Natalie's speech isn't over yet—or rather, she's picking up where Dunn left off.
"Dunn's my boyfriend. Sure, the media loves to churn out irresponsible rumors, but I love him so much. I know the hardships he went through growing up, the hunger he faced. He might be tough as nails, but I feel it too!"
"Right now, there are over a million homeless kids in the U.S. They're displaced, struggling, barely scraping by for food and shelter—forget about education. These are the country's future!"
"Dunn's just one story. He made it big through sheer grit, but for a group like this, without society stepping up to care and help, they could veer off track—maybe even end up on the wrong side of the law!"
"We've talked about this a lot, Dunn and I, and we've decided to do our small part. For the next three years, we're donating all our director and acting fees to start a relief fund for homeless kids. We want to give them a shot at a stable childhood."
"But one person's effort only goes so far. So, I'm taking this chance to call on everyone—pay attention to these kids. They're still growing, and what they go through now will shape their lives forever. I hope they can all succeed someday, like Dunn did, and become the next inspiring face of the American Dream!"
Pain, compassion, inspiration—these are the golden notes of America's favorite tune.
And Dunn's story? It's right there for everyone to see, plain as day.
He didn't bring it up himself because he's a guy—he doesn't need to milk his rough past for sympathy. But Natalie, with her kind heart, stepping up to say it? Perfect fit.
Her righteous, heartfelt speech wins over the 3,000 VIPs in the room, earning a roaring cheer!
Time's tight at the Oscars—every second's accounted for—but the crowd leaps to their feet, clapping for a full 30 seconds. Part of it's support for Natalie's push to help homeless kids, and part of it… well, it's respect for Dunn.
Nicole Kidman lets out a soft sigh. "Dunn, she's really your better half."
Dunn laughs, half-exasperated. "This spendthrift… didn't even run it by me! That's a ton of money she just gave away!"
Nicole cracks up, annoyed but amused. "You—Dunn, you're seriously worried about a little cash?"
Dunn shrugs casually. "Hey, my money doesn't grow on trees. I worked hard for it, okay?"
"Cheapskate!" Nicole fires back with a mocking jab.
Dunn grits his teeth. "Me, cheap? Nicole, that's rich coming from you. Those two sports cars you drove off with, plus all the luxury gifts and jewelry I've given you over the years—worth over a million bucks, right?"
Nicole smirks. "Yeah, well, seems like women are the only thing you're willing to splurge on."
Dunn shakes his head with a sigh. "Anyway, my director fees are gone for the next three years! Good thing I only do Dunn Films projects now—those paychecks are just symbolic. I only got $500,000 for *A Beautiful Mind*."
Nicole's torn between laughing and fuming. "You're unbelievable!"
Dunn rolls his eyes, brushing it off. "What do you know? I'm a businessman! Money spent on women? That's an investment. I get returns—physical perks, sure, but the real win is the reputation. Good rep, and the ladies all want to hang out with me. Donating to homeless kids? Sorry, even the government can't fix that. I'm not kidding myself into thinking I can."
Nicole sighs, resigned. "Fine, whatever. Natalie's speech definitely boosted your image. You're looking taller in the public eye."
Dunn grins. "True enough. Cash for clout!"
…
Dunn and Natalie's back-to-back moments light a fire under this year's Oscars. The whole event's buzzing with energy.
The big awards that follow keep the cheers coming.
Best Actor goes to Russell Crowe for his flawless turn in *Gladiator*, beating out heavyweights like Tom Hanks, Javier Bardem, and Geoffrey Rush.
No surprise, *Gladiator* also snags Best Picture—the night's ultimate prize.
Best Director lands with Steven Soderbergh for *Traffic*. In his acceptance speech, he gives a special shoutout to Dunn Walker and Bill Mechanic.
*Traffic* nearly died on the vine—Twentieth Century Fox almost axed it. But Dunn and Bill saw the diamond in the rough, got it made, and now it's landed Soderbergh an Oscar.
