oscars runner-up flashed through his mind.
The entire "Diego-Ross" team seemed to hold their breath. Having lost several awards earlier, they couldn't help but wonder if the Academy and the Oscars were against them. Were all their efforts in vain?
Further back, Kara Faith, dressed in a sharp suit, tilted her head to look at the stage. She and Murphy had orchestrated many things, especially leveraging the influence of the Catholic Church. Was it still not enough?
No, Kara Faith recalled her interactions with some Academy members. They were extremely displeased with external interference in Hollywood's filmmaking freedom.
"The winner for Best Editing is..." Seth Rogen opened the envelope, glanced at the card, and a broad smile spread across his chubby face as he read the name, "Murphy Stanton—'Diego-Ross'! Congratulations, Murphy!"
"Yes!"
Robert Downey Jr. pumped his fist in the air. Murphy clenched his fist and made a small celebratory gesture. This award was crucial.
The Dolby Theatre fell silent for a moment, as if unable to believe that the man who had been an Oscars runner-up for nearly ten years was finally a winner.
With both Best Cinematography and Best Editing in its pocket, everyone knew what this typically signified.
The "Diego-Ross" team was the first to applaud. Though the clapping initially sounded sparse in the vast Dolby Theatre, it soon grew into a thunderous ovation.
Murphy turned to kiss Gal Gadot, then stood up, shaking hands with his team members as he made his way to the Oscars stage. This wasn't his first Oscar, but it was especially thrilling because this Best Editing award proved that all their efforts weren't in vain. The Academy wasn't making him a perpetual runner-up; he was likely to take one or two major awards later. In the battle for Best Director and Best Picture, he was now ahead of "The Artist."
As Murphy neared the stage, Harvey Weinstein's face turned grim. The developments were entirely different from his expectations, seemingly slipping out of his control.
"Damn it!" He cursed inwardly. "What are those old geezers thinking?"
Despite his inner rage, Weinstein maintained a calm exterior. After all, he had lost at the Oscars before, and it wasn't the end of the world.
Besides, the night wasn't over yet. The final winner was still undecided.
Murphy reached the stage, accepted the Oscar from Seth Rogen, hugged him, then stepped to the microphone.
"Thank you!" Murphy kept his speech short, confident he would be back. "Thank you to the Academy and the Oscars, thanks to Seth for bringing me luck, which he always has, and thanks to my team and everyone in the crew. I love you all! Thank you!"
Finished, Murphy headed off the stage. The brevity of his speech surprised many in the audience, who then burst into applause.
As Murphy and Seth Rogen walked off, chatting, Robert Downey Jr. told the team, "That's not Murphy's prepared speech. He's saving it for when he wins Best Director!"
Laughter erupted from the "Diego-Ross" team, transforming the atmosphere entirely. Almost everyone was smiling, sensing they might be the night's biggest winners.
"Dear, have you prepared your acceptance speech?" Margot Robbie asked Gal Gadot, teasingly. "You're the producer of this film."
The Oscars allow up to two producers to be named for Best Picture. For "Diego-Ross," those names were Gal Gadot and Murphy.
"It's fine. The whole team goes on stage anyway." Gal Gadot, in high spirits, joked back, "You can stand behind me and tell me what to say."
The awards continued. Daisy switched back to the discussion forums, where the previous gloom had vanished, replaced by enthusiastic comments.
"Do we have a good shot at Best Director and Best Picture now?"
"No doubt, Murphy will win them both! 'Diego-Ross' will sweep Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture!"
"Robert Downey Jr. might be a long shot, given his superhero roles. He's practically Tony Stark's real-world avatar."
"Never mind Downey; I'll be satisfied if Murphy gets Best Director!"
"What's Murphy's chance of winning Best Director and Best Picture?"
Seeing this question, Daisy thought for a moment and analyzed, "Based on past Oscars, I'd say over seventy percent!"
"Only seventy percent?"
"Seventy percent is a huge chance!"
Backstage at the Dolby Theatre, Murphy was undergoing the usual round of interviews.
"Do you think you'll win Best Director?" asked an ABC reporter.
"Who knows..." Murphy shrugged, "But tonight is the best shot I've had in years."
The reporter wanted to continue, but Murphy shook his head, indicating the interview was over.
The reporter didn't push, knowing Murphy might be back soon.
Through a door into the hallway leading back to the main hall, Seth Rogen was waiting. Murphy urged, "Let's hurry back; we might miss Best Actor."
Although Robert Downey Jr. wasn't the favorite, his superhero roles might weigh against him. But tonight's events suggested he had a chance.
Having lingered backstage, Murphy returned to the hall as Billy Crystal resumed his banter.
Honestly, the Oscars had too many nostalgic moments tonight. Without Billy Crystal, it might have been even duller.
"What's the status?" Murphy handed the Oscar to Gal Gadot and asked.
Gal Gadot glanced at it and replied, "They just announced Best Actress. Meryl Streep won for 'The Iron Lady.'"
"Got it."
Murphy nodded, observing the celebrations around Harvey Weinstein, who seemed confident of ultimate victory.
He then looked at Robert Downey Jr., who was pursing his lips, clearly awaiting something.
The next award was Best Actor!
Last year's Best Actress, Natalie Portman, had taken the stage.
"Interesting choice of presenter," remarked Robert Downey Jr. suddenly.
Murphy shook his head, "Winning the award is what matters, not the presenter."
"I'm honored to introduce this year's nominees for Best Actor," Natalie Portman said, turning to the screen. "The nominees are: George Clooney—'The Descendants,' Brad Pitt—'Moneyball,' Demián Bichir—'A Better Life,' Jean Dujardin—'The Artist,' Robert Downey Jr.—'Diego-Ross!'"
Harvey Weinstein, bolstered by Meryl Streep's win, believed Jean Dujardin had at least a sixty percent chance. As for Robert Downey Jr., he thought an actor known for superhero roles had a slim chance at an Oscar.
He believed Dujardin's odds were even better than Streep's.
"And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to..." Natalie Portman's gaze swept over the "Diego-Ross" team, spotting Murphy. Without a hint of change in her expression, she opened the envelope, glanced at the card, and announced, "Robert Downey Jr., 'Diego-Ross'!"
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