The after-party was a true, full-blown celebration—an event where many guests felt free to break down the walls of their hidden thoughts, a showcase of the refined elegance that defined the Oscars. The Governor's Ball—the Academy's official after-party—was the most prestigious and exclusive gathering following the ceremony. Held within the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the time (later relocated to the Hollywood & Highland Center), it offered gourmet dinners curated by chefs like Wolfgang Puck, a refined lounge with soft music, candlelight, and countless opportunities to celebrate, give interviews, and strike important deals. That was one of the main reasons Billy was in the spotlight tonight.
The first course featured salmon tartare with cream cheese and sesame, accompanied by a delicate glass of wine from a particularly smooth vintage.
–Are you going to the Lux Animation party? –Monica asked Winona, who widened her dark eyes in surprise.
–An after-party? –The raven-haired woman replied, clearly taken aback that Billy was hosting a party.
–Yes, Jim organized a private event at a rented bar-restaurant, reserved exclusively for the night. There's a guest list, a full-service kitchen, a great bar, and all-you-can-eat food. We've got it until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow. –Monica explained.
–I'll be there. –Winona replied.
–I believe Juliette's already invited. –Monica added, knowing most of the cast from The English Patient had already received invitations, along with those from Jerry Maguire, Evita, The Musician, and members of DreamWorks. About 150 people were on the guest list, with others attending as guests of three or more. And of course, a few celebrities came in hand-in-hand with Monica.
–Yeah, I think it'll be fun. –replied the somber woman, still feeling a deep disappointment for not having won. It was written all over her face.
–I suppose you've got a few extra invites. –Winona whispered as they enjoyed their dinner.
The second course was a creamy onion soup followed by a marinated steak, served with carrot purée and a tangy sauce, accompanied by a small vegetable salad. As they dined, slow music played, the sound of a violin drifting softly through the space. Billy approached a table of senior Academy members, intending to make his case. He took a seat next to Arthur Hill, President of the Academy, who had been deep in conversation.
–Thank you for having me. It's a real pleasure. –Billy greeted those at the table, including Arthur Hill's wife and other senior Academy figures.
–We've received your proposal, and I must say—it caught us by surprise. –Arthur Hill remarked.
–I understand, but tell me, Mr. President—have you considered what it would mean for the Academy to recognize the soul of a generation with a category that's ready to be born? –Billy asked with a confident smile.
–So, you believe there will be enough studios in the future to meet the requirements of the medium? –Arthur inquired.
–I do. Blue Sky was recently acquired by Fox and wants in. DreamWorks already has a film on the way. There's Disney, of course, and Lux Animation, which includes Pixar and Lux Nation. That's five films. And if we include projects coming from Asia and the UK, we have a solid field of contenders. A five-nominee category would be more than fair for me, and for everyone else. –Billy explained.
He noticed George Lucas in the crowd, deep in discussion with Jeffrey Katzenberg, pulling strings. They were also talking with Robert Rehme. The "Oscar Effect" was certainly in play, but the push to establish an animated film category for the following year wasn't a lost cause. Even if Billy had to pay out of pocket for it, he didn't care. A few dollars were just that—a few dollars.
–You certainly have fresh ideas, I'll give you that. –Arthur commented.
–I just believe that as an institution, the Oscars are the most recognized film awards in the world. Beyond individual movies, it's about acknowledging where the industry is heading. And with the rise of new technologies, animation is starting to make an undeniable impact. –Billy replied.
Jim Gianopulos had been working on this topic for some time, but now the pressure was coming from all directions, making it increasingly difficult to simply say no. So what did they do? What strategies were they considering?
Step one was addressing the full Academy board. Step two was securing support from Fox, Sony, and DreamWorks. Disney joined in at Fox's request. When four studios with the force of ten engines come together for a common goal, it's clear there's an incentive to act in good faith.
They also lined up the calculated backing of three top film critics—Roger Ebert, Peter Travers from Rolling Stone, and Kenneth Turan from The LA Times. Each held a respected voice in the 9'90snot always grand or flashy, but with enough influence to tip the scale.
The two of them took their time, reading through what many had chosen to forget. That the party had an end didn't matter much when business and the management of cultural moments were still in motion. Arthur, already eyeing retirement, could stamp his legacy with one final act approved by the board.
…
–We've got to go. –Juliette said, affectionately leaning toward her partner.
–Billy will be along. –Uma replied, enjoying the celebration. They were walking hand-in-hand with a younger Jodie Foster, still radiating her signature sweetness and timeless allure.
–Let's go—when he starts talking business... –the woman left as Billy took a moment to breathe.
–You look stunning—his loss. –Winona remarked, a bit more lively from the drinks. To everyone's surprise, Julia Roberts was also spotted—somehow both lost in the crowd and caught between love affairs and blockbuster hits.
...