1211-1215

Chapter 1211: Secret Competition

Last year, the hottest and most talked-about actor in Hollywood unexpectedly skipped the Oscars. The media was in an uproar, but attention was diverted by news of protests outside the event, allowing the Academy to dodge a bullet.

This year, however, they weren’t so lucky.

Things didn’t go as planned. Surprises always stray from the script—

Two years ago, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a significant reform:

The Oscars, traditionally held in April, would now be moved up to late February or early March, shortening the awards season cycle.

This change not only disrupted the awards season but also forced adjustments in the Academy’s PR strategies and other festivals and award shows, notably Sundance in January and Berlin in February.

With this shift, Hollywood's A-list stars and top producers, who would typically focus their efforts on Academy PR, were likely to remain in Los Angeles, reducing attendance at these festivals.

Moreover, the move impacted North America's entire film release schedule. Previously, the summer blockbuster season didn’t start until late May, avoiding the post-Oscar box office surge for award-winning films. Now, the summer season might kick off in late April or early May, extending its duration.

Some might wonder: doesn't a longer summer movie season just mean more films being released? What’s the big deal?

A longer summer season means studios must rethink their scheduling strategies. While May’s box office numbers might rise, August’s could fall. Additionally, with two or three extra weeks in the summer, studios would compete more fiercely for prime release dates. This could lead to an increase in $100M+ productions and higher marketing budgets for summer releases, easily adding up to hundreds of millions of dollars in adjustments.

On top of that, a longer summer season shortens the spring window, forcing studios to rethink their spring release strategies and find ways to funnel attention toward an earlier summer start.

One change affects everything.

This year marks the Oscars' first time under the new schedule. The ceremony will take place on February 29th at the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for the second year in a row.

The film industry is bracing for significant upheaval. It’s also the first Oscars after the awards season was cut short by five weeks. No one can predict if the Academy’s PR efforts will lead to entirely different results.

Amid all this, the spotlight shines brightly on this year’s Oscars.

This is the Academy’s plan—they’ve prepared extensively for the chaos to come.

But they didn’t anticipate a problem named “Anson” would suddenly crash the party, landing squarely on their doorstep.

Academy: ???

Wait, who? Why? What’s going on? This wasn’t in the plan. What is this?

Caught in the whirlwind, the Academy had little time to think or adapt, leaving them flustered and unsure of how to respond.

Wait, didn’t they account for this?

Surely not…

The absurd truth is, they really didn’t.

From the Academy’s perspective, the Oscars are bigger than any one individual. No matter who is absent, the show goes on. Just look at last year.

Why worry about a mere Anson? As far as they were concerned, sending Anson an invitation, tweaking the wording to gloss over last year’s drama, and exchanging some polite pleasantries would suffice. As long as Anson showed up to the ceremony, all those bad memories would be wiped clean.

Surely Anson wouldn’t dare snub the Oscars two years in a row.

What, does Anson think he’s Woody Allen? Please.

In the Academy’s eyes, this was a non-issue.

No need for a rethink.

No, the Academy didn’t see it that way.

Then, awards season began.

The Butterfly Effect came out of nowhere, taking the industry by storm, followed closely by The Elephant, emerging with a Palme d’Or win to steal the spotlight.

Suddenly, things got complicated—and escalated quickly.

Before the Academy could react, the Oscar nominations were announced, and the media exploded. Anson’s issue was now front and center:

For the second year in a row, Anson was snubbed. So, would he attend the Oscars this year?

This…

The Academy, still disoriented, now faced a question they didn’t even think was a question. The confusion only added to the chaos.

Academy: Uh, well… let us think about it.

How should they approach Anson?

With confidence and composure, treating him as any other nominee? After all, he’s just Anson Wood. But then, how do they explain Johnny Depp?

Johnny Depp received a Best Actor nomination for Pirates of the Caribbean, yet Anson’s triple punch of Spider-Man, Catch Me If You Can, and The Butterfly Effect got nothing. Is the Academy openly dismissing Anson?

Academy: …Yes, maybe. But we can’t say that out loud, can we? No one wants another media frenzy like Leonardo DiCaprio’s back in the day.

So, should they treat Anson with extra respect, bowing to the box office king?

Ha! Dream on.

As these thoughts raced through their minds, the Academy team was torn. The organization isn’t a monolith; it includes over 6,000 industry professionals as voting members and a management team led by its president.

