[Chapter 287: This Is Not the End]
After nearly four years of growth, Lion Corleone Group had produced and distributed a total of 11 theatrical films, including the still screening Chicago.
They had gathered a large number of excellent producers and directors like Gore Verbinski, Spike Lee, James Wong, and Nolan, along with experienced industry executives such as Kevin Feige, Lawrence Bender, Patrick Patrick Whitesell, and Michael Ovitz.
They had basically established a strong, well-rounded production team and developed both online and offline distribution channels across North America, including innovative e-commerce platforms.
Lion Corleone had also made effective explorations in television production.
Even more exciting, following the production of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Weta Digital was expected to assist Lion Corleone's yet-to-be-established Corleone animation division to lay the foundation for a series of outstanding bedtime story feature animated films.
According to Charlie's original vision, reaching this milestone was already quite an achievement. The next phase of Lion Corleone's development strategy would mainly involve collaborating with major studios like Disney, Universal, and Fox on projects including Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean, aiming to share profits and ensure Lion Corleone's growth amidst fierce competition.
But luck was always on the protagonist's side.
---
Midway through his career, Charlie met Bobby Shriver, whose mother was part of the Kennedy family. Although the peak of that family's influence had faded after various scandals, as an old political dynasty, they still held considerable sway within American law enforcement. They also had a rich history in Hollywood.
Through cautious connection, especially leveraging the ties between Charlie's own Italian heritage groups and the Irish-American Kennedy family, they eventually formed a solid partnership. Besides the Kennedy family friendship, Charlie also had connections to the Canadian Trumm family, Frank Gusta -- a prominent donor with ties to current White House tenant -- the Las Vegas pioneer Kirk Kerkorian, California's Corola family, the once-wealthy Joseph family in Europe, and some groups in Southeast Asia.
These friendships helped Lion Corleone and Charlie establish a strong foothold and widespread influence across various regions. This success was largely unexpected by Charlie at the beginning.
But nothing thrilled Charlie more than Amazon!
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This e-commerce giant seemed to rise overnight like a storm. As its shares soared, through some beneficial exchanges, Charlie quickly gained recognition from the West Coast's major financial consortiums, Bank of America, and Wall Street institutions like Morgan Stanley.
Diluting Amazon shares brought in substantial capital, which basically covered the construction of the Corleone and Lion theaters and the Lion Corleone Group headquarters. As a result, Lion Corleone's financials almost completely wiped out all debts and loans.
Moreover, Lion Corleone had reached several agreements with financial institutions, which planned to use nearly $100 million to acquire remaining shares and help Lion Corleone consolidate channels in the UK, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand, creating a modest but unified Corleone International distribution company.
On this basis, Lion Corleone intended to collaborate with Fox, Disney, MGM, Paramount, and Universal within a joint international film distribution company.
Those financial institutions, besides thanking Charlie for transferring Amazon shares, were eager to see Lion Corleone go public soon, hoping to gain millions or even hundreds of millions through financial operations surrounding the IPO. Not to mention the returns from operating Amazon shares.
In summary, the tidal wave of the internet era had propelled Lion Corleone's development onto the fast track, far exceeding Charlie's expectations.
---
At this moment, thinking about all this, Charlie felt incredibly joyful. He gently rubbed Annabelle's shoulder and smiled warmly as he looked toward the stage.
Last year, Robin Williams, who had just won Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting, was cheerfully announcing the nominees for Best Supporting Actress. "Let's see who got these nominations," he said.
On the screen behind the stage appeared actresses including Kathy Bates. Of course, Rachel Weisz, also nominated, nervously clasped her hands to her chest, waiting for Robin's announcement.
At this Oscars, Saving Private Ryan and Chicago were the only two films receiving more than ten nominations. Just moments ago, Saving Private Ryan had won four technical awards, while Chicago had only won Best Costume Design.
Actors and insiders expected that with Chicago's reputation and heavy promotion, trophies were certain. If the technical awards went to Saving Private Ryan, then...
Sure enough, Robin Williams said with a smile and loud voice, "Best Supporting Actress goes to Rachel Weisz!"
The audience erupted in cheers. Charlie applauded but avoided looking at Annabelle, who wore a sly smile.
Amidst all the attention, Rachel embraced members of the Chicago team one by one. Finally, hesitating slightly, she glanced at Charlie, took a deep breath, and hurried over to give him a light hug before rushing to the stage to deliver her excited speech.
"She's truly grateful to you, Charlie," Annabelle teased as she watched the stage. "What do you think?"
"Think what?" Charlie replied calmly.
"You pushed her to this height. You could use that gratitude and other emotions to bind her tightly."
Charlie shrugged with a smile, "That was the past, darling. I wove that web before. Now, I only have blessings for her. I've put all my energy into you. I think you've felt that these days. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I also spoke to your father about our engagement. Lion Corleone is about to go public, and Charlie Corleone has truly grown up. Besides my career, all I think about now is marriage, children, and a happy life."
"Marriage? Oh, you should've talked to me earlier; I'm not prepared at all," Annabelle said, immediately intrigued and forgetting Charlie's previous romantic escapades.
The awards ceremony continued.
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Unsurprisingly, the final Best Picture award was announced by Harrison Ford with a smile: "Congratulations to Chicago!"
Spike Lee, Lawrence Bender, Martin Richards, and Charlie walked briskly onto the stage. After the two delivered brief, excited acceptance speeches, Charlie calmly held the trophy and resolutely said into the microphone, "Thank you, thank you to all partners at Lion Corleone Group and the Academy for awarding this Best Picture Oscar to Chicago. This is the first Best Picture Oscar for Corleone Studios. I believe this is not the end!"
*****
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