[Chapter 462: Monica's Surprise Reward]
By mid-January, Monica, Noriko Sakai, and Cristiana had wrapped up their overseas promotions ahead of schedule and returned to Los Angeles. Fortunately, although both Cristiana and Monica looked a bit worn out, their pregnancies were progressing well.
The very first thing the three did upon returning was to throw an extravagant party for Linton. Noriko Sakai, despite looking exhausted from the long promotional tour, was just as energized as the others. The two movies had truly boosted their profiles immensely.
Monica and Noriko Sakai also fulfilled the biggest surprise they had promised to give Linton on the phone. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Cristiana quickly caught on and joined in, much to the astonishment of Madonna and Sophie Marceau.
Happiness turned contagious, and by the end, even Madonna and Sophie joined them. This made Linton incredibly happy and delighted, savoring an unforgettable experience.
After three consecutive nights of such positive energy, Cristiana, Monica, and Noriko recovered their vitality and looked dazzling once again. However, Linton's promise to take all four of them to a countryside garden retreat hadn't materialized yet. It wasn't due to him backing out; Monica and Cristiana were deep into Oscar campaigning, leaving no time for a break.
---
Up to this point, The Sixth Sense had been in theaters for 28 days and grossed $247 million in North America. Even on weekdays, it still pulled in over $3 million a day, making a $300 million total well within reach. It performed even better overseas, raking in $260 million in just three weeks, with projections suggesting it could reach $400 million abroad.
Meanwhile, As Good as It Gets had been out for 21 days, making $108 million domestically, with an expected final tally around $150 million. Internationally, the film did well too, grossing $90 million in two weeks, aiming for roughly $100 million in foreign markets.
Both movies had submitted entries for multiple Oscars, receiving rave reviews with solid chances at winning. Cristiana was in the running for Best Actress, while Monica had submitted for Best Supporting Actress. Given their performances and with a strong push, their chances looked promising.
Linton approved a $12 million campaign budget with Harvey and gave him strict orders: secure wins for Cristiana and Monica at all costs. Harvey was riding high with Klinsmann's reassignment, still serving as Deputy Manager of Distribution. Though Linton kept the formal title of manager, he handed most responsibilities over to Harvey.
Driven by ambition and, perhaps heavily influenced by Linton's will, Harvey was determined to snag those two Oscars. To smooth the path, he contacted Levitt at Universal, explaining the situation and requesting an early end to overseas promotions for Cristiana and Monica to focus on campaigning.
Though reluctant, Levitt had no choice but to comply when he learned the demand came directly from Linton himself. Plus, an Oscar boost would greatly enhance the films' international licensing prospects, so it made business sense to fully support the initiative.
This was why Cristiana, Monica, and Noriko returned to Los Angeles early. From the very next day, under Harvey's guidance, Cristiana and Monica dove headlong into intense Oscar-related PR events.
...
Linton had initially worried about their health -- especially since both were three months pregnant. He hoped they'd rest a couple of days before participating. But he underestimated the allure of the Academy Awards for female stars; both insisted on jumping right in.
Hearing about the Oscar campaign energized them even more. Powered by the essense they had already gained from Linton, they were unstoppable. Naturally, they refused Linton's offer for a break.
Cristiana said excitedly and firmly, "Honey, you don't need to worry about our health. After last night's performance, I'm fully recharged. Besides, the Oscars have been my dream since I was a little girl. This time, I have to give it my all. If you really can't trust us, just make it up to us properly tonight."
Monica agreed enthusiastically, "Yeah, you've already done so much for us. This is such a rare opportunity -- we have to commit ourselves to the publicity events. Don't worry about our health; we'll continue the party again tonight."
Though Linton didn't quite understand their overwhelming obsession with the Oscars, he gave them his full, unreserved support. Deep down, he admitted his own attitude towards the Oscars was far different from theirs. Of course, he wanted the golden statue, but unlike them, he had never harbored a burning desire or obsession to win; he hadn't even intentionally pursued award-worthy projects.
He felt the Academy had brought much of their downfall on themselves by losing artistic integrity and getting overly involved in North American politics. The constant manipulation and declining standards, even questionable entries that challenged human decency, made the ceremony a chaotic spectacle.
At the core, the Oscar's authority and professionalism had come under serious doubt, weakening its influence -- a decline Linton personally witnessed.
Yet, there was no denying that today's Oscars still carried immense authority and fairness in judgment. Its global influence remains unmatched. At this stage, winning an Oscar greatly boosts both films and stars, bringing substantial benefits.
For female stars especially, the Oscar's value extends beyond prestige or salary hikes -- it significantly elevates commercial appeal.
Take Sophie Marceau, for example. Before winning Best Actress last year, her endorsement deals fetched about $3 million annually. After the award, that skyrocketed to $5 million, with many high-end brands lining up to work with her.
Even Winona Ryder, who took home Best Supporting Actress, saw her annual endorsements increase from $3.5 million to $4.5 million.
Of course, their endorsement fees still paled compared to Linton's. Last year, as contracts for his endorsements came up for renewal, brands practically begged him to stay, with fees climbing to $15 million a year.
Even the cheapest sponsor, Pepsi, was paying $12 million annually, largely because Linton's personal popularity enhanced their brand tremendously. And during media attacks against him, Pepsi always stood firmly by his side.
Given all this, Linton had voluntarily reduced his endorsement fee for Pepsi's renewal.
Such advantages were why Linton pushed so hard to secure Oscars for his women. As for himself, he would take it as it came. Winning would be nice, but missing out wouldn't change much.
After all, no matter the awards, he had reached the ceiling in terms of status, pay, and commercial value -- there was simply no room left to climb.
*****
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