Within this management team, factions like conservatives, reformists, and moderates constantly clash, especially over topics like “pretty faces” and “pop idols.”

Currently, the Academy leans conservative, reluctant to fully embrace “pretty faces.” But they can’t completely ignore the audience or market demands, as the entire Oscar-driven economic chain relies on ratings and public engagement to thrive.

So, what’s the solution?

Caught between two opposing views, the Academy was at a standstill.

Then.

The Recording Academy (Grammys) threw a curveball.

In the most formal, grand, and sincere manner, they announced Anson’s attendance at their awards ceremony—not just as a guest but as a nominee!

In an instant, Hollywood’s attention shifted en masse from the Oscars to the Grammys.

Oscars: Wait, this doesn’t feel right.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1212: Spotlight Returns*

As the saying goes, “When the East is dark, the West shines”—

The Oscars maintain an air of superiority, showing cold indifference toward “pretty boy” idols. On the one hand, they aim to use these idols to attract younger audiences, while on the other, they refuse to acknowledge their legitimacy from a lofty perch—

Hypocritical much?

After all, even Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio have to grovel before the Academy, don’t they?

Meanwhile, the Grammys have courageously embraced the changing tides of popular culture, choosing progressiveness over stubbornness, and boldly amplifying the voices of niche genres—

A bold overhaul.

Unlike the Academy, the Grammys’ annual nomination list is always worth attention, consistently uncovering new music and fresh talents.

This year is no exception.

While the Oscars remain dismissive of Anson, assuming he would never dare skip their ceremony despite last year’s fallout, the Grammys warmly embrace his meteoric rise, shifting all eyes in their direction.

In the 46th Annual Grammy nominations, August 31st band unquestionably steals the spotlight, reminding everyone that:

Music played a critical role in Anson’s rise this year. Even if the film world refuses to recognize his “talent,” the music world won’t be confined by labels or prejudice.

Music knows no boundaries.

The August 31st band has secured six nominations: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Rock Duo/Group Performance, and Best Alternative Album!

Boom!

A seismic shockwave ripples through the industry.

Undoubtedly, August 31st is 2003’s biggest revelation. Their avant-garde innovation has shaken the music world, earning them the well-deserved Best New Artist nomination.

In this category, August 31st faces stiff competition from Evanescence, 50 Cent, Sean Paul, and Heather Headley.

A formidable lineup, heralded by media as the strongest in a decade.

Yet, August 31st maintains its edge, riding on their broad appeal and comprehensive nominations, demonstrating a juggernaut’s momentum.

The Grammys boast a myriad of categories, with 70% of awards distributed pre-broadcast, reserving only major ones for the ceremony.

Categories are divided into genre-specific and general fields.

The genre-specific categories include Pop, Country, Rock, Hip-Hop, etc.

The general field, however, includes the “Big Four”: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.

While genre categories fluctuate annually, the significance of the Big Four stands out—they are genre-agnostic, open to all artists who release work during the eligibility period.

Thus, they’re dubbed “cross-genre awards,” embodying inclusivity.

Each year, winners of the Big Four garner massive attention.

Now, not only is August 31st nominated for Best New Artist, but they also dominate the other three major categories—a monumental feat.

In fact, August 31st outpaces rivals like 50 Cent and Evanescence by being the only act to sweep nominations across all four general fields.

The only one!

That’s the Grammys’ message.

While the Oscars remain fixated on Anson’s “pretty boy” label, the Grammys validate his talent with broad, genre-defying nominations.

Notably, three of the Big Four—Song, Album, and Best New Artist—go directly to the artists. Record of the Year, however, includes producers, songwriters, and engineers.

This year, Anson Wood’s name proudly stands in the Record of the Year nominee list as a producer.

This is how Anson deserves to be treated.

Ultimately, August 31st joins Beyoncé, OutKast, and Jay-Z in leading this year’s Grammys with six nominations each.

Yet, even Beyoncé and OutKast couldn’t sweep all general categories; neither secured nominations in all three remaining Big Four fields if Best New Artist is excluded.

In other words, August 31st stands alone.

In a year packed with stars—from Justin Timberlake to Coldplay, from Luther Vandross to Eminem—August 31st has emerged triumphant.

No wonder the entire entertainment industry is abuzz.

While the Oscars stay silent, media backlash is loud and clear.

Look at the Grammys—not only did they extend an olive branch, but they did so with class and grandeur, reflecting Anson’s towering influence across North America and beyond.

