"Welcome back. The band's performance has taken up almost all of Hugo's time—what a shame." Jay said comfortably as he sat in his seat. The moment these words came out, the live audience let out a wave of groans, which made Jay smile smugly. "Don't worry, we'll find a way. Lately, he amazed countless people in a spectacular film, Scent of a Woman, including Al Pacino himself, and also reminded us of his ups and downs over the past year. Let's welcome Hugo Lancaster!"
Although the studio held fewer than two hundred people, at that moment everyone began screaming, whistling, and clapping, turning the place into a scene straight out of a carnival. Hugo waved his hand as he entered from the left side of the studio; as the curtain was pulled back, his tall figure appeared. He wore a simple grey checkered suit with a white shirt, no tie, the top two buttons undone, walking into the studio with youthful energy.
In an instant, the screams climbed like a piano scale rising note by note, making one wonder if the roof would collapse or if someone's voice would break. Hugo finally realized that the fans he met at the studio entrance weren't a dream this was all real. Though he didn't have many fans yet maybe just a dozen this kind of beginning was already pretty good. What more could Hugo ask for?
Maybe more, but at least not right now.
Hugo had only taken a couple of steps when he noticed a massive golden statue standing at center stage. He couldn't help but stop in his tracks and look up at the statue it was a giant raspberry about twice the size of a person! Simply put, it was a blown-up version of the Golden Raspberry Award. A wide grin spread across Hugo's face this was just too unbelievable.
He walked onto the stage, where Jay came forward and gave him a hug, but Hugo still couldn't take his eyes off the massive raspberry. "Good to see you, my friend," Jay said with a smile. As soon as he spoke, the crowd let out another round of excited screams.
Hugo sat down on the couch, facing Jay across the table, with a microphone placed between them. But before Hugo could get a good look at his surroundings, he was already feeling a little embarrassed by all the screaming. He still wasn't used to situations like this it all seemed to be happening too fast. Hugo felt like his feet were floating, as if a gust of wind could lift him off the ground. "Wow, are all these screams really for me?" Hugo asked in amazement.
"Oh no, it's all because of that giant raspberry. Everyone just… loves it too much." Jay's tease made the studio erupt in laughter, including Hugo. "Yes, all this enthusiastic cheering is for your arrival."
"This is really unexpected," Hugo said, taking a deep breath. "When I came in just now, there was a lady who gave me a hug it made me feel much more at ease." Hugo pointed toward the entrance. "But—but I didn't know if that was just for me or something all guests get." Jay followed Hugo's gesture with his gaze. "Look, there's a 'Hug Here' sign over there."
Sure enough, in the audience, a lady held up a sign half her height that read "Hug Here," with an arrow pointing downward. As Hugo and Jay looked over, the woman stood up excitedly, her face glowing with a warm smile, and everyone around her applauded the atmosphere was especially lively.
"I thought that was written just for me," Jay joked. "Good thing I didn't act on it, or I'd be getting a lawyer's letter tomorrow." Jay's remark sent the crowd into another fit of laughter. But he quickly turned back to focus on Hugo. "So here's the thing. Your performance in Scent of a Woman was amazing. It almost reminded us of that tearful moment from you back in January. How does it feel?"
Hugo shrugged. "I think… it's all just so wonderful. I need to—do I need to work up some more tears?" Hugo smiled, speaking slightly faster than usual, which gave away his inner nervousness. "If it's needed, I can try, because the cheers here are making my eyes feel a bit warm."
Hugo's gracious self-deprecating humor brought another wave of laughter from the audience, and even the host Jay was beaming. "That must've been tough. From a terrible situation a year ago to a strong comeback now."
"Yes, yes." Hugo nodded and let out a long breath, trying to calm himself under the blazing attention from all directions. But it didn't quite work. "I think, compared to filming a movie, getting a job is more of a struggle. You know, employment is never that easy especially after you start selling raspberries."
