"Mm…"
On the other end of the phone, Edgar listened intently to Anson's explanation of the situation. After a brief pause, he dragged out his response, momentarily lost in thought.
Anson didn't interrupt Edgar. He sat cross-legged on the floor, casually selecting vinyl records, searching for the right music to set the mood for dinner. He was particularly relaxed.
After a short while, Edgar snapped out of his thoughts and noticed the silence on the other end of the line, prompting him to speak up.
"Anson?"
"Still here. So, what do you think? Any problems?"
"No, no problems. Just a bit surprised. After everything, it still landed in our laps. I also feel a bit defeated since I wasn't much help."
"Haha, Captain, don't feel down. I'm sure you'll have your time to shine."
Edgar could hear the teasing in Anson's tone, a chuckle bubbling deep in his throat. "So, you agree that Kate is the better fit?"
"Yes," Anson responded without hesitation.
"Alright, I'll handle it and talk to Focus Features."
"If they need to speak with me, just schedule a time. I'm heading to a gallery with my mom tomorrow morning, but I'm free in the afternoon and evening."
"Anson, you've already put so much effort into this project. You don't need to worry anymore. Leave the rest to me. Consider it a done deal. I'll make sure Focus Features understands our sincerity, and in return, they'll show theirs."
First Charlie Kaufman, then Michel Gondry—this project had consumed a lot of Anson's energy, even more than their last one, "The Butterfly Effect." Given their current position, Edgar felt it was his turn as Anson's agent to step up.
Even over the phone, Anson could sense Edgar's enthusiasm and drive.
So, he didn't say much more, simply replying, "I'll await the good news then."
Edgar, full of energy, was already sharpening his strategy in his office when he suddenly remembered something. "Oh, by the way, we got an invitation from the Academy."
"The Academy? What academy?"
Anson's response was so casual that Edgar was momentarily thrown off, then quickly realized his reaction was normal. "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences."
"Oh, what kind of invitation?"
In North America, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is undoubtedly the pinnacle of the film industry. Its authority and prestige are unparalleled. With over six thousand industry professionals as members, the Academy forms the very core of the industry.
Naturally, the Oscars, voted on by these six thousand professionals, hold a special place in the world of film.
The nickname "Oscar" actually refers to the golden statuette, but the ceremony's official name is the "Academy Awards," highlighting its professional stature.
Five years ago, when Shakespeare in Love unexpectedly beat Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture, it marked a turning point in Academy history—Academy lobbying had officially arrived.
Of course, lobbying existed long before, passed down through the years, but it wasn't until then that it became a fully developed concept.
It was also the moment when the Weinstein brothers, the masterminds behind Shakespeare in Love, stepped into the spotlight, transforming the awards season into a full-blown campaign of marketing, socializing, promotion, and public relations.
But that's another story.
Even though the awards season has gradually been consumed by PR battles, losing some of its original charm, no one can deny the Oscars' influence on the industry and the market.
First, the Oscars are awarded by anonymous votes from over six thousand industry professionals. Regardless of the level of prestige, it represents recognition and praise from the industry, a significance other awards shows can't match.
Second, while its authority and myth have somewhat faded, it remains the most well-known award worldwide. Even a nomination draws significant attention from the public.
The Oscar-related industry has expanded globally, creating its own economic value chain.
The influence of the Oscars is everywhere.
No matter what, the Oscars are still the Oscars.
Moreover, compared to what the future holds twenty years from now, the impact of lobbying hasn't fully saturated the process yet. Every year's winners still carry surprises, and the Oscars' prestige is undeniable.
At this point in time, before the internet and short videos took over people's lives, the annual Oscar ceremony remained one of the most entertaining television events in North America, second only to the Super Bowl. Its global viewership also leads all other shows.
It's clear that, right now, the Oscars hold a significant place in the industry.
Just a simple nomination for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind impacted the casting choices, and Anson had already felt the weight of an Oscar nomination firsthand.
A nomination—just a nomination—had quietly shifted so many perspectives.
Now, the influence of the Oscars was landing squarely on Anson's shoulders.
"An invitation to the ceremony," Edgar said.
Finally, Anson caught on, surprised without hiding it. "Already? Wow, that's sooner than I expected."
Edgar replied, "You're right, it's earlier than usual."
"Typically, around the time of the Golden Globes, the Academy begins considering presenters and attendees. They need to confirm intentions ahead of time. If someone declines after the list is made public, it's embarrassing."
Anson, intrigued, asked like a curious spectator, "People actually refuse to attend the Oscars?"
"Of course. The Academy has invited Woody Allen multiple times, and he's declined every time."
"So far, Woody's only attended once, after the 9/11 attacks, to pay tribute to his beloved New York as it recovered from the tragedy."
"There have been other big stars who refused to attend and embarrassed the Academy."
"Richard Burton, after losing four nominations, refused to attend for his fifth. He even convinced his then-wife, Elizabeth Taylor, to skip the ceremony as well."
"Paul Newman did the same. After seven failed nominations, when he finally won for The Color of Money on his eighth try, he didn't attend and didn't regret it. He said it was like chasing a woman for eighty years, and when she finally said yes, he was too tired to care."
"Katharine Hepburn also never collected any of her four Best Actress Oscars. She never attended, stating that her career was never about winning awards."
Anson laughed out loud, "Well, they don't have to worry about me. I definitely won't turn it down."
Edgar, however, didn't agree easily. "Really? Are you sure? Are you ready to attend the ceremony?"