Forget Johnny Depp; even Leonardo DiCaprio in his prime might fall short.

Yet, the Academy clings to its snobbish stance.

The problem isn’t Oscars snubbing “pretty boys” in general—they’ve welcomed Depp and Jude Law before—it’s specifically about sidelining Anson.

Last year’s debacle made that clear.

Truly, the irony writes itself.

With the Grammys’ move putting Oscars to shame, their wound is self-inflicted.

“Vanity Fair” quickly reported that Anson had reunited with his bandmates for a special Grammy performance rehearsal, a story confirmed by Anson’s publicist, Eve.

“Anson is thrilled.”

“Grammys represent a dream stage for everyone. Nomination or not, performing is an honor. Anson is giving it his all.”

“The Oscars? Are you asking about the Oscars?”

*Chapter 1213: Strategy in Action*

Proactive, enthusiastic, and candid—this was the attitude Eve displayed when facing the media. Anyone paying attention could see that Anson was eagerly anticipating the Grammys.

However, during Eve’s interview, reporters were unwilling to miss the chance for a direct confrontation, quickly steering the topic toward the Oscars.

“The Oscars?” Eve smiled.

“Of course, it’s an important stage every actor dreams of stepping onto. But we all know, not just any actor can attend so easily.”

“I think Anson still needs to keep working hard. Let’s look forward to next year? Next year, he might have a chance. After all, as the saying goes, ‘the third time’s the charm.’”

Low-key, humble, and polite—Eve’s response was impeccable, positioning Anson modestly in exactly the way the Academy would expect.

Since the Academy looked down on and even disdained Anson, they decided to play along, acting as though the Oscars were an unattainable goal for him.

This, of course, stirred up a media storm.

If Anson wasn’t "qualified" to reach the Oscars, then no one in Hollywood was. From film to music, from fashion trends to cultural influence, Anson was dominating the entertainment industry like no one else. His immense impact was beyond words—he was undoubtedly the industry's leading figure.

When it came to winning the Oscar statuette, it was debatable whether Anson would succeed. But when it came to the awards ceremony itself, there was no doubt: the Oscars didn’t need Anson—Anson didn’t need the Oscars; it was the other way around.

Eve’s remarks were devastating, putting the Academy in a highly awkward position.

The Academy needed to respond quickly.

But Eve wasn’t playing checkers—she was playing chess. She had already set the board, and there was no way she’d let the Academy off the hook so easily.

In Hollywood, everyone fawned over the Academy, including Eve. After all, it was the industry’s highest authority, and everyone dreamed of taking home the golden statuette.

Until Anson pointed out an obvious truth:

The Academy wasn’t some abstract authority. It was made up of people.

From voters to management, they were all human. At its core, Academy public relations was just a battle of wits among people.

Moreover, the Academy had long held biases and prejudices against "eye candy" actors. If Anson continued to grovel and play by their rules, it would only reinforce their contempt. They’d pigeonhole him into a stereotype, and it might take ten, twenty, or even more years for him to break into their inner circle and gain acceptance.

In Anson’s own words:

“We end up becoming the very thing we once despised the most.”

From Anson’s perspective, if the Oscars recognized him, he’d happily accept the honor. But if gaining their recognition required him to grovel and compromise himself, it wasn’t worth it.

“Do you think I need an Oscar to validate my success? That without it, everything I’ve achieved so far is meaningless? Come on, Eve, I’m not that naïve.”

Rather than bending to the Academy’s rules and becoming one of them, it was better to play by his own rules. The Academy had been stagnant for half a century—it was time for some fresh blood.

Eve had an epiphany. If the Academy wasn’t a monolithic entity, it could be maneuvered.

And within the Academy, there were those yearning for progress and change. A rigid, outdated system would eventually crumble under its own weight.

So why not make some noise and shake things up?

What’s the worst that could happen? The Oscars permanently banning Anson? How was that any different from the bias and discrimination they were already showing?

Not much, really.

As expected, Anson was Anson—not just unique, but utterly disruptive, turning Hollywood upside down with his boldness and audacity.

Eve liked it. She liked clients who let her unleash her full potential to stir things up.

Since Anson gave the green light, Eve became bolder, her subsequent moves more aggressive.

Tom Hanks was the first to speak up. Ever the nice guy, he avoided criticizing the Academy directly but said with a cheerful grin, “Obviously, everyone wants to see Anson—myself included.”

