March 23, 2003 — Evening in Los Angeles, at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.
Countless reporters crowded around the theater entrance, their cameras and flashes forming an unbroken wall of light. The Oscars — Hollywood's grandest annual celebration — had once again drawn the eyes of the entire world.
It wasn't just Western media covering the event tonight. Journalists from China, Japan, Korea, and nearly every corner of the globe had gathered here, each hoping to capture the most attention-grabbing headlines.
A long red carpet stretched across the entrance, already rolled out in anticipation. In a little while, the stars attending tonight's ceremony would walk this carpet, showing off their glamour before heading inside.
And to shine on this red carpet, every celebrity came prepared — dressed to impress, each outfit carefully chosen to stand out.
For the reporters, this was a gold mine — a chance to catch the perfect shot, the perfect scoop. They waited eagerly, like sharks scenting blood in the water.
A reporter from the Los Angeles Times said, "I heard Catherine Zeta-Jones had a custom-made semi-sheer gown tonight. That woman's fearless — make sure you grab plenty of shots; the audience is gonna love it."
"She's stunning, sure," said a New York Times reporter, "but I'm more of a Jennifer Connelly fan. There's something so elegant and understated about her beauty. Ever since Once Upon a Time in America, I've been smitten. I heard she's wearing a white lace embroidered gown tonight."
"My pick's Cameron Diaz," a Chicago Post reporter chimed in. "Total sweetheart. She's my goddess."
A Japanese reporter from Asahi Shimbun, overhearing their chat, muttered softly in Japanese, "No taste at all. Those Hollywood actresses are just pretty faces. I still like Luke — now he's the real deal."
A Korean reporter from The Chosun Ilbo caught the name and leaned over. "I didn't understand all that, but did you say Luke? You're a fan too?"
"Of course! Luke-san is Japan's superstar — we absolutely adore him!" she replied excitedly.
"What do you mean Japan's superstar?" a Chinese reporter from CNTV immediately objected. "He's Chinese!"
"Fine, fine — he's the pride of all East Asians," the Japanese reporter said sheepishly.
"Exactly! Luke's the best. He's the one I'm most excited to see tonight," said the Korean reporter.
"Agreed — he's the pride of Asia!"
Before long, the trio — Chinese, Japanese, and Korean reporters — who rarely agreed on anything, were suddenly united in admiration. For once, they all shared the same sentiment: Luke belonged to them all.
"When do you think Luke-san will show up?" the Japanese reporter asked.
"Not anytime soon," said the Korean. "Someone at his level won't show up early."
"True," said the Chinese reporter. "He's in two films this year — wonder which co-star he'll walk with? Hero or Pirates of the Caribbean?"
"Good question," said the Japanese reporter. "I'm hoping for Anne. I've seen all their short films together — they're perfect as a pair."
"I bet he'll choose a Chinese actress, though. He's really close to Zhang Ziyu — my money's on her," the Chinese reporter replied.
"We'll see soon enough. Look! Someone's coming!" said the Korean reporter.
The first figure to step onto the red carpet was a tall man in a black tuxedo — Denzel Washington. The Academy Award–winning actor, director, and producer made an instant impression as the flashes erupted.
Click!
Click!
Cameras went wild, flashes bursting nonstop until the light was blinding. But Denzel, ever the seasoned pro, was calm and composed. He stopped to pose confidently, waved to the press with that signature charm, then strode to the signature wall at the end of the carpet and autographed his name before heading inside.
"That's what you call star power," the Asahi Shimbun reporter said in awe. "So poised, so effortless."
"I wonder if Luke will have an even stronger presence when he shows up," mused the Chosun Ilbo reporter.
"Of course he will," said the CNTV reporter confidently. "Compared to the high-stakes situations he's faced before, this red carpet is nothing. He'll be calm as ever."
"Someone else is coming!"
The cameras swung back toward the entrance — a young blonde woman in a pale yellow gown had stepped onto the carpet. She looked to be in her early twenties, sweet-faced yet subtly sensual, with a touch of Marilyn Monroe about her.
"Who's that?" someone whispered.
"I think that's Scarlett Johansson — a newcomer," another answered.
"Does she even have a movie in contention tonight?"
"Nope. Probably just walking the carpet to get her name out there."
"Should we bother shooting her?"
"Eh, take a few shots. If she weren't so pretty, I wouldn't even bother."
Compared to the frenzy over Denzel, the flashes were noticeably fewer. That's Hollywood — when you're hot, the media can't get enough of you. When you're not, they barely look your way.
As the evening went on, stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Connelly, and Cameron Diaz made their entrances, each one a vision of glamour. The competition for attention was fierce — every gown, every smile, every pose more dazzling than the last. Film reels spun, shutters clicked, and gasps filled the air.
Then, suddenly, a stir rippled through the crowd.
"What's happening?"
"The Pirates of the Caribbean crew just arrived!"
"Do you see Luke?"
"No, not yet."
"He's not walking with Anne?"
"Nope, Anne came with director Verbinski."
"That's a shame. But wow — she looks amazing tonight."
Anne glided down the red carpet in a stunning red gown that flowed like a blooming rose. Already tall, she towered even higher in diamond-studded heels, elegant and radiant. Jewels sparkled across her neckline, her makeup flawless. The soft sweep of her dress and the crisp rhythm of her heels turned every head she passed, radiating confidence and grace.
The red carpet that year was truly a battlefield of beauty and brilliance.