In the film industry, screenwriters definitely don't hold as high a status as they do in television, after all, the final effect presented is determined by the director.
A good script paired with a bad director can produce a bad film, conversely, a bad script paired with a good director can still produce a good film.
However, this doesn't apply much to Eric, because once he writes a relatively detailed script...
Whether it's the director, co-screenwriter, or script doctor, they will at most only refine and modify details, but they will definitely not alter the main framework or plot direction; some important scenes are even often filmed exactly as written.
After all, the stories he takes seriously are all excellent and very mature, having been validated on the big screen in later generations.
Experienced directors have good judgment, and new directors don't dare to mess with it, which results in directors becoming his puppets, a complete reversal of roles.
So, theoretically, his awards are actually the most valuable, at least the most representative of the screenwriting community.
This year's nominee, Eric, is entering for the second time, but he was nominated for two films at once.
Last year, he was also nominated for get out and blue is the warmest color, so he has actually received four nominations and won one award.
The person with the most Oscar nominations in history is Woody Allen, currently with fifteen nominations and two wins.
Eric still has some way to go to catch up with the Old Man, but if he can win this time, he will also make history, becoming the first to win Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars for two consecutive years.
Charlie Kaufman is on his third nomination but has not yet won; the others are similar, with one or two nominations but no wins.
On the big screen, Eric looked at the stage calmly, while the others were somewhat nervous, either pursing their lips or clenching their fists, surely shouting in their hearts, "I want to win!"
However, reality is often cruel, as Scarlett Johansson opened the envelope.
After a glance, she let out a soft "Wow!": "It seems the judges chose the mind-bending Inception team; the winner is Eric Cooper for Inception."
Whoosh!
Clap clap clap!
Instantly, the applause in the entire Kodak Theatre reached its peak, whether out of genuine admiration or just to be polite.
The entire crew of Inception stood up, Eric hugged everyone one by one, and then kissed Nicole and Theron respectively.
During such celebratory moments, a kiss is just a kiss, and it's a different matter from a scandal.
Amidst the envious glances of the other nominees, he walked onto the stage with ease.
He received the Oscar statuette and hugged the presenters.
Unexpectedly, Scarlett Johansson actively leaned in for a kiss, so Eric reluctantly kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, thank you for your applause, I've received your blessings."
"Thank you to the Academy for choosing me. Compared to the other three films, Inception might not be as artistic, but writing it truly killed a lot of my brain cells."
"Sometimes I even feel like I'm dreaming, writing and then having to go back and check."
"What? This is the third layer of the dream? Isn't Cobb the dream owner?"
"Forget it, even I got confused!"
Hahahaha.
At this moment, Scarlett suddenly leaned in and asked: "Eric, I have a question I want to ask you, actually representing what the general audience wants to ask you."
Generally speaking, award winners' speech times are limited; the smaller the award, the shorter the time, and the presenters will only watch from the side and not interrupt.
Eric paused slightly: "OK!"
"The film's ending freezes on the spinning top. So, did Cobb really return to reality?"
"What do you think about that question?"
"I'm asking you precisely because I don't know! You're the director and screenwriter, responsible for guiding actors like me."
Looking at the charming Scarlett, who kept winking, Nicole and Theron exchanged glances and simultaneously cursed under their breath: "Bitch!"
"He went back. Cobb returned to reality. The children showing their faces is the best proof."
"But what about the spinning top?"
"That's the director's little trick."
Scarlett Johansson smiled and gently patted Eric.
"Super bitch!"
After finishing their acceptance speeches, the two walked backstage together.
"Did the show ask you to ask that?"
The Black Widow shrugged: "Otherwise? They hope to boost ratings through you."
"Alright, Scarlett, are you interested in a collaboration?"
The other party stopped: "I remember you're filming Dragon Ball, aren't you? Are you starting a new project so soon?"
"No, I'm not directing it, but I will set the framework for the story." Eric pointed to the Oscar statuette in his hand.
"Are you interested in a Marvel movie? I want you to play a female agent, a superhero?"