A small pebble dropped into the water, sending ripples across the surface.

Steven Spielberg chimed in, “Hmm? Is Anson not attending the ceremony? That kid isn’t trying to weasel out, is he? You media folks must be stirring up trouble again, right?”

Unlike Tom, Steven’s words carried an air of inevitability, playfully teasing the reporters as though it were unthinkable for Anson to miss the Oscars.

Even the usually reserved and enigmatic Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, weighed in during Paris Fashion Week:

“I’m still looking forward to Anson Wood. I’m curious about his Oscar look this year—will he set another trend? Dior is great, but without Anson, Dior lacks its soul.”

Movies, music, fashion—the trifecta was complete, with the entire entertainment industry turning its gaze toward Anson.

Kate Winslet, Sam Raimi, Charlie Kaufman, James Franco, Jay Leno, Anne Hathaway—all mentioned the issue in various settings. Though their messages varied, the underlying sentiment was the same:

If Anson didn’t attend the Oscars, it would be the Oscars’ loss.

Bit by bit, the momentum built.

After all, the public was already eager for Anson to attend. He was the only figure capable of rivaling Johnny Depp as a topic of conversation. The idea of Anson skipping the ceremony was unthinkable.

Now, with industry insiders speaking up, the topic spread like wildfire across Hollywood.

The Academy could no longer ignore it, no matter how much they wanted to.

The situation escalated rapidly, forcing the Academy into an awkward position.

Frustrated and uneasy, the Academy felt cornered, as though the entire industry was pressuring them. It was an unbearable feeling. But the truth was, they needed Anson—and he was already part of their original plans.

Faced with this conundrum, they wrestled with the urge to snub Anson entirely, just to remind him who held the power.

But would that really help?

The Academy’s leadership, backed into a corner, took a deep breath and decided to act magnanimously.

With an official statement, they announced:

“Blah blah blah, we warmly welcome Anson Wood as a presenter at this year’s ceremony. Blah blah blah, we look forward to seeing him shine on the Oscar stage.”

The message was bland, full of platitudes, but it was clear: they wanted to end the controversy.

So, how would Anson respond?

(To be continued...)  

Chapter 1214: The Aura of a Superstar

Hollywood never fails to surprise.

This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, often arrogant and aloof, broke character by putting on a gracious and cordial demeanor, enthusiastically inviting an actor to be a presenter at the Oscars.

However, when the invitee is Anson, such behavior doesn’t seem so outlandish after all.

After all, power speaks louder than pride.

With Anson’s current influence and stature in Hollywood, he’s a force to be reckoned with, a one-man army commanding respect and awe, making rivals retreat.

Just look at Sony-Columbia. They didn’t even have a chance to make any significant moves before finding themselves utterly humiliated, left licking their wounds.

Compared to Sony-Columbia, the Academy holds no particular advantage either.

Moreover, from another perspective, the Academy’s approach of stepping back to move forward showcases their shrewdness and experience—

By immediately lowering their stance and extending a warm and diplomatic invitation, they opened their arms wide, displaying magnanimity and grace. Once the narrative shifted in their favor, they expected Anson to humbly accept the invitation and attend the Oscars, leaving the Academy in control of everything that followed. They had countless ways to subtly undermine Anson.

The red carpet order, photo ops, the awards he’d present, seating arrangements, camera time—

All of these could quietly diminish Anson amidst a sea of stars.

This is Hollywood. No one throws tantrums or punches; street-brawling tactics are far too childish. If a silent but deadly approach works, why get your hands dirty?

This was the situation at hand.

The Academy presented a façade of reconciliation. If Anson pushed back, rumors of him being “difficult” or a “diva” would spread like wildfire, tarnishing his public image.

After all, Anson was nothing more than a pretty face; he had no right to throw his weight around.

The Academy trusted that Anson was smart enough to play along, accept the invitation, and do so with enthusiasm, happily wrapping up the drama.

As for the Recording Academy?

The rivalry between the two institutions would be a separate matter to settle.

But then—

An unexpected twist occurred.

After the Academy issued their public invitation, Anson’s team didn’t respond immediately.

Typically, no response was necessary. It was assumed that no one would willingly miss the Oscars. Silence equaled confirmation of attendance.

Yet, the media sensed an unusual tension in the air. Anson’s silence seemed to harbor some deeper motive, though no one could figure out what it was.