*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* takes Best Foreign Language Film, adding to its haul of Best Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction—four wins total!
The night belongs to *Crouching Tiger* and *Gladiator*. The former grabs four awards, while the epic latter racks up five.
And Best Actress?
Just like Dunn predicted, it's Julia Roberts for *Erin Brockovich*!
She used to play "dumb blonde" types—flat, predictable roles. But in Soderbergh's *Erin Brockovich*, she flips the script, playing a gritty, struggling, inspiring single mom. Fearless, uncompromising, and fiercely independent, she's a total departure from her old self.
Breakout performances like that? Oscar bait every time.
Nicole Kidman's turn in *Soul Shift Girl* is great, no doubt, but it's not a leap. Julia's role pushed her harder.
"Life screws you over? Screw it right back!" That raw, iconic line from Julia's mouth gets the blood pumping. Her win's a no-brainer.
…
The Oscars red carpet's got limits—time, space, the live broadcast. For celebs, it's just a warm-up. The real feast? The Vanity Fair after-party!
Especially for the actresses—it's their prime stage to strut, pose, and outshine each other.
The networking and opportunities here are so huge that even small-time actors who can't score an invite to the main show pull every string to crash this bash.
That's why Vanity Fair tickets float around the black market, and they don't come cheap.
Dunn, being top-tier elite, is a magnet for schmoozers.
Especially the flirty, curvy young girls—some barely 16 or 17—sidling up to him, brushing against him with soft giggles and batting eyes.
At a private rager, Dunn might cop a feel or take a couple of them for a fun night. But this is Vanity Fair—he's not about to make a scene.
Guys are like that. The more they've seen, the steadier they get.
Back when Dunn first met Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman, he'd gawk like a kid. Now? He could meet a British princess and keep his cool.
With a practiced smile, he congratulates the winners and encourages the nominees, wishing them killer projects ahead. He's starting to carry himself like a true Hollywood heavyweight.
Then he spots Javier Bardem, a Best Actor nominee and Spanish star, and stops for a longer chat.
This guy's a genius actor, no question!
The Oscars love their political correctness. Movies like *Saving Private Ryan*, *Pulp Fiction*, or *Inglourious Basterds*—with their messy values—rarely snag Best Picture. Same goes for Best Actor: flawed guys are fine, but outright monsters? Almost never win.
There are exceptions, though.
Anthony Hopkins broke that mold in *The Silence of the Lambs*. Javier Bardem's got that same potential.
Dunn's a sucker for talent. He loves vibing with gifted actors—think Heath Ledger. He can't help but see Bardem in a higher light. "Your performance was awesome!"
Bardem's pumped. "Thank you, Mr. Walker! Your words—they're my Oscar tonight!"
Dunn chuckles. The guy's got a rugged look but a smooth tongue—no wonder he's killing it in Hollywood. "If the chance comes up, I'd love to work with you."
"Really? That'd be amazing—my honor!" Bardem's excitement's the real deal.
Dunn nods, pleased. First impression's solid—call it a passing grade.
"Oh, by the way, do you know Penny? Penelope Cruz?"
"Sure do! We're both from Spain—friends too," Bardem says with a grin, a little eager to please.
Dunn hums faintly. "Close friends?"
"Yeah, pretty close." Bardem's oblivious, rambling on. "We don't see each other tons, but we keep in touch. Spanish actors in Hollywood? There aren't many."
Dunn's face tightens slightly, giving him a deep look. "Penny's my friend. A *good* friend. You get me?"
"Huh?"
Bardem blinks, then it clicks. He's heard the rumors—Penelope Cruz is living at Dunn's place right now!
Dunn smiles, patting his shoulder. "Good, you get it. Focus on your acting. I think you've got a big future here."
In another life, Bardem and Penelope ended up married. Dunn's nipping that in the bud.
He's really into Penelope right now—especially her and Charlize Theron as a duo. They're like a gift from the heavens.
Time for a little heads-up.
At least until Dunn's done having his fun, Bardem better keep his distance.