The Black Widow understood: "A Marvel movie? But I haven't read the comics, so I'm not very familiar with the story."
"It's okay, you just need to show your beauty. It's a very charming role."
"What about the filming schedule?"
"The project is expected to start around June this year."
Scarlett thought for a moment: "With such a big boss like you personally inviting me, and my schedule being open in June, it seems I don't have many reasons to refuse."
After securing Black Widow backstage, Eric felt that this role had to go to Scarlett Johansson; it just wouldn't feel right with anyone else.
Thinking about the Black Widow solo movie that came out later, Marvel clearly wanted the second generation to take over the Black Widow's position, but unfortunately, the audience didn't buy it.
Just like Iron Man and Captain America, Scarlett Johansson's version is simply too deeply ingrained in people's hearts.
Instead of creating a second-generation Black Widow, it would be better to directly introduce a new hero; the audience's acceptance might even be higher.
In short, either don't replace the person, or if you must replace them, then directly introduce a new hero.
Abandoning the benefits of old heroes might make the beginning more difficult, but once it's achieved, it will completely usher in a new era, another decade.
Returning to his seat with the Oscar statuette, Eric's expression immediately turned grim as soon as he sat down, because the soft flesh on both sides of his waist was pinched.
"Why did it take you so long to come back?"
"What were you and Scarlett Johansson doing backstage? Others come back in a minute or two, but you two took over five minutes."
"Ouch, don't pinch, the camera's coming."
The three immediately resumed their focused expressions, looking at the stage. Once the camera passed, the two hands pinched him again.
"I think you two are crazy with jealousy. What could I do in five minutes? You don't know my combat power? At least an hour to start."
"Bastard! You two can arrange a time first. That bitch was seducing you."
"That's right, look at her smiling so flirtatiously, she clearly wants to hook you into bed."
"It was all requested by the production team. We just chatted for a few minutes, the purpose was to invite her to play a Marvel role."
"Really?"
"It couldn't be more real, I promise."
"Hmph!"
"Hmph hmph!"
"The camera's coming again. Let's talk about it when we get home."
Only then did the two release their grip, but suspicion flickered in their eyes, clearly not believing him.
Eric was helpless; his own past was not clean, and being too outstanding was also a sin.
Even if you can guarantee your self-discipline, you can't stop excellent women from flocking to you like a tide. I just made a mistake that all men in the world make.
Make a mistake, then correct it! Correct it, then make it again! Tempering through countless trials!
At this moment, the award for Best Cinematography began on stage. The nominees were: Robert Richardson for the aviator, Zhao Xiaoding for House of Flying Daggers, Caleb Deschanel for the passion of the christ, John Mathieson for The Phantom of the Opera, and Bruno Delbonnel for A Very Long Engagement.
House of Flying Daggers' only nomination.
Unfortunately, neither of the two films won; it ultimately went to the aviator.
Then came Best Makeup, which was won by la vie en rose.
In the film, Nicole's character, Piaf, aged from her teens to her fifties, with unique makeup for each stage.
Moreover, the film meticulously restored the fashion culture of France at that time, and even used makeup techniques to make Nicole, who is 180cm tall, appear petite.
With all these factors, the win was not surprising.
A similar situation occurred a few years later with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where the male protagonist's life was portrayed from old man to child, and it also won the Oscar for Best Makeup that year.
Best Original Score went to Finding Neverland. Inception's score was relatively less grand, and Hans Zimmer only received a nomination.
Then came the three major technical awards: Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
Even facing the onslaught of excellent films like Peter Parker, The Sorcerer, Robots, and The Polar Express, Inception still swept all three nominations, taking them all home.
Especially the Best Visual Effects award was absolutely undisputed; the mirror world effect in the film could still dominate most films even ten years later.
It was a shame for the hunger games, which only received one nomination for Best Visual Effects, and was ultimately defeated by its own people.
On stage, Jake Gyllenhaal and Zhang Ziyi appeared together. They were presenting the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
From their opening, it was clear there was a difference. Jake Gyllenhaal appeared poised and confident, having served as a presenter many times before.