The situation resembled a scene from an extravagant Hollywood soirée:

A legendary figure, also the party host, made a grand entrance and extended a polite hand of welcome, flashing a warm smile.

But the young guest didn’t react. No handshake, no words, just a slow, deliberate approach, sizing up the host with an unreadable expression. The room grew tense, the atmosphere icy.

Onlookers noticed the strangeness, but no one could pinpoint the cause.

Wait a second… could it be?

Surely not!

Hollywood buzzed with speculation. At first, only a few media outlets paid attention, but slowly, more and more people noticed the oddity.

Finally, Anson’s team broke their silence—

Eve, his representative, didn’t issue a formal public statement but privately informed the Academy.

This private communication suggested a delicate situation, signaling respect and leaving room for reconciliation—a gesture of goodwill.

But somehow, word got out. Nobody knew how TMZ got the scoop, but the supposedly private exchange was leaked before the Academy could respond. The news blindsided them—

Anson was set to miss the Oscars for the second year in a row.

Regrettably, the filming schedule for Walk the Line had been finalized. After performing at the Grammys, Anson was heading straight to the set, starting his new project. Missing the Oscars was unavoidable.

Just like last year.

Anson’s earlier silence was his team’s attempt to negotiate with the production crew for schedule adjustments. They genuinely wanted to attend but ultimately failed.

And it wasn’t just Anson; Reese Witherspoon was also skipping the Oscars this year.

Hollywood: "..."

Media: "..."

Dead silence.

The shock was so overwhelming that no one knew how to react.

No one had expected this. Not again. Not Anson skipping the Oscars again!

Everyone assumed Anson was chasing legitimacy, positioning himself as a serious contender for the golden statuette, just like Tom Cruise or Will Smith. Attending the Oscars, rubbing elbows, and buttering up the Academy were seen as essential steps in this transformation.

But Anson? He played by his own rules.

Skipping last year could be dismissed as a fluke, but doing it again?

Unbelievable!

The Academy was dumbfounded: You… YOU! This was premeditated! Anson Wood, you planned this all along! You leaked this to TMZ, didn’t you?!  

But Eve had foreseen this reaction and prepared accordingly.

They had spent time negotiating and showing effort.

Eve personally visited the Academy, humbling herself and expressing sincerity.

Every detail was orchestrated to make it seem like Anson deeply regretted missing the Oscars, as though he had no choice but to sacrifice attending, even shedding metaphorical tears over the decision.

The performance was flawless.

The Academy might suspect that this was all a ruse, that Anson had never intended to attend. But there was no proof, no trail.

And besides, many in Hollywood secretly found it amusing. Seeing the high-and-mighty Academy humbled was a rare delight. Plenty of insiders quietly cheered Anson on, even if they’d never admit it publicly.

And so, the narrative was set.

TMZ: "Scheduling conflict—Anson Wood regrets missing the Oscars for a second consecutive year."

Hollywood insiders and media outlets all echoed the sentiment: "Oh, what a pity! The Oscars will be dimmer without Anson’s presence."

Behind closed doors, they burst into laughter.

Before the Academy could react or devise a counter-strategy, the public narrative had solidified, leaving them powerless to change it.

The Academy: You… you all… YOU ALL CONSPIRED TO TRICK ME!  

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 1215: Birds of a Feather*

Some may wonder: What’s going on? Why is TMZ causing trouble again?

According to the original plan, Eve was to demonstrate respect for the Academy, reflecting the respect from Anson’s team. They were supposed to respond privately to the Academy, leaving the initiative to resolve the matter entirely in the Academy's hands—how they would announce the news, respond to the media, and handle Anson’s absence was all up to them.

It was like a breakup between a couple.

Even though Anson initiated the "breakup," he left the explanation and public response entirely to the Academy. This allowed the Academy to preserve its dignity and control the narrative.

This was both a gesture of etiquette and strategy.

But now?

TMZ’s early leak disrupted the plan entirely, destroying the advantage of Anson’s private notification and dragging the Academy into a public storm.

The Academy was still reeling from the shock. Anson was skipping the Oscars? That flower vase with barely a brain managed to miss the Oscars for the second year in a row? And this time, he was doing so with a professional excuse—claiming it was for the sake of acting. Who was he trying to impress?

It was all so absurd and ridiculous that they couldn’t even react.

At the very least, Anson’s approach to leaving the response power with the Academy had provided some reassurance to the senior leadership. They refrained from outright fury—for now.

