Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 195: Awards Ceremony]

"Link, over here!"

"Director Link, there are rumors that Robert Downey Jr. crashed his car into Richard Gere on your orders. Do you agree with this statement?"

"Director Link, reports say that Michael Ovitz participated in this bet as well and lost to you. Many believe you're currently the most powerful person in Hollywood. What do you say to that?"

On January 21, 1994, the 51st Golden Globe Awards took place at the Hilton Hotel in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Because Link had directed Final Destination and Monica starred in the successful film Ace Ventura, the invitations were extended to him and Monica Bellucci.

Link had some free time, so he brought Monica along to check out the event. As they walked down the red carpet, the journalists outside the barriers became frantic upon seeing him. They reached out their microphones, firing off question after question.

Link wrapped his arm around Monica as they posed for photos on the red carpet. He had no intention of answering the journalists, but their questions became increasingly outrageous.

Link paused and waved his hand.

"Everyone, please be quiet! I can answer three questions, but you need to ask them seriously and based on facts. I don't have the time or desire to clarify rumors."

"Director Link, I heard your new movie recently wrapped production. When can we expect its release?" a reporter from The Hollywood Reporter asked.

"About during the summer. The film is still in production, and we'll announce the specific release date once it's finalized," Link replied.

"Director Link, I interviewed Robert Downey Jr. in prison on Wednesday. He claimed that you are the reason for his current state. He wouldn't have gone bankrupt or crashed into Richard Gere if it weren't for the bet with you. He described you as a very scary person. What do you say to that?"

Al Simmons from the Los Angeles Times inquired.

"Is that Robert Downey Jr.'s exact quote? If true, it indicates he hasn't come to terms with his own mistakes and is unwilling to take responsibility. It's laughable and quite sad," Link shrugged.

"Director Link, we have confirmed reports that Michael Ovitz, chairman and CEO of CAA, was also involved in your bet, placing over $10 million on it. The subsequent hype around The Firm's box office and the effort to downplay the reception of Final Destination were directed by him. Many think your current influence in Hollywood surpasses Ovitz. How do you feel about that?"

a reporter from Entertainment Weekly asked.

Link chuckled, "The media calls Ovitz the most powerful person in the entertainment industry, and I agree. His influence spans all sectors of entertainment, including film, music, fashion, sports, and more. I'm just a film director; any power I have pales in comparison to his. If he underestimated the box office potential of Final Destination and didn't put enough effort into the bet, it's no surprise he lost. If he had invested more resources, nobody in Hollywood could outmaneuver him."

"Director Link, a piece from Newsday claims you have been involved with dozens of actresses, including Nicole Kidman, Cindy Crawford, and Julia Roberts. It also claims that your conflicts with Tom Cruise and Richard Gere relate to these rumors. Will you admit to any of this?"

a reporter from the American Chronicle asked.

"This is