After leaving the Hilton Hotel, Arthur Miller and Frank Pearson did not return home but instead headed to Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, where the headquarters of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is located. Upon receiving the news, the current chair of the Academy, Levi Rosenman, quickly informed the other seven Jewish members of the governing committee, and they were all waiting here.
"This is not a small matter, nor something that happened in a private setting."...
2025-01-01 10:36:16 +0000 UTC
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A few Jewish members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences formed a small circle. Naturally, their conversation revolved around tonight's Golden Globe Awards and the upcoming Oscars.
"*Saving Private Ryan* is indeed excellent, and Duke Rosenberg has shown significant progress, but I don't think he's right for Best Director," said Arthur Miller, an elderly man with white hair and a slightly receding forehead, to his companions. "He's too young. He has a lot of potential to ...
2025-01-01 10:29:28 +0000 UTC
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"Mel."
Hearing the clear voice of a woman, Mel Gibson turned his head and saw Sophie Marceau approaching. He immediately asked, "How did it go?"
"I've made arrangements with him, just waiting for the party to end," Sophie Marceau leaned in a little closer and quietly reminded him, "Don't forget your promise."
After speaking, she gestured to a waiter behind her, taking two glasses of alcohol from the tray and handing one to Mel Gibson. "Won't you wish me success?"
M...
2025-01-01 10:25:51 +0000 UTC
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On January 21, 1996, the 53rd Golden Globe Awards ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The awards were presented in the form of a formal dinner, making it one of the most important award ceremonies of the season, second only to the Academy Awards. Many people outside the industry often regard the Golden Globes as a precursor to the Oscars.
However, insiders didn't see it that way. Due to the Academy's voting rules, the true indicators of the Oscars were guild awards such as t...
2025-01-01 10:22:15 +0000 UTC
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As Christmas approached, Duke temporarily set aside the issue with Sophie Marceau and gave the crew in preparation a holiday break. He himself flew to New York to spend one of the most important holidays of the year with his mother.
Parties were an indispensable part of life and social interactions in this country. Before Christmas, Duke accompanied his mother to some high-society gatherings in New York. Not to mention his own income from the film industry, his mother's wealth had also...
2025-01-01 10:21:21 +0000 UTC
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"You're not in a hurry, are you, Sophie?" Duke cleared his throat as he looked at the beautiful woman in front of him, who appeared as pure as an angel and as graceful as Venus. "I need a little time."
Like a queen in control of everything, Sophie Marceau's face was relaxed and casual, though her bare body contrasted with her composed expression. She didn't care, however. "I told you, Duke, we have the whole night."
"I also want to tell you a story," Duke said slowly. "A story a...
2025-01-01 10:20:23 +0000 UTC
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"Why does it have to be here?"
Sophie slightly twisted her body, trying to roll to the other side of the bed, but Duke firmly held her in place. "Sophie, you look especially beautiful in this light."
"Really?"
Tilting her head, Sophie gave Duke a forceful kiss, her hands wrapping around his neck as she said, "I like it when you say that."
She could feel Duke's appreciation for her beautiful body. He was like the perfect lover, slowly plucking at her heartstrings, h...
2025-01-01 10:19:11 +0000 UTC
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After the party ended, Duke left the banquet hall and walked toward a reception room. Sophie Marceau was still waiting there. Though the distance wasn't far, he walked slowly, wanting to use this time to think things through.
Although they had only spoken for a few minutes in the banquet hall, Sophie Marceau's words and subtle actions carried hints of flirtation. Even if it wasn't blatant, it was enough to suggest her intentions. After all, this was Hollywood, and Duke knew very well w...
2025-01-01 10:18:10 +0000 UTC
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"Duke, I have high hopes for you and *Saving Private Ryan*."
Hearing this from an obviously Jewish, senior Academy member, Duke quickly replied, "Thank you for your support, Mr. Hoffman."
"No need to be too polite. Although some critics constantly speak ill of you in front of me, if we don't support our own people..."
The man raised his glass toward Duke and said before taking a sip, "Then Hollywood wouldn't be Hollywood."
After exchanging a few more words, Duke mo...
2025-01-01 10:17:37 +0000 UTC
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Stepping into the specially constructed dance rehearsal room within the studio, Duke stood at the entrance, watching the actresses warm up. Lily Fred and her assistants were scattered around Naomi Watts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and several other main actresses, explaining the most basic movements and precautions.
Although not completely ignorant, Duke lacked professional expertise in song and dance, so he mostly just observed, rarely giving any opinions.
Lily Fred was not only a s...
