Chapter 288: Regular Gathering

Chapter 288: Chapter 288: Regular Gathering

In a private estate in Beverly Hills, crystal chandeliers refracted warm yellow light, jazz music flowed through the air, and familiar Hollywood faces mingled amidst the rustle of silk and gleam of jewels.

This was a regular gathering during Oscar season, less a social diversion and more a silent vote-canvassing ceremony. The main creators, producers, and public relations teams of every award-contending project gathered here, subtly making their presence known.

Irene, dressed in a simple champagne-colored gown, had just entered the hall when many people smiled and raised their glasses in greeting, their eyes full of both goodwill and apprehension.

She was no longer the newcomer who needed to rely on her family’s prestige; the box office myth of Pirates of the Caribbean and the Oscar buzz for Million Dollar Baby had made her one of Hollywood’s hottest names.

The world of fame and fortune has always been realistic; no one wanted to offend a director with a blockbuster hit and a promising future, especially with the Coppola family’s connections backing her. Everyone tacitly maintained a superficial harmony.

Irene picked up a glass of champagne, her gaze sweeping the crowd, quickly landing on Rob Marshall, the director of Chicago.

She proactively stepped forward, a sincere smile on her face:

"Mr. Marshall, it’s an honor to meet you here."

Rob Marshall turned around, and seeing her, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He quickly reached out to shake her hand: "Ms. Coppola, I’ve seen your Million Dollar Baby. It’s absolutely stunning; the emotional impact is simply unforgettable."

"You’re too kind," Irene replied with a smile,

"Compared to your Chicago, I still have much to learn. To be honest, I really loved that film and even once thought about trying to adapt it, but the difficulty of a musical is simply too great, especially the dance design.

It needs to fit the character’s personality and advance the plot. That you could achieve such perfection truly earns my heartfelt admiration."

Her candor pleased Rob Marshall, and his smile grew more genuine:

"I’m very happy to receive your recognition. Actually, the core of a musical lies in expression; if the dance can accurately convey the character’s emotions, half the battle is won.

It’s the same with your Pirates of the Caribbean; every movement, every look from Jack Sparrow, brought the character’s soul to life."

The two discussed the creative challenges of musicals and character development, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Irene naturally brought up the camera work for the boxing scenes in Million Dollar Baby, and Rob Marshall generously shared his filming experience from Chicago, their words filled with mutual respect as colleagues.

Just then, an elegant figure gracefully approached—it was Nicole Kidman.

Dressed in a red velvet gown, her demeanor was radiant and captivating. She extended her hand to Irene: "Irene, I finally found you."

Irene was a little surprised and quickly replied: "Ms. Kidman, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

"I specifically came to find you." Nicole Kidman’s smile was gentle, her eyes full of sincerity,

"I absolutely love the character of Maggie in Million Dollar Baby. Her resilience, persistence, and that pure desire for a dream truly moved me deeply. To be honest, I’m quite regretful that I didn’t get the chance to play such a powerful female role."

These words surprised Irene, who quickly responded with a smile: "You’re too modest. The character of Maggie requires a kind of unpolished rawness, whereas your temperament is too elegant, better suited for a role like Virginia Woolf in The Hours."

She paused, her tone growing more sincere:

"Your performance in The Hours was truly soulful, portraying Woolf’s sensitivity, loneliness, and talent vividly. Especially the sense of brokenness in your eyes, it was heartbreakingly empathetic. I’m certain you’re the top contender for Best Actress nomination this year."

Nicole Kidman’s eyes flashed with a smile upon hearing this, but she remained modest:

"You flatter me too much; performances are mutually reinforcing. A good role can make an actor shine, just as Maggie made Hilary Swank shine.

Hilary’s performance was equally brilliant; she portrayed Maggie’s growth and struggles exquisitely, and Maggie absolutely deserves a Best Actress nomination."

The two exchanged smiles, both understanding the unspoken meaning.

The Oscar race for Best Actress was already fierce, with Nicole Kidman and Hilary Swank both strong contenders. Their mutual praise at this moment was both polite and a silent competition.

However, Irene was not Hilary herself, so she didn’t need to take the subtle provocation in the words to heart.

"By the way," Nicole Kidman changed the subject, "I’ve already recommended Million Dollar Baby to many friends in the Academy. They, like me, were moved by the film’s emotional depth. Don’t worry, good work will always be seen."

"Thank you so much." Irene sincerely thanked her.

Nicole Kidman’s connections and popularity in Hollywood should not be underestimated; her endorsement would undoubtedly provide significant assistance to Million Dollar Baby’s Oscar campaign. As for the sincerity of her words, there was no need to dwell on it.

After all, The Hours was also a hot contender for this year’s Oscar.

In the following time, people constantly came up to greet Irene, including veteran producers, popular actors, and Academy members.

Everyone praised Million Dollar Baby profusely, implicitly suggesting their support for the film’s award campaign.

Irene handled it with composure, neither appearing overly eager nor arrogant, always maintaining a graceful smile and sincere attitude.

This gathering was just a small interlude on the path to the Oscars. Whether these superficial courtesies and promises would ultimately translate into votes would depend on the film’s inherent strength and subsequent public relations efforts.

Every time she participated in such an event, it helped more Academy members remember Million Dollar Baby, and even if she was reluctant, it was a necessary step for the award campaign.

As the gathering neared its end, Irene said goodbye to Rob Marshall and Nicole Kidman once again.

Stepping out of the mansion, the evening breeze carried a hint of coolness, dispelling some of her fatigue.

She looked up at the night sky; the twinkling stars were exceptionally bright. The road to the Oscars was still long and arduous, surrounded by strong rivals and full of variables, but she was fully prepared.

Back in the car, Irene eagerly kicked off her elegant but uncomfortable high heels, exhaled deeply, and felt the soft carpet under her bare feet.

She took out her phone and sent a message to Winnie:

"The party went smoothly. My chat with Rob Marshall was pretty good. The dance design and narrative rhythm of Chicago are impeccable; they’re definitely strong contenders for Best Picture and Best Director against us. Keep a close eye on their PR moves and don’t let your guard down."

Winnie quickly replied: "Received! We’re already mapping out Chicago’s PR strategy and will adjust our tactics accordingly to push forward with our work as soon as possible, rest assured."

Irene glanced at the message and didn’t reply again.