Three years ago, Dunn earned a Best Director nomination for Titanic. He didn't win, but he got to present the Best Actress award to Kate Winslet as a guest presenter. It was a huge moment—one of the most unforgettable scenes of the night.
Now, three years later, Kate Winslet's the one on stage, and this time, she's handing an award to Dunn!
Maybe it's fate, or maybe the Oscar committee set it up on purpose to stir some buzz. Either way, it's a moment that sticks with you.
Kate Winslet stands at the podium, beaming, her eyes locked on Dunn. She looks almost teary-eyed, as if she's the one winning something, radiating pure joy.
Dunn's the most successful director on the planet right now. Sure, he's young, but it's about time the Oscars gave him something to show for it. Best Director might still be off the table for various reasons, but a Best Screenplay award—less flashy, sure—still proves the Academy's taking notice of a standout newcomer like him.
The Oscars aren't above playing favorites. But their biggest bias? Wanting Hollywood to keep thriving.
Dunn adjusts his tie and stands up. At the same time, every guest and big name in the room rises too! It's just a smaller award, but because it's Dunn, the excitement rivals the reveal of Best Actor, Best Actress, or Best Picture.
He doesn't rush to hug Natalie right away. Instead, he turns around, presses his right hand to his chest, and bows to the crowd cheering for him. That humble gesture sparks an even louder wave of applause.
It's not something you see at the Oscars. It's a nod to Eastern Confucian manners.
Usually, past winners strut up like royalty—standing tall, hugging their crew, then marching to the stage with their heads high. But Dunn, with all his clout and momentum, shows this kind of modesty. It wins over the room even more and earns respect from everyone watching at home.
If a director this talented—a mega-rich guy to boot—can be this polite, who else has any right to act all high and mighty?
After bowing to the crowd, Dunn finally pulls Natalie into a tight hug. She whispers in his ear with a teasing laugh, "Your acting's so good, you could snag Best Actor!"
Dunn nearly cracks up but holds it in, kissing her cheek before turning to hug Nicole Kidman, who offers a friendly, "Congrats!"
After greeting the Soul Shift Girl crew, Dunn makes his way down the aisle and up to the stage. Kate Winslet's waiting there, holding the Oscar trophy, practically bouncing with anticipation.
Of course, it's another big hug.
"You're the most amazing guy I know! Congrats on the win!" Kate's poised and generous, her praise totally unfiltered.
Dunn pats her back, joking, "Compliments like that might go to my head."
Kate smirks. "You've got every reason to be prouder."
Dunn laughs, taking the 4-kilogram gold statuette. It's heavy, solid, real.
He steps up to the mic. Once presenters Robert Downey Jr. and Kate Winslet step back, leaving the stage all his, he faces thousands of attendees—big shots and VIPs. The pressure's there, unspoken but real.
Dunn takes a deep breath and smiles. "Tradition says I start with thanks, so here goes: Thank you to the committee for trusting me with this award. Honestly, I'm thrilled right now!"
He's not faking it.
The Best Adapted Screenplay award? On its own, Dunn couldn't care less.
But in the "Sunglasses System," it's a game-changer. One Oscar unlocks a "Contract Steal" skill—a trump card for the right moment.
Dunn's total box office haul—counting producing, directing, writing, everything—has topped $5.39 billion. Add in the newbie bonus he got, and even though he's made five films, he's still got one "Mirror Possession" skill banked. With Never Sinking and Mr. & Mrs. Smith hitting theaters this summer, that skill's not some rare luxury anymore. But "Contract Steal"? That's tied to an Oscar—hard to come by and priceless.
Dunn pauses, dropping the cocky grin for a serious tone. "But most of all, I want to thank Hollywood. Everyone knows my childhood wasn't great. I didn't even finish high school. Truth is, I'm not exactly book-smart. It's Hollywood—this place—that taught me how to be a person, how to make movies, and gave me a shot to show what I can do. That's why I'm here today. I lost my family young, but I love Hollywood. Hollywood's my home!"
The room erupts in applause again!
Ever since Dunn hit it big, the media's dug up every detail of his life. His past is rough, but it's no scandal. His rise has turned he into the poster boy for a new-era American Dream.
This is the first time he's opened up about his background in public, tying it to his love for Hollywood. It hits home for a lot of the bigwigs and stars in the crowd.
Hollywood's a platform. Everyone here owes their success to it, no question.
Sure, it's got its dark corners and dirty secrets, but it's the foundation of their wins. That's undeniable.
Seeing the crowd fired up, Dunn relaxes. He's on the right track. "I'm young," he goes on. "I don't have the life experience or wisdom of the veterans here, their maturity or big-picture thinking. But I'm young! I've got drive, I've got energy, and I've got a fresh perspective!"
"Last year, you all know I teamed up with Michael Ovitz to start Legendary Pictures. It's a new kind of film company, and our mixed-financing model is a whole new way to invest. The proof's in the pudding—it's brought fresh blood and new energy to Hollywood!"
"I said it: Hollywood's your home, and it's mine too! I want this home to keep getting better, brighter! I'm young, and I'll fight for that. Mixed financing was my first big idea, but in the years ahead, I want to work with more ambitious folks and seasoned pros to build new industries that push Hollywood forward."
"Hollywood's 80 years old now, but I'm confident we can shake things up, go global, and spread its reach even further. Hit it from all angles, grow bigger, stronger, and keep up with the times!"
The room's buzzing. Dunn's words aren't just a speech—they're a promise.