2025-01-01 10:17:03 +0000 UTC
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ite light spilled over her shoulders, and in her dreamy eyes, a sharp gleam flickered. Sophie Marceau sat cross-legged on the wide sofa, her gaze fixed intently on Mel Gibson, who was standing in front of the wine cabinet. Her beautiful face remained expressionless, like a marble statue carved into the likeness of a stone goddess.
Mel Gibson picked up a bottle of wine and two glasses, walked over to place them on the coffee table in front of Sophie Marceau, poured each of them a drink,...
2025-01-01 10:16:18 +0000 UTC
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"Mel Gibson accused me of working with you! Who does he think he is?" Tom Cruise's eyes were full of anger, revealing the tension when two egotistical personalities clashed. "I have the freedom to work with any actor, any director, any producer, and any film company. It doesn't matter if he's Mel Gibson or even if his agent, Martin Bob, tries to stop me!"
"You do have that right," Duke lifted his wine glass toward him.
Tom Cruise took a big sip of champagne, still fuming, "Does ...
2025-01-01 10:15:12 +0000 UTC
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From quite a distance away, Duke could see the lights illuminating the sky, shining through a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. He parked the black Bentley in the parking lot of a luxurious club and stepped out, walking toward the entrance. As soon as he appeared at the club's entrance, someone came over to lead him toward the outdoor garden where the party was being held.
This was an anniversary celebration hosted by the Directors Guild, and as one of Hollywood's top commercial di...
2025-01-01 10:14:22 +0000 UTC
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The Sixth Sense began its pre-production phase, but Gilbert still needed a reliable assistant director. He asked his assistant Anna to put up a job notice.
Gilbert's assistant director position had become one of the most sought-after roles in Hollywood, attracting many film industry professionals waiting for their chance, even directors from the advertising world.
Outside the interview hall, James Gunn waited nervously. After several rounds of interviews, he had finally reached ...
2025-01-01 10:02:54 +0000 UTC
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"Bruce, what have you been up to lately? Got some time?"
Gilbert had previously discussed this project with Bruce Willis, who had always wanted to collaborate with him again. This time, Gilbert personally called him, and Bruce Willis was thrilled.
"Of course, I have time, Gilbert. If it's your project, I'll always make time," Bruce Willis replied.
"Haha, thank you," Gilbert laughed and added, "This time, get ready. The film won't have many action scenes; it's going to tes...
2025-01-01 10:02:26 +0000 UTC
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Aside from acquiring Marvel as a major strategic decision, Gilbert's other significant investment in Apple, which had been a loss-making venture, finally saw a major turnaround.
After years of struggle, Apple was on the brink of filing for bankruptcy this May, but Gilbert intervened and prevented it.
Over the years, despite being met with skepticism from his investors, particularly David, Gilbert had consistently purchased Apple shares from various major shareholders, increasing...
2025-01-01 10:01:43 +0000 UTC
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Since Marvel went public in 1991, under the operations of Wall Street tycoon Perelman, combined with a surge of capital-driven enthusiasm in the North American comic industry, its market valuation expanded rapidly.
Marvel's business grew aggressively, extending beyond traditional comics into card games, stickers, and snack businesses.
At this time, Marvel's controller, Perelman, had little understanding of comics. However, he recognized the potential to make huge profits by deve...
2025-01-01 10:00:45 +0000 UTC
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In acquisitions like this, where confidentiality isn't strictly emphasized, it's naturally impossible to keep things under wraps.
Besides Disney and Warner Bros., who genuinely wanted to make the purchase, several other companies approached Melon Studio with a mindset of, "Even if I can't get it, I'll cause some trouble."
Among them, 20th Century Fox was the most proactive.
Having collaborated with Gilbert on two films and reaping considerable profits, 20th Century Fox ha...
2025-01-01 10:00:19 +0000 UTC
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After Gilbert attended the Washington banquet, his primary collaborators, Disney and Warner, also kept busy.
Although Gilbert's projects have consistently been major summer box office earners for both companies, it doesn't mean they neglect other film ventures.
For instance, Warner and Universal's co-invested disaster film Twister continues to perform strongly, with its North American box office potentially surpassing Saving Private Ryan.
This isn't surprising. The differ...
2025-01-01 09:59:30 +0000 UTC
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"Do you think I might be pregnant?" After a workout that left her sweaty, Naomi Watts was too exhausted to move and lay on Gilbert's chest.
Gilbert, holding her soft waist, replied, "I think so. After all, we've put in so much effort for a child, especially me."
Naomi Watts gave Gilbert a playful glare. "I'm the one who's been the most tired. I told you to stop, but you still went all out. Look, it's all red now."
"Sorry, baby, let me rub it for you," Gilbert said, gently...
