As in the past few years, the 86th Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Hollywood and Highland Center, previously known as the Dolby Theatre. However, unlike previous years, the groups participating in the Oscar race were unusually quiet after the nominations were announced. This included even the notoriously bold Harvey Weinstein and Murphy, who were known for their relentless campaigning tactics.
The reason was simple: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences appeared to be cracking down on Oscar campaigning practices, making an example out of Bruce Broughton, the composer of "Alone Yet Not Alone." The Academy determined that Broughton had violated Oscar campaigning rules by emailing Academy voters to remind them of his song, resulting in his disqualification from the Best Original Song category.
Although Broughton was not a major player, the Academy's action sent a clear message, prompting all contenders, including "Dark City," to tread carefully and avoid any actions that might attract negative attention from the Academy.
This incident was one of the most talked-about events leading up to the ceremony. The other major topic was the weather in Los Angeles.
Unpredictable weather had descended upon the city, with heavy rains and a significant drop in temperature just hours before the 86th Academy Awards were set to begin. While it was not uncommon for it to rain during the Oscars, this year's rain was exceptionally heavy, even affecting the red carpet.
Despite the staff's efforts to roll out waterproof measures and set up rain shelters, the pre-laid red carpet at the Dolby Theatre entrance was thoroughly soaked.
Though the red carpet event would not be canceled due to rain, the weather could potentially hamper photo opportunities and interviews.
According to weather forecasts, the severe weather was expected to continue through the night of the Oscar ceremony, with temperatures dropping significantly.
The Academy moved quickly to mitigate the impact of the rain. With sufficient funds, addressing rain-related issues was not difficult.
In just one night and the following morning, the soaked red carpet was entirely replaced, covered with plastic sheets, additional drainage channels were installed, and staff continuously monitored and removed water.
Furthermore, the Academy expanded the rain shelter area, even covering the driveway.
Dealing with adverse weather on the Oscar red carpet was not uncommon, and both stars and organizers were experienced in managing such situations. Although the heavy rain posed a challenge, it would not prevent Hollywood stars from strutting down the red carpet in their glamorous attire.
The 86th Academy Awards red carpet event began under heavy rain and cold temperatures.
Most stars had already chosen their outfits and styling, and the weather would not change their plans.
For instance, Emma Watson, walking ahead of Murphy, wore a sheer, body-hugging gown by Vera Wang. The dress was thin and transparent, making her look stunning but undoubtedly cold.
"Looks like..." Gal Gadot, holding Murphy's arm, slowed their pace a bit. "Emma is trying to counter the criticisms from those people and the media."
Murphy nodded. "That's possible."
From his interactions, he knew Emma Watson was a strong-willed girl. With some people and media criticizing her for exposing too much skin and calling her a fake feminist, she might have chosen this see-through outfit for such an important event to make a statement.
Compared to past red carpet events, Murphy walked more slowly. He sensed Gal Gadot's intention, as it would be awkward for Emma Watson if they caught up to her too quickly.
Murphy and Gal Gadot strolled leisurely down the red carpet, gently waving to fans on both sides. The heavy rain pounded on the rain shelters above, making it hard to hear what the fans were shouting.
However, many held up posters of him, and Murphy smiled at them in return.
"Betrayer!"
Daisy stood among the fans on the left side of the red carpet, her eyes flashing with cold light as she looked at Murphy's familiar face. "Damn betrayer!"
Despite her thoughts, she did nothing, merely watching as Murphy and Gal Gadot walked into the media interview area in front of the Dolby Theatre.
Police were everywhere on the red carpet and along the Walk of Fame. If something happened, there was no way to escape. Even if she didn't care about that, she couldn't do anything here. They had to pass through three security checks to get in, and weapons like guns couldn't be brought inside.
"Director Stanton, the Academy has once again rejected the establishment of an Oscar for Best Stunt. What are your thoughts on this?"
In the interview area, Murphy was answering questions from reporters. Hearing this, he paused to think and then replied, "We cannot overlook the contributions of stunt performers to this industry. They deserve recognition."
The establishment of a stunt category had been proposed for many years, but gaining the conservative Academy's acceptance of stunt performers was not easy. Despite the Academy's numerous reforms this year, they once again refused to create an Oscar category for stunts.
Most of the Academy's reforms focused on existing categories.
As early as last year, the Academy made several changes to its voting rules. The most significant changes included limiting the number of actors a film could submit for acting awards and relaxing the eligibility criteria for Best Picture producers.
For the acting categories, the new rules limited each film to submitting a maximum of 20 male and 20 female actors for consideration in the acting categories.
Previously, producers or distributors could submit the entire cast for consideration.
The purpose of this change was to streamline the list of candidates provided to voters each year and avoid complications from overly complex lists. Whether the submitted actors competed for lead or supporting roles was still up to the submitting party.
Additionally, the 40 actors could be any actors from the film, not necessarily ranked according to the cast list.
For the Best Picture category, the main eligibility criteria remained unchanged. The Academy would select up to three producers per nominated film as nominees, with the option to add a fourth producer. The change occurred in the criteria for this potential fourth nominee.
Previously, a producing team had to have worked together for at least five years and produced at least five feature films to be eligible.
Now, the requirement was relaxed to having produced just two feature films.
Other category rules saw slight linguistic tweaks, and another notable change was made to the Best Original Song category. The Academy would now allow songwriters to submit songs as a group, with the award given to the team as a whole.
After briefly answering the reporter's questions, Murphy declined further interviews and, with Gal Gadot on his arm, prepared to enter the Dolby Theatre.
At that moment, a loud commotion erupted behind them, loud enough to be heard over the rain on the shelter.
Murphy turned to see Jennifer Lawrence had fallen flat on the red carpet near the media interview area. The fans gasped, and the cameras all turned towards her.
"She's grabbing the headlines again," Gal Gadot shook her head. "If I remember correctly, this is the fourth time she's fallen at an awards ceremony or on the red carpet."
Murphy smiled and turned back, leading Gal Gadot into the Dolby Theatre.
Without a chance to win major awards, this was also a good way to grab entertainment headlines.
In Santa Monica, Archbishop Marquez Costello finished his day's work and looked at the clock on the wall. It seemed to be time.
He instructed his assistant, "Turn on the TV."
The assistant was puzzled. It wasn't time for the evening news yet. Why did the Archbishop want to watch TV suddenly?
He turned on the TV, and Archbishop Costello instructed, "Switch to ABC."
Taking the remote, the assistant switched to ABC, where the Oscars were being broadcast live.
"Oh, I see." The assistant turned and glanced at Archbishop Costello, muttering, "He wants to watch Murphy Stanton."
It was well-known that Murphy Stanton had greatly embarrassed the Archbishop. A few days ago, even the Pope had called to severely reprimand the Archbishop. The assistant had been in the office and could vaguely hear words like "incompetent" and "failure."
This was not a good sign for an Archbishop.
The assistant thought that Archbishop Costello might not remain in the Southern California Diocese much longer...
Inside the Dolby Theatre, Murphy and Gal Gadot, led by staff, entered the VIP lounge where they met up with their friends.
The Stanton followers gathered together, and Margot Robbie asked, "How many Oscars do you think we'll win tonight?"
Murphy shrugged, "The more, the better."
"Not just more," Robert Downey Jr. said seriously, "We need to take home all thirteen Oscars we're nominated for!"
Everyone chuckled lightly.
After a few jokes, Gal Gadot suddenly pulled Murphy's arm, reminding him, "Leonardo DiCaprio is coming over."
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