"Hahahaha..." Jay couldn't hold back and burst into laughter before continuing, "Exactly. But in my opinion, this job isn't easy at all. I mean, you were acting opposite Al Pacino. Wow, Al Pacino! That's The Godfather!"
"Yes, that's right. I was super nervous the first time I met Al. I kept thinking, 'I'm a good guy, please don't hit me. Don't.'" As the conversation continued, Hugo's nervousness finally started to ease a bit, though his mind was still in a very excited state, so he kept talking just a bit faster than usual.
"Oh, he wouldn't hit you he'd just kill you." Jay was joking about the Italian mafia style portrayed in The Godfather, which drew another burst of laughter from the audience. "But what I mean is, working with Al can't be easy. If it were me, I'd be thinking, 'Oh God, it's Al Pacino. Oh man, what do I do? What do I do?' To the point where I couldn't work at all. I'd even doubt whether I could speak properly."
Jay's exaggerated imitation made Hugo laugh heartily. He pursed his lips and said, "I know what you mean. But that's what actors do, right? Once you're in character, you are the person in the story. And Al isn't that legendary actor we all know in real life. So once I fully immersed myself, it became easier. Of course, Al helped a lot."
"Al offered you help on set?" Jay followed up. "I thought you'd have to trade something for that or only family members got help." He was still joking about The Godfather.
Hugo caught on and chuckled. "I did have to trade something. When acting with Al, I wasn't allowed to tremble otherwise the footage would look weird, you know? A successful movie can't have that." Hugo's joke made Jay slap the table and laugh loudly. "Yes, Al did give me guidance. He's a great actor. Being able to work with him I really learned a lot."
"Wow, I'm sure he taught you a ton of stuff. You know, going from Hudson Hawk to Scent of a Woman that's a huge leap." Jay even mock-wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead, triggering yet another round of laughter from the audience.
Hugo laughed too and said, "Yes, it took a lot of strength." That kind of self-deprecating courage always multiplies the effectiveness of a joke.
"Working with Al was already incredible, but not long ago, you worked with another legendary actor Jack Nicholson." Jay had barely finished his sentence before the sound of whistles filled the air. It was clear just how revered Jack Nicholson was in the hearts of American audiences.
"Jack Nicholson!" Hugo joined in the cheering with everyone else. "Yes, it was truly an honor. It even made me wonder if this little thing brought me good luck." Hugo pointed at the raspberry statue in front of him, drawing another wave of laughter from the crowd Jay even collapsed onto the table laughing.
"Jack, Jack. When you saw Jack Nicholson, didn't you tremble with nerves? I mean, come on, that's Jack!" Jay rambled on, and it was easy to sense his genuine admiration for Jack Nicholson.
"Of course, especially since I was late. I was absolutely terrified." Hugo confessed his mistake on the first day of filming. "I wasn't just trembling I felt like my muscles had stiffened completely. I couldn't even move." At this point, Hugo had finally returned to normal, fully immersed in the conversation. Naturally, the nervousness no longer dominated, but his faster-than-usual speech made it obvious how excited he was.
"Late? Whoa, that's not good news." Jay exclaimed. "Did that affect your collaboration with Jack?"
"Uh, are you sure it's appropriate for me to talk about another movie here?" Hugo wrinkled his nose in mock distress. Today's appearance was supposed to promote Scent of a Woman, and now they were talking about A Few Good Men. That felt a bit inappropriate, even though it had been confirmed for a December release, which would come with its own press tour.
Jay spread his hands. "Well then, are you sure it was appropriate to go from winning a Razzie to working with Al and Jack within a year? That's enough to drive any actor mad with envy." Then he paused, blinked, and added, "Including me."
"Hahahahaha…" Another burst of laughter erupted. Hugo, grinning widely, said, "Thanks to the Razzie." The implication being that it was the Razzie that somehow paved the way for his two incredible collaborations this year. The crowd's laughter was quickly followed by a round of applause.
Not everyone has the courage to face the Golden Raspberry Awards, and even fewer have the strength to accept winning one with grace and a healthy attitude.
.....
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