"The Best Actor nominees," Anne Hathaway announced directly, "Jeff Bridges for *Crazy Heart*, George Clooney for *Up in the Air*, Colin Firth for *A Single Man*..."
As each name emerged from Anne Hathaway's mouth, Leonardo DiCaprio couldn't help but glance at Murphy. He suddenly felt a sinking sensation, fearing he might not make the cut.
"Jeremy Renner for *The Hurt Locker*."
Four names had been called, and his wasn't among them. DiCaprio's heart sank further. He knew Robert Downey Jr. was also aiming for a Best Actor nomination...
In that moment, any lingering camaraderie with Robert Downey Jr. vanished. DiCaprio didn't want to hear Downey's name.
The final nomination remained. If it went to Downey, DiCaprio would be out.
"Robert Downey Jr. for *The Wolf of Wall Street*!"
It wasn't DiCaprio, nor was it *Shutter Island*!
DiCaprio slumped back in his chair, his brow furrowing deeply. His eyes inadvertently turned towards Murphy.
The hall erupted in applause. Murphy, smiling, joined in the clapping.
With trembling hands, DiCaprio realized he had lost this round.
"The Best Director nominees!"
As the applause died down, Anne Hathaway's voice rang out again, "James Cameron for *Avatar*..."
DiCaprio exhaled. Given the controversy surrounding *The Wolf of Wall Street*, Murphy Stanton might not secure a Best Director nomination. At least he could find some solace in that.
"Kathryn Bigelow for *The Hurt Locker*."
"That's the second one," DiCaprio counted silently.
"Lee Daniels for *Precious*."
His previously strained expression eased. DiCaprio continued counting, "Third one!"
"Jason Reitman for *Up in the Air*."
"The fourth one!" DiCaprio's lips curled slightly. The chances of Murphy Stanton getting a Best Director nomination were now slim.
With Martin Scorsese, the director of *Shutter Island*, yet to be named, Scorsese's seniority and connections would likely secure him the nomination. The Academy, aiming for balance, would prioritize Scorsese over the younger Stanton.
These thoughts raced through DiCaprio's mind. His smile was starting to show, albeit subtly.
Although there was no direct evidence linking Murphy to his snub for Best Actor, DiCaprio believed Stanton had a hand in it. If he couldn't get a nomination, neither should Murphy.
Given the current scenario, it seemed improbable for Murphy to secure the nomination. The last spot surely belonged to Scorsese for *Shutter Island*.
"Murphy Stanton for *The Wolf of Wall Street*!"
Anne Hathaway's voice echoed, freezing DiCaprio's emerging smile. "What?"
He turned to Murphy, "How can it be him? Why not Martin Scorsese?"
The hall erupted in applause as the Best Director nominees were announced. DiCaprio, stunned, sat motionless, his face darkening.
Suddenly, cameras turned towards Murphy. Reacting instinctively, DiCaprio, noticing the cameras, quickly replaced his scowl with a congratulatory smile, joining the applause vigorously, demonstrating the grace of a Hollywood superstar.
With the Best Director nomination secured, Murphy felt a sense of relief. The toughest nomination was in the bag.
Next, Anne Hathaway announced the nominees for Best Picture, marking the first time the list exceeded five films.
"Best Picture: *The Blind Side*, *The Hurt Locker*, *Avatar*, *The Wolf of Wall Street*, *District 9*, *An Education*, *Up*, *Up in the Air*, and *A Serious Man*."
"No *Shutter Island*!"
Just like during performances, DiCaprio's eyes widened dramatically. Among the nine Best Picture nominees, *Shutter Island* was absent!
His face turned as dark as stormy skies.
DiCaprio's frustration was understandable. Among the 24 Oscar categories, *Shutter Island* had not received a single nomination.
For someone like DiCaprio, who was fervently aiming for an Oscar, this was a massive blow.
Calculating silently, he realized *The Wolf of Wall Street* had garnered nine nominations, including Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture.
"Damn it!"
DiCaprio muttered under his breath. As the announcements concluded, he abruptly stood and left the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel.
Murphy noticed DiCaprio's departure but didn't care. DiCaprio would likely attribute *Shutter Island*'s failure to Murphy, and he'd be right. Murphy had a hand in it, but he wasn't one to silently endure being targeted.
If someone slapped him, he'd retaliate with a knife. If he didn't react immediately, he was biding his time for a better opportunity.
This was a fiercely competitive world, and Murphy thrived in such an environment. To borrow a phrase from a great figure across the Pacific, "Fighting with people is a joy."
After the nominations were announced, it was time for the traditional group photo and the distribution of commemorative items. Under the Academy's rules, the scene was harmonious, devoid of any intense competition.
Though the Oscar race was fierce, the Academy believed the luncheon served not only to create a celebratory atmosphere but also to give potential losers a sense of honor. Apart from taking photos, receiving nomination certificates, and enjoying gourmet food, they would also receive a beautiful gift—a gesture of encouragement for the year's most outstanding film talents.
In some ways, the pre-Oscar nominees' luncheon resembled a networking event. The Academy showcased its formality, handing out certificates and organizing a meeting where everyone could discuss the year's highs and lows, akin to a work recognition event across the Pacific.
Nominees like Murphy were naturally in high spirits. Despite the controversies and disputes surrounding the Oscars, no one could deny its status as the industry's most prestigious award. Receiving an Oscar nomination was an honor worth flaunting. Winning an Oscar was tough, but getting nominated was equally challenging, requiring time, financial investment, and a blend of luck, coincidence, and effort.
Of course, this event was also a prime networking opportunity. After the group photo, Murphy mingled with many attendees.
Even if winning this year's Oscar was unlikely, building connections was essential. Waiting until the need arose was too late.
Before leaving the Hilton, Murphy gave an interview to Fox News.
"I spend more on making films than on the cast," Murphy said when asked how he managed to control production costs. "That's a key reason why my films stay within budget."
When asked about facing production challenges, Murphy replied, "Experiencing tough times is beneficial for filmmakers because it makes them think. A film pampered by a big budget will feel spoiled. If you overcome many challenges to make it, the audience will feel it."
He added, "I think all first-time filmmakers face the same thing. Once you decide to do it, there's no turning back. You don't care about what comes next."
Leaving the hotel, Murphy ran into Sandra Bullock. They exchanged pleasantries. He vaguely remembered she was a strong contender for Best Actress this year.
Seeing Bullock's somewhat stiff face from cosmetic procedures, Murphy could only reflect on how, like him, everyone was accumulating qualifications. The paths to winning an Oscar were indeed varied.
Instructing his driver to return to Wave Manor, Murphy called Gal Gadot, who had been in Israel for a while, to share the good news from the luncheon. Then he changed into casual clothes, preparing to head to a beach restaurant in Santa Monica for James Franco's party.
Franco had hinted he would propose to Lily Collins at the party.
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