Chapter 313: A New Legend

Chapter 313: Chapter 313: A New Legend

Francis Ford Coppola stood before the microphone, his fingertips gently stroking the golden envelope as his gaze slowly swept across the packed audience.

Time had etched steady marks upon his face, yet it did not diminish the aura of the legendary director in the slightest.

"It has been exactly twelve years since the last time I stood on this stage." His voice carried through the speakers across the Kodak Theatre, tinged with emotion. "Over these years, the Oscars have changed a lot, yet they have never changed. They have always cheered for truly excellent films. Every year, so many talented creators bring their heart’s work here, and that is precisely the charm of cinema."

A wave of gentle applause rose from the audience. Many veteran filmmakers felt a sense of resonance. They had witnessed the changes in Hollywood and knew well the hardships behind every outstanding film.

Francis raised his hand to signal for silence, and as the applause faded, he continued, "Next, let us look back at the brilliant moments from this year’s five Best Picture nominees. They may vary greatly in style, but they all use the lens to tell the most moving stories."

As soon as he finished speaking, the large screen in the center of the stage lit up. A magnificent song and dance clip from Chicago flashed first, drawing gasps of admiration with its brisk rhythm and exquisite stage design. Next was a street brawl from Gangs of New York, its rugged texture and intense sense of conflict making people hold their breath. Then came the intertwined lives of three women in The Hours, its delicate emotional delivery striking directly at the heart. In The Pianist, a lonely figure amidst the ruins of war appeared, with shocking power hidden beneath the quiet lens. Finally, a clip from Million Dollar Baby appeared: Maggie drenched in sweat on the boxing ring, Frankie’s loneliness as he wiped his gloves alone, and Eddie’s silent protection. Every frame condensed the most authentic emotions, and the applause from the audience instantly became exceptionally enthusiastic.

After the clips finished playing, Francis picked up the envelope again, the smile on his face growing more solemn. "Next, we are about to reveal the 75th Academy Awards, Best Picture!"

He slowly tore open the envelope, pulled out the card, and cast his gaze toward Irene in the front row again, the pride in his eyes no longer able to be concealed.

After a two-second pause, he announced clearly and powerfully: "Million Dollar Baby!"

"Boom!" Thundering applause and cheers instantly erupted within the Kodak Theatre, lasting for a long time.

The entire audience stood up in unison, forming a surging tide of people to pay tribute to this 22-year-old young director and her team.

Irene was stunned for a moment before tears welled up in her eyes. She turned to hug Hilary tightly and was then surrounded by Robert De Niro, Hill Cook, and other key creators, everyone’s face beaming with excitement and joy.

Nicolas Cage patted her back hard, his voice choked with emotion. "I knew it! I knew you could do it!"

Irene took a deep breath, straightened her skirt, and walked toward the stage one step at a time.

Every step was firm and steady, as if measuring the distance from dream to reality.

When she reached her father, she could no longer hold back and threw her arms around Francis, her grip so tight it almost choked him. She whispered in his ear, "Dad, I’m so happy you could be here."

Francis patted his daughter’s back, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible choking. "I’m proud of you, Irene."

Accepting the heavy Best Picture Oscar statuette, Irene turned to face the microphone. The applause from the audience remained enthusiastic.

She raised her hand to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes, a brilliant and candid smile appearing on her face. "Thank you, everyone. First, I want to thank my father, Francis Ford Coppola. When I was a child, I was always hanging around his sets, watching everything he gave for cinema. It was he who made me fall in love with this industry. Today, for you to be standing here to present this award to me is the best gift I have ever received."

Applause rang out again. Francis stood to the side, his eyes full of gratification.

"I want to thank every creator of Million Dollar Baby." Irene’s gaze swept over the team in the audience. "Thank you, Robert De Niro. You brought the character of Frankie to life. Thank you, Morgan Freeman. Your steadiness added so much strength to the film. Thank you, Hill Cook. Your editing made the story even more fluid and moving. And most of all, thank you, Hilary Swank."

She looked at Hilary in the audience, her eyes full of sincerity. "It was you who, with your talent, gave life to Maggie. We endured countless days and nights together, polishing every detail together. This award belongs half to you."

Hilary, already in tears, clapped her hands vigorously.

"I also want to thank my agent Shelly, every member of Echo Pictures, and all the audience members and judges who supported this film." Irene paused, her tone becoming even firmer. "Some said 22 is too young to film such heavy subject matter. Some said it’s hard for a female director to handle stories about the grassroots and boxing. But I want to say that age and gender have never been limitations. As long as you have passion and persistence, you can make works that touch people’s hearts."

"Finally, I want to dedicate this award to every ordinary person who holds on through hardship." She raised the Oscar statuette, her smile dazzling. "Just like Maggie, no matter how hard life is, as long as there is light in your heart, you will surely find your own glory. Thank you, Oscar, and thank you, everyone!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the entire venue erupted in thundering applause once more. Confetti cannons fired, and golden paper scraps drifted from the sky like starlight, covering the entire Kodak Theatre.

Hilary, Hill Cook, Robert De Niro, and the other creators all walked onto the stage, surrounding Irene. Together, they held up the Oscar statuette, their faces radiant with the smiles of victory.

The cameras captured this historic moment. 22-year-old Irene Coppola, with Million Dollar Baby, swept four major awards: Best Picture, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Editing. She became the biggest winner of this year’s Oscars and also set the record for the youngest Best Picture producer in Oscar history.

On stage, everyone embraced and wept. Off stage, the applause and cheers continued without end.

Francis Ford Coppola stood in a corner, watching his daughter surrounded by the crowd, a proud smile appearing on his lips.

Every corner of Hollywood was witnessing the birth of a new legend.

As the host Steve Martin announced the successful conclusion of the 75th Academy Awards ceremony, the cheers inside the Kodak Theatre reached their peak.

Irene stood in the center of the stage, clutching the Oscar statuette tightly, feeling the confetti in the air and the enthusiastic applause. Her heart was incredibly firm. This was not the end, but the starting point of her film empire.

In the future, she would take this honor and passion to film more movies with warmth and power, writing a profound Chapter belonging to Irene Coppola in the history of Hollywood.