[Chapter 481: Oscars Shocker]
Normally, in the days leading up to the Oscars, most of North America's media fixated on the ceremony itself, eagerly analyzing the odds for the major award contenders. Critics and commentators alike took this chance to share their predictions and opinions.
Film studios and nominated actors often seized the moment to spend a bit on media praise pieces -- subtle self-promotion to boost their visibility and star power.
But this year was wildly different. On the night before and the morning of the Oscars, nearly every media outlet was drowning in gossip about Linton Anderson's scandalous love life.
With photos and undeniable proof, the headlines screamed that twelve stunning Hollywood actresses -- including Cristiana Reali, Monica Bellucci, Sophie Marceau, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Kate Winslet, and Noriko Sakai -- had all been staying at Linton's sprawling estate.
Tabloid reporters fully unleashed their wild imaginations, churning out lurid stories that were as salacious as they were entertaining, dominating front pages nationwide.
Further digging revealed even more names: mega-diva Madonna, rising pop queen Shania Twain, Victoria's Secret's beloved angel Heidi Klum, and four prominent Asian actresses -- Vivian Chow, Michelle Reis, Izumi Sakai, and Akina Nakamori.
The entire American public was feasting on this sensational gossip, overwhelmed and captivated.
While the men gawked and wished they could take Linton's place, women speculated about his irresistible charm and whether they might get their own chance.
Of course, a tiny conservative faction condemned Linton's behavior as morally bankrupt.
Meanwhile, criticism of the Golden Raspberry Awards filled whatever remaining media space there was. Many agreed with director Michael Bay's harsh take: that this year's Razzies lacked any integrity, artistic sense, or fairness.
Yet even more voices sided with Linton, arguing that ignoring such discredited awards was the best response.
Some radicals pushed to abolish them entirely, insisting the media stop covering these sham ceremonies altogether.
---
On the afternoon of March 28th, the 68th Academy Awards ceremony began amid this chaotic buzz.
At 3 p.m., a long red carpet was unrolled across the plaza outside Los Angeles' Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Stars arrived dazzling -- some debonair, others radiant, some graceful, sultry, even breathtakingly alluring. Each beamed with irresistible charm, showing off their best looks.
Cheers roared from the crowd, and camera flashes exploded relentlessly.
The grand finale of the red carpet was Linton Anderson himself, impeccably dressed in Armani, escorting two of the top Oscar hopefuls -- Cristiana Reali and Monica Bellucci, widely tipped for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
What surprised the audience most was that these two glamorous women, while stunning as ever, boldly revealed small baby bumps beneath their gowns.
This was a clear announcement: both were pregnant, well into their second trimester.
With each clutching one of Linton's arms, speculation immediately ignited: could both Cristiana and Monica be carrying Linton's children?
The crowd erupted, their screams and cheers echoing across the plaza, while photographers' flashes lit up the scene like daylight.
...
Reaching the end of the carpet, reporters swarmed them, practically trying to shove microphones into their faces.
"Linton, what exactly is your relationship with these two?"
"Cristiana, is the baby you're carrying Linton's?"
"Monica, is your child his as well?"
Without acknowledging their questions, Linton exuded a subtle aura of power, causing the closest reporters to instinctively step back.
"Friends, please calm down," he said coolly. "One at a time. We'll answer your questions -- starting with me."
"Linton, how are you involved with Cristiana and Monica?"
"Are you dating them both simultaneously?"
"Yesterday, multiple female stars were spotted staying at your estate. What's going on with them?"
"I care deeply for both Cristiana and Monica. Right now, we're the closest of friends. That's all I'll say," Linton answered calmly. "Enough from me. Hollywood Gossip Daily, your turn to question Cristiana."
A reporter from the Hollywood Gossip Daily eagerly stepped forward, waving a microphone. "Ms. Reali, how far along are you? And who is the father?"
Expecting a carefully crafted dodge, he was stunned when Cristiana openly confessed, "I'm five months pregnant. And the father? Just as you imagine -- it's Linton." She shot him a sweet smile, turning next to Linton like a devoted partner.
"Next question -- from MCA TV."
"Ms. Bellucci, how far along are you? Is Linton the father?"
Monica smiled radiantly, also straightforward. "I'm five months along, and yes -- the father is Linton."
Their matching replies stunned every reporter present. They silently applauded Linton's courage and generosity, admiring how openly he delivered this explosive scoop.
The buzz surrounding the Oscars reached new, unstoppable heights.
---
At 6 p.m., the ceremony officially commenced inside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Unsurprisingly, Braveheart swept the night with five wins, including Best Picture and Director, dominating the evening's awards.
Jack Nicholson gave a masterful, near-perfect performance in As Good as It Gets but ultimately lost Best Actor to Nicholas Cage, who benefitted from full backing by the great director Francis Ford Coppola.
Luckily, the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards had no surprises.
Cristiana won Best Actress for her outstanding work in As Good as It Gets.
Monica took home Best Supporting Actress for her gripping role in The Sixth Sense.
Linton himself snagged Best Original Screenplay for The Sixth Sense.
Interestingly, Independence Day also picked up three technical Oscars -- Best Editing, Sound Editing, and Visual Effects. One could only wonder if this didn't sting the Razzies committee's pride.
*****
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