Chapter 381: Milan Fashion Week

Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Milan Fashion Week

"I know what I am doing." Sophia interrupted her, her tone firm.

"Getting five nominations this time is already a huge achievement for me. Last time you reminded me to look objectively at the gap between my film and The Lord of the Rings 3, I went and talked to quite a few friends in the industry, including some Academy voters. Everyone’s opinion is about the same; the biggest winner this year, barring any surprises, will be The Lord of the Rings 3."

She picked up her tablet and pulled up the nomination comparison between Lost in Translation and The Lord of the Rings 3.

"Look, The Lord of the Rings 3 got 11 nominations, covering all core categories like Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is comprehensively ahead in terms of production scale, narrative scope, and technical achievements. My Lost in Translation is a low-budget art-house film focusing on themes of loneliness and alienation. While delicate and moving, it cannot shake the position of The Lord of the Rings 3 from any angle."

There was no regret in Sophia’s tone, only composure.

"Rather than wasting a lot of time and resources chasing a doomed outcome, it is better to face it squarely. However, coming away empty-handed does not befit our Coppola family status. We are determined to win the Best Original Screenplay award."

"I spent two years polishing the script for Lost in Translation. It incorporates many of my thoughts on life and emotion, and it is the soul of the entire film. The competition for this award is relatively less intense, and the strength of the opponents is about the same. As long as we do targeted public relations, we have a good chance of winning it. As for Best Director and Best Picture, I will just consider it accompanying the runners to gain experience."

Irene looked at her sister’s composed demeanor and could not help but feel a hint of admiration.

In fame-obsessed Hollywood, having the courage to give up like this, without being wrapped up in the halo of awards, is truly rare.

She knew that Sophia’s decision was well-considered, balancing long-term personal development without giving up on achievable goals.

This was the wisest choice.

"Sister, it is good that you have thought it through." Irene said with a smile, her eyes full of admiration. "Indeed, rather than wasting energy on impossible things, it is better to concentrate resources on achievable goals while also expanding new cooperation opportunities. It kills two birds with one stone."

Eleanor also nodded.

"Since you have already made up your mind, we will support you. However, the public relations work for Best Original Screenplay cannot be taken lightly; you must attend the necessary events."

"Do not worry, Mother. I have already arranged it." Sophia said. "I will have my assistant stay in Los Angeles to handle the Oscar public relations matters. If there are important events, I will fly back in advance. The Milan Fashion Week trip is only five days, so it will not affect much."

Speaking of this, Irene’s eyes suddenly lit up, and she said with a hint of curiosity and anticipation.

"Sister, I have never attended a fashion week before. Look, I do not have any particularly urgent work recently. The post-production of Dead Man’s Chest can be left to Hill and Jerry, Ang Lee is still polishing the script for Brokeback Mountain, and the copyright negotiations for A Song of Ice and Fire are nearing the end. Why do I not go to Milan with you to broaden my horizons? Consider it a break."

She had always focused on her film career, and her understanding of the fashion circle mostly came from Sophia and some commercial collaborations; she had never personally experienced the atmosphere of an international fashion week.

This was a rare opportunity, and it happened to coincide with Sophia’s joint launch event, so she really wanted to take the chance to experience a different kind of life.

Sophia was stunned for a moment, then immediately agreed with a smile.

"Of course, no problem! With you accompanying me, I will have someone to talk to. Plus, you are now a well-known director and producer in Hollywood. Getting to know more friends in the fashion circle will also be beneficial for your future film projects. Many fashion brands are now laying out their presence in the film and television industry; who knows, we might even reach some new collaborations."

She immediately took out her phone and sent a text message to her assistant.

"I will have my assistant book your flight and hotel; we leave in ten days. By the way, the weather in Milan is quite cold right now, remember to bring a few more thick clothes. Also, the Prada show requires formal wear; you can prepare a decent gown."

"Got it!" Irene agreed happily, full of anticipation. "I will go pack my luggage now. By the way, besides the Prada show, are there any other shows worth seeing in Milan this time?"

"Of course there are." Sophia opened her tablet and showed her the official schedule for Milan Fashion Week. "Gucci, Versace, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana—these brands will all hold exclusive shows. There are also some emerging designer brands that are very worth watching. However, our time is limited, so we can only pick a few key ones to see."

She pointed to the schedule and said, "The Prada show is the main event and must be attended. Additionally, the Gucci show has invited many Hollywood stars this time; perhaps we might run into some old friends. The Armani menswear show is also worth seeing; their designs have always been very classic, and perhaps it might bring some inspiration for your future film costume design."

Irene listened carefully, nodding from time to time.

As the sisters were chatting enthusiastically, Irene’s phone rang; it was Robert calling.

"Irene, good morning." Robert’s voice carried a hint of excitement.

"The Oscar nomination list is out. Pirates of the Caribbean received four technical nominations. Although they are just accompanying the runners, it is still an affirmation of the film’s production. Also, Martin’s agent just called me to say that Martin gained a lot from your last meeting. Barring any surprises, the copyright should be ours. He hopes to finalize the final cooperation details as soon as possible."

Irene was very happy to hear this.

"I am going to Milan Fashion Week with my sister in ten days, so let us try to finalize the cooperation before then."

"Milan Fashion Week?" Robert was a bit surprised. "Going to fashion week at this time? But it does not matter, as long as it does not affect the negotiations for A Song of Ice and Fire. Martin is in New York now; we can arrange for you to go to New York to meet him this weekend."

"Okay, that is settled." Irene said. "If there is any situation, contact me at any time."

After hanging up the phone, Irene’s mood was even more joyful.

The good news of the Oscar nominations, the anticipation of Milan Fashion Week, and the breakthrough progress in the copyright negotiations for A Song of Ice and Fire—one good thing after another followed, filling her with confidence for the new year.

Sophia looked at her excited appearance and said with a smile, "It seems you are really looking forward to this trip to Milan."

"Of course." Irene said. "Besides being invited to attend the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show before, I have not seen any other formal runway shows in person."

Besides watching the shows, as soon as Irene heard Prada from Sophia’s mouth, a movie immediately popped into her head—it was The Devil Wears Prada starring Anne Hathaway.

As far as she knew, there had not been any relevant novels on the market yet.

Since that was the case, this movie would be very suitable for her and Sophia to collaborate on.

Once she returned from Milan Fashion Week, she could start writing the script; the inspiration was all ready-made.