2025-01-01 09:58:47 +0000 UTC
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Tom Cruise performing his own stunts became a major promotional highlight for this Mission: Impossible installment.
In a previous TV interview, Tom Cruise mentioned that his ideas for stunt sequences came from Gilbert, who loved practical effects and had created many incredible stunt scenes that he deeply admired.
Sure enough, Tom Cruise's commitment to performing his stunts personally drew significant interest from fans.
For those familiar with Hollywood, it's common kno...
2025-01-01 09:58:12 +0000 UTC
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Returning home that evening, Gilbert handed Noriko Sakai over to Martha, the housekeeper.
The Japanese woman was initially speechless with amazement as she took in the luxurious Melon Estate. But soon, her courage grew, and she began wandering around the estate to explore.
"Excuse me, this is the study. You're not allowed inside."
At the door of a study on the fourth floor, a tall and muscular woman who resembled a servant blocked Noriko Sakai.
"Is this Mr. Landrin...
2025-01-01 09:57:35 +0000 UTC
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"What's this? He's not satisfied with you two?" Hiroya Onogi looked at his two daughters, who had retreated from Gilbert's room, and asked sternly.
Yae and Yuri, frightened of their father, couldn't even speak. They merely nodded nervously.
Hiroya Onogi seemed disappointed. "I've kept your purity intact until now, and yet you couldn't complete the task."
Kyoko, having somewhat recovered from the lingering sensations in the bathroom, suggested, "Why not send Yae and Yuri t...
2025-01-01 09:56:05 +0000 UTC
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Overseas, the European markets pulled in $31.87 million in the second week. With the arrival of the next weekend, the film began to release in other regions.
An interesting event occurred when India refused to screen the film domestically, citing its excessively gory war scenes, and demanded cuts to the movie.
When Gilbert heard about this, he decisively refused. "If those scenes are removed, the film loses its essence. I won't agree to any cuts."
Warner Bros. immediately...
2025-01-01 09:55:16 +0000 UTC
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"Wow, you really know how to enjoy life, renting out an entire beach like this," Sophie Marceau exclaimed in amazement.
Compared to the bustling neighboring beaches, this one was relatively secluded. Gilbert had rented out the whole beach to enjoy a more private moment.
Rich people tend to do this sort of thing—they call it aristocratic living, or having refined taste.
One has to admit, in a capitalist society, being rich is truly advantageous. No wonder many wealthy pe...
2025-01-01 09:54:40 +0000 UTC
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Although the film faced protests, the first-day box office numbers were decent. The most significant impact on the film actually came from the rating system.
On Friday, the opening day, the film grossed $10.256 million. For an R-rated movie, this was quite an impressive figure.
Far away in Europe, Gilbert, who learned about the midnight screening and the opening day box office figures, also heard about the protests from the Black community. He shared the situation with the film'...
2025-01-01 09:53:47 +0000 UTC
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The Cannes Film Festival commenced on May 8, coinciding with the anniversary of the Allies' victory in World War II. As a result, the production team had to remain in Europe for over a week.
Of course, they didn't idle during this time. Instead, they traveled to major European cities for promotion. Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, and Berlin were among the stops on their itinerary.
Warner Bros., the overseas distributor, organized the entire schedule, including promotional events in...
2025-01-01 09:53:09 +0000 UTC
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More than halfway through the film, the rescue team, after many dangers, finally finds the real James Ryan.
Leonardo DiCaprio, seeing his character finally appear, was overjoyed.
While watching the first half, he had already sensed the storm this movie would stir up during this summer season. Thinking about being part of such a project, Leonardo felt truly honored.
Roger Ebert was jotting down notes about the film's characteristics.
It was evident that Gilbert knew...
2025-01-01 09:52:40 +0000 UTC
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The film officially began playing, but contrary to the trailer's depiction of an opening battle, it started with an old man taking his family to a graveyard to pay their respects.
For those familiar with Gilbert's family, it was apparent that this old man was Gilbert's father, making another cameo in his son's film.
The audience was confused—where was the grand opening battle?
But Gilbert soon made it clear: the real show was yet to come.
As the camera zoomed in ...
2025-01-01 09:51:57 +0000 UTC
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After walking the red carpet, Gilbert and Sophie Marceau entered the theater. Many notable figures from the French film and cultural world attended the premiere, with Sophie Marceau acting as Gilbert's guide to introduce him to some of these personalities.
"Hello, Director Gilbert," greeted an elderly man with gray hair and an unkempt beard.
Sophie Marceau stepped in to introduce him. "This is Director Jean-Luc Godard, known for films such as Pierrot le Fou, Alphaville, and Firs...
2025-01-01 09:51:21 +0000 UTC
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