TMZ: "Anson Wood's new project set to begin, possibly missing the Oscars."
This headline popped up on TMZ's official website.
TMZ, the gossip site that took the internet by storm last summer, has quickly grown in just six months, becoming a new hub for gossip exploration among the younger generation. All eyes are glued to it the moment it breaks news.
As Edgar said, missing the Oscars isn't a big deal. More than a few actors have declined Oscar invitations before.
Aside from big names like Woody Allen and Katharine Hepburn, who would rather stay at home than attend, scheduling conflicts are the most common reason for skipping the event.
Filming commitments, stage performances, or tours—these work obligations often leave stars unable to attend. In a choice between work and the Oscars, many pick work, and while the Academy might not like it, they have to accept it.
But... Anson Wood?
From the public's perspective, for an idol like Anson, the dream is to appear on the Oscar stage. After all, countless "idol stars" would do anything just to walk the Oscar red carpet. Even if they're just standing in a corner, their fans would be overjoyed, trembling with emotion over a single photo.
For idols, exposure and attention are often more important than their actual body of work, right?
When it comes to the Oscars, every other commitment can wait.
So, is TMZ's report completely false?
Not exactly. TMZ did add a question mark: "may miss the Oscars."
Suddenly, netizens understood. "May miss" really means, "Despite being busy with work, it's the Oscars—Anson will find a way to attend, even if just for a brief appearance."
So, is this just a publicity stunt?
On one hand, it builds Anson's professional image and increases his market value. On the other hand, he'll still show up at the ceremony, maintaining good relations with the Academy.
Managing both his image and hype, Anson wins public favor while demonstrating his skill in handling different social situations. It's a masterclass in PR.
A genius move!
TMZ's article, like a small pebble, disrupted the calm, sending ripples across the media landscape.
The Academy, however, was irritated—like they'd swallowed a fly.
Why would TMZ drop this bombshell after the Academy teased Anson's appearance at the Oscars?
No way the Academy would believe there was no behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Whether Anson attends or not, the hype has already taken off. Even the Oscars are now a stepping stone for Anson's headlines.
More importantly, the Academy has to keep its composure and act carefully.
Publicly, they ignore gossip from sites like TMZ. Behind the scenes, they maintain their distance, refusing to check in with Edgar again. After all, Anson already confirmed he'd attend, so why wouldn't he?
So, the Academy remained silent.
And as things unfolded, the Academy's assumptions seemed to be correct.
The LA Times reported: "Confirmed! Anson Wood and Kate Winslet to collaborate for the first time in Charlie Kaufman's new, untitled project."
The New York Times added: "Anson Wood is already in New York preparing for his new role, with filming expected to start next week. He might not make it to the Oscars."
Hollywood Reporter chimed in: "Anson Wood is fully immersed in his new role; the Oscars have been put on the back burner."
And Entertainment Weekly quoted Anson himself: "I'd love to attend the Oscars, but if it conflicts with my schedule, I'll prioritize my work as an actor."
The New Yorker further quoted Anson: "The Oscars are a rare opportunity, but this new project is a rare challenge. I don't want to miss out."
Step by step, the news grew more intense. But words like "might," "probably," and "depending on the situation" kept cropping up. Every article seemed to suggest that Anson would, in the end, attend the Oscars—the hottest star in Hollywood couldn't miss the industry's biggest event.
Of course, just as expected.
Netizens were smug: "We knew it."
The Academy also breathed a sigh of relief, confident in their position.
Until—
TMZ: "Breaking: Confirmed, Anson will not attend the Oscars."
Wait, is this for real?
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
The public erupted, but with skepticism—TMZ's sources still lacked authority.
Hesitation lingered until the news was officially confirmed.
The New York Times: "Anson Wood will not be attending the Oscars in three weeks—'It's unfortunate, but I believe I've made the right choice.'"
Boom. A real bombshell.
Even the New York Times made it the top story in its entertainment section.
A tidal wave of shock.
Everyone was stunned.
The shock was so overwhelming that no one knew how to respond. One by one, people fell silent, processing the news as the world seemed to spin faster.
Everyone's gaze turned to the Academy—
"Oscars, what now?"
It was like a slap in the Academy's face.
Not long ago, the Academy had been riding high, using Anson's star power to drum up excitement, smiling while soaking up the attention.
Now, with those smiles still lingering, the slap landed, leaving them stunned.
Of course, the Academy wasn't completely blindsided.
How could they be?
Edgar had formally notified the Academy by email, expressing regret and disappointment. He stressed how much Anson wanted to attend the Oscars but ultimately had to prioritize his work, thanking the Academy for the invitation.
With such heartfelt sincerity, the Academy had no choice but to keep quiet—swallowing their pride.
Edgar's approach left no room for further discussion. What more could the Academy say?
What really embarrassed the Academy was how quickly the news leaked.
Right after Edgar informed them of Anson's decision, the Academy was frustrated but not overly concerned. After all, the Oscars would still be full of stars; losing one wouldn't hurt. They just needed to come up with a strategy to maintain their dignity—
No rush, they'd been flaunting Anson's appearance for a while.
But before they could strategize, the news leaked.
First TMZ, then the New York Times. The Academy couldn't believe Edgar wasn't behind it, and suddenly they were caught in a very public firestorm.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place.