Maggie Gyllenhaal, an actress, is known for her roles in films such as Crazy Heart, The Dark Knight, The Deuce, and many more, including the Charlie Kaufman-written film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.
Peter Sarsgaard, also an actor, is recognized for his work in Blue Jasmine, Jackie, An Education, Orphan, among others. He has been a consistent figure in independent films, receiving critical acclaim throughout his career.
In Hollywood, with its over 400,000 actors, there is always a group of talented performers who, despite their skills, have never won major awards—perhaps because awards require a bit of luck and timing. Maggie and Peter are two such actors.
In his past life, Anson remembered that the two actors were very low-key. After dating for many years, they got married in 2009. By the time of the timeline Anson was familiar with, they still had a happy and stable marriage. They had been together for over 20 years, which is quite remarkable in Hollywood, where the divorce rate is unusually high.
However, because they were so private, Anson never knew much about their relationship and wasn't sure exactly when they had started dating.
Now, Anson wasn't entirely sure if he was "spoiling" something that was supposed to happen, just like in Back to the Future.
The only evidence was that when Maggie approached Anson to say hello, he felt a sharp gaze. At first, he didn't pay much attention since there were so many intense and heated stares around him. One more wouldn't make a difference; it was easy to overlook in the crowd.
However, that gaze persisted, and when the tango ended, it reached its peak. The heat of the stare was so intense it felt like it could scorch Anson's skin.
Following the direction of the stare, Anson saw Peter, trying to act calm but clearly anxious, continuously downing champagne without realizing it. His eyes kept darting toward them.
So, Anson made a bold guess.
And it turned out to be correct.
Maggie: "..."
Although Maggie wanted to curse out loud, she didn't have the energy. Her mind was preoccupied with something else entirely.
Maggie never expected to give herself away in front of a "kid." It must have been her eyes after the tango that betrayed her.
Maggie and Peter had just started dating a few months ago, and they were being cautious, not rushing to define their relationship—dating was just dating; it didn't mean they were officially a couple.
But Maggie genuinely liked Peter. She hoped to quietly nurture the relationship, as maintaining a stable connection in Hollywood was incredibly rare and fragile. A single misstep could end it all.
She didn't want that outcome. Who knows? Maybe one day, she'd fall in love with Peter?
Feeling annoyed and a bit upset, Maggie tilted her chin up and glared at Anson.
Anson could feel her frustration—he couldn't help but laugh.
He quickly realized it wasn't the time to joke, so he stifled his smile and made a subtle gesture to indicate he'd keep her secret.
Looking all innocent.
Maggie couldn't hold back and smiled. When she realized she had broken her serious facade, she tried to regain her composure, but she failed.
"Jack never told me he made friends with the devil."
Anson smiled, "Oh, we're friends? I didn't even know that."
"Haha." Maggie couldn't hold back. "Haha." She paused. "You're cuter than Jack."
To Maggie, Anson was just a friend of her brother—just like him.
At that moment, a voice came from behind, "What's going on here?"
They turned to see Steven Spielberg, impeccably dressed, walking toward them as if he had discovered something new at the lively banquet.
"This is the loudest I remember it being before an awards ceremony."
Maggie was about to explain when Anson spoke, "Thank you."
Maggie was puzzled.
Anson had noticed the tense situation, and Maggie stepping in had helped smooth things over.
Without her, Anson could have handled it himself, but it wouldn't have been as easy.
Before Maggie could respond, Anson approached Spielberg. "I just entertained everyone a bit. I might be the first person to tap dance offstage for fun since Shirley Temple."
One second, two seconds—
Laughter erupted.
Anson didn't tattle to Spielberg. Instead, he casually mentioned the dance, instantly lightening the atmosphere.
Since Anson chose not to make a scene, the other guests naturally followed his lead, raising their glasses to him.
The room became lively again.
In fact, before the awards ceremony ended, Spielberg already knew what had happened. He paused for a moment and then chuckled, impressed.
"He's a good kid."
If Anson had made things awkward, whether by complaining to Spielberg or using Spielberg's influence, it would have been foolish.
It would have put Spielberg in an uncomfortable position. Should he get angry? At whom? Should he back Anson? How should he support him?
Sure, Anson could have vented his frustration, but the aftermath wouldn't have been pleasant, and Spielberg and Anson's relationship might have grown distant.
But Anson didn't do that.
Not only did he not rush to save face, but he also took the initiative to resolve the conflict, showing his generosity and maturity. The entire situation shifted.
As a result, Spielberg didn't have to deal with an awkward dilemma, and the other guests didn't have to choose sides. The tension dissolved effortlessly.
After all, it was an awards ceremony.
After the event, Anson would likely become the focus of admiration.
Likewise, Spielberg couldn't help but appreciate Anson and was grateful he hadn't been put in a tough spot.
"Heh."
Thinking about it, Spielberg couldn't help but smile.
"Maybe Hollywood really has a new star."
Spielberg wasn't the only one thinking that.
When Spielberg arrived, the guests realized the drama should come to an end. No one dared make a scene in front of the lead actor in a Spielberg film, and the atmosphere lightened up.
Soon, more guests broke the tension and approached Anson.
"Sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Maggie was still marveling at the difference between Jack and Anson. Even though they were around the same age, Jack was still a bit naive, while Anson was already navigating social situations with ease.
It took her a second to notice Uma Thurman in her elegant yellow gown.
The Pulp Fiction star naturally exuded a cool, Nordic charm with her sharp, distinctive features that gave her a bold and commanding presence, standing out from the crowd.
Just like now—
With her entrance, all eyes were on her.