But it was Zhang Ziyi's first time, and her nervousness made her speech unnatural; Eric remembered her English being quite good, yet she fumbled here.
"Writers provide excellent stories, and screenwriters are responsible for adapting those stories into screenplays. Here are the nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay."
"Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor for Sideways; David Magee for Finding Neverland; Paul Haggis for Million Dollar Baby."
"José Rivera for The Motorcycle Diaries; Eric Cooper for la vie en rose."
On the big screen, Eric's portrait was projected once again.
Compared to the ultimate awards like Best Actor and Best Actress, this award was also a focal point for media and audience attention.
Because if he won it, it would undoubtedly be a history-making achievement.
From the first Academy Awards in 1929 until now, no one has ever simultaneously won two screenplay awards at the same ceremony.
Let alone winning, two nominations haven't even happened.
So Eric has actually already made history; it just remains to be seen if he can create an even greater miracle.
Beside him, Nicole and Theron looked distraught, even more worried than Eric himself.
Jake Gyllenhaal made a gesture to invite her, and Zhang Ziyi opened the envelope. Remembering Eric Cooper's humiliation of her, she screamed in her heart, "Please don't be him, please don't be that bastard."
But often, things don't go as planned. The moment she saw the name, she was completely stunned.
Her lips trembled slightly, and Zhang Ziyi forced a smile as she announced: "The winner is Eric Cooper for la vie en rose."
Immediately, the entire venue erupted again, even more so than when Cate Blanchett won Best Supporting Actress just moments before.
A new record was born, and it was a record that was almost impossible for anyone to break.
Unless someone could be nominated for four films simultaneously and also win.
Wake up, do you really think the Oscars are run by your family?
Standing up, Eric embraced Nicole, and their kiss was projected onto the big screen. One could vaguely see tongues, and the cheering immediately rose by several decibels.
He took the trophy from Zhang Ziyi's hand, not noticing her awkwardness.
It's been over two years, with beautiful women around him every day; you wouldn't remember either.
"Phew, honestly, I'm very excited. Actually, a nomination is already great; I absolutely didn't dare to hope for a win."
"So, thank you very much to the judges. Your choice has made history. This is a beautiful night."
"I must thank Nicole. She is excellent, and her acting is evident to all. I hope she can be as lucky as I am."
"And Howard, he is a film master. Without him, no matter how good the script is, it would be useless."
"Thank you everyone. This trophy is thanks to your contributions."
Amidst the sound of a chanson, Eric walked off the stage.
As he passed the hunger games crew, the Oscar statuette was snatched by Gadot.
All the trophies Eric won were kept by her; she couldn't win them herself, so she could only satisfy her eyes and hands.
Subsequently, Cate Blanchett won Best Supporting Actress for the aviator. The Great Demon King was at the peak of her beauty, looking absolutely stunning today.
Best Editing was also won by the aviator. Inception only received a nomination; otherwise, Eric would have been on stage three times.
Best Actor went to Jamie Foxx, who, relying on his transcendent performance in Ray, defeated Old Man Dongmu, Little Li, Johnny Depp, and the future War Machine, Don Cheadle.
The camera even gave a special close-up to Leonardo DiCaprio. Although he clapped and offered congratulations, the disappointment in his eyes was evident to everyone.
Little Li: "Oh, Oscar, Oscar, what will it take for you to give me one?"
Academy: "Hmph! You were too arrogant back then. Go wait another ten years!"
After Jamie Foxx left the stage, last year's Best Actor, Sean Penn, came up.
He directly and unhappily fired at the host, Chris Rock: "Some people don't know who Jude Law is, let me tell him."
"Jude Law is an excellent actor. He is dedicated, serious, and a great performer. I am honored to work with such an actor."
Without further ado, he immediately announced: "The nominees for Best Actress are: Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby, Kate Winslet for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
"Annette Bening for Being Julia, Imelda Staunton for Vera Drake, Nicole Kidman for la vie en rose."
"And the winner is — Nicole Kidman for la vie en rose!"