However, before the Academy could even decide how to release the news or manage the situation, TMZ’s rash actions completely wrecked their plans.

The real absurdity? Hollywood and the media quickly rallied around Anson, showering him with applause:

"An actor should prioritize their work above all else, not be easily swayed by personal accolades, and consider the entire production team’s schedule as paramount."

"Bravo! Anson is a true actor!"

The Academy was left speechless.

Before they could formulate a strategy or issue a response, the tone of the entire situation had already been set. There was no room for rebuttal or adjustment.

If the Academy criticized Anson now, they’d be cast as the villains.

The Academy: Unbelievable! You’re all in on this! You’re all birds of a feather, conspiring to make a fool of me! Damn you, Anson! To hell with you!

The Academy’s leadership, arrogant and old as they might be, were no fools. They immediately connected the dots back to Anson. This entire situation couldn’t have unfolded without Anson orchestrating things behind the scenes. No one would believe otherwise. But they never imagined that Anson would be so brazen, pulling such a stunt after fooling the Academy once last year and taking it even further this year.

Otherwise, how could the media’s follow-up coverage have been so swift? How could Hollywood have rallied around him so quickly?

Although there was no hard evidence, they firmly believed that TMZ’s source was Eve and that this was all part of Anson’s grand show.

Incredible!

Rumor had it that the Academy’s leadership was so furious that some were left speechless, practically choking on their rage.

Yet, the strangest thing was how calm the Academy appeared on the surface.

No tantrums, no fiery statements, no chaos. Nothing. Why? Because the whole thing was too embarrassing—embarrassment so extreme that the Academy refused to admit they’d been played by Anson. They had to maintain composure and present themselves as calm and unruffled, as if everything was under control and this had all been a mutually agreed-upon decision.

The Academy couldn’t lash out. Instead, they had to align with Anson’s narrative, defend his decision, and help suppress any negative chatter.

Some critics accused Anson of being arrogant and unprofessional, a mere “flower vase” throwing his weight around. They pointed out that clashing schedules with the Oscars once was bad enough, but twice? Everyone in Hollywood knew to avoid conflicts with the Oscars. How could this happen again?

“He’s treating the Academy like fools,” they said.

Yet, before Anson’s team could even respond, the Academy stepped in to refute these claims.

“Ridiculous! You outsiders have no idea what you’re talking about. Anson is a dedicated actor. He sacrificed personal interests for the sake of the production and coordinated with the team’s schedule. He’s a role model for Hollywood. How dare you smear him?”

Everyone had their say, but the Academy was the loudest of all.

Unexpectedly, the Academy stood up for Anson, going to great lengths to defend him—not just protecting him, but safeguarding their own reputation as well.

No one knew how much the Academy leadership was suffering internally, but outwardly, Hollywood seemed harmonious, while the audience reveled in the drama.

And so, this chaotic farce came to a close.

Indeed, Anson didn’t receive a nomination this year. His two highly discussed films, Butterfly Effect and The Elephant, were completely ignored by the Oscars, leaving this Hollywood darling still waiting for his first Academy Award nomination.

However, all of Hollywood was buzzing about this actor.

Thanks to the Academy’s public endorsement, Anson gained labels like “dedicated” and “actor,” marking a pivotal moment in his career. For a young performer once dismissed as a flower vase, this was a major turning point.

Though absent from the Oscars, he received the kind of recognition that felt almost equivalent to winning a statuette.

On one hand, he had the Academy’s official stamp of approval; on the other, he earned admiration from the Recording Academy. Meanwhile, media and online forums were ablaze with frustration over Butterfly Effect and The Elephant being snubbed. With box office hits and critical acclaim under his belt, Anson stood head and shoulders above his peers in Hollywood.

This was Anson’s moment. The entire world seemed to revolve around him, his momentum unstoppable.

Even during awards season, this “flower vase” held his ground.

And this was just the beginning.

Just last week, media outlets marveled at Anson’s 2003 achievements. As the calendar turned to 2004, everyone expected that, without Spider-Man or Steven Spielberg’s influence, and having skipped the summer blockbuster season, Anson might not even appear on the year-end North American box office rankings.

But when the rankings were released, another surprise awaited. Anson didn’t need Spider-Man or Spielberg. He proved his box office power with his own name alone.

For the second consecutive year, Anson not only demonstrated his box office appeal but earned his place on the year-end charts on his own merit.

This time, there were no excuses. It was all Anson.

(End of Chapter)