HWI 143

Hollywood What If Chapter 143

"I want to thank the whole production crew, the cast, my father, and my brother. If not for you guys, it's impossible for me to reach this stage. Thank you so much."

Kazir smiled and the audience applaud. Kazir Grey looked like a rugged handsome guy. Over 6 feet, wide shoulders, and a dark short beard. A masculine type of handsomeness. 

He waved his hand and walked off the stage. The coordinator signaled him to go to the backstage and Kazir Grey walked with confidence... Hiding his awkwardness. 

'If I know that I'm going to win, I should have prepared a speech.'

He didn't believe that he would get the award. Especially when they didn't have any PR(Public Relations). 

"Sir, you can return to your seat once the commercial starts."

The coordinator said while another presenter introduced the nominations for Best Actress. 

"Congratulations, Director Grey."

Robin Williams extended his hand for a handshake. 

"Thanks, Mister Williams." Kazir accepted his handshake. 

The two were backstage waiting for the commercial. Both of them were holding Oscars statues. 

Honestly, Kazir felt awkward because Robin Williams was part of Good Will Hunting. Everyone strongly believe that Good Will Hunting would get the Best Original Screenplay yet Kazir unexpectedly won it. 

"Haha, you don't have to be awkward. These things happened sometimes. We can't predict the future."

"That's right." 

Kazir Grey could not agree more. It seemed that his knowledge was slowly getting useless against the unpredictable flow of time. 

"By the way, advanced congratulations too. Taken might get two awards tonight."

"Are you talking about the Best Actor award?"

"That's right. Jack Nicholson is the strongest contender but the influence of Taken last year is tremendous. It spread awareness about the danger of human trafficking. The movement it made caused a massive change in the society."

Kazir nodded. He knew that an organization was created to help people who suffered from that kind of injustice. Furthermore, Liam Neeson became the ambassador of that movement. Perhaps the members of the Academy might vote for Liam Neeson because of it. Considering that the Academy loves splattering itself with humanitarian works. 

"Do you know what they call Liam Neeson these days? They call him Rescuer."

Well, Liam Neeson was famous for having roles that rescue people. Taken Trilogy, Non-stop, and Schindler's List. Just some of the movies he partakes about saving people. 

"Honestly, I'm skeptical that you only go for three nominations. With the good influence that Taken spread, I think you deserve a nomination for Best Pictures as well."

Robert Williams added. He didn't have a grudge against Kazir Grey or the Taken crew. In his opinion, forming a connection was better than holding a grudge. Showing a good impression was the best choice. Perhaps they could cooperate next time. After all, Kazir Grey was a great Director. 

"I only have one answer: Paramount."

"Understandable, have a nice day."

With one word, Robin Williams realized the answer. 

Paramount was one of the investors of Titanic. It could not divide its resources, especially not for a movie like Taken. Taken was fully owned by Grey Pictures, it would be useless for Paramount to promote the movie. 

On top of that, Kazir knew that Titanic would win most of the awards this year so he didn't have any reason to waste his money on PR. 

'It's impossible to defeat Titanic. So it's better to choose a better year to compete instead of facing a huge boat.'

That was the best answer in this situation. However, Kazir didn't expect that he would win an Oscar award without any PR. 

'I guess another achievement to take proud of.'

A few minutes later, the audience started clapping again. 

Helen Hunt went to the backstage. She saw Robin Williams and Kazir Grey talking. She smiled and greeted the two of them, they congratulate each other for the awards they won. 

Unfortunately, Helen Hunt didn't have the time to converse with Kazir Grey because the coordinator told them to return to their seats. 

Kazir Grey sat in his seat and sighed. He was happy of course. 

"Congratulations, Kazir." Liam Neeson was happy for him. 

"Liam, I believe you will win the Best Actor award."

At first Kazir was skeptical about the chances of Liam Neeson winning the statue. But after what he experienced, he felt like Liam Neeson would win. Robin Williams was right, the influence of Taken was not just a simple action movie. It opened the eyes of many people. And for that, the Academy deserves to give them an award.

'I regret that I didn't give Liam too much emotional scenes. The Academy loves explosive acting.'

"I hope so."

Liam Neeson laughed nervously. He knew that his role was too weak against Jack Nicholson's. However, this was his second chance at getting nominated and it was stupid for him to let go of the opportunity. 

Thankfully, CAA was great at PR and they helped him a lot. 

"Liam, let's set a schedule to talk. I have something to tell you."

"I hope it's not something bad, right?" Liam Neeson glanced at him. 

"I believe it's not."

"Of course we can. If I won the Best Actor award, I will treat you to a nice restaurant."

"Nah, I'm good with fast-food restaurants."

The two laughed. 

Once the commercial ended, the live broadcast restarted. 

This time, the presenter for Best Actor, Frances McDormand, smiled at the camera. 

The woman announced the nominations. Five cameras were pointed at the nominated actors. 

Liam Neeson kept his smile and showed a composed expression. However, he was sweating on his back. 

Getting the Best Actor award was a very important thing to him. He dreamed of getting one, especially after his nominations for Schindler's List. He wanted one, proof of his achievement. And getting an Oscar statue was the best way to prove it. 

He clenched his fists, hoping that his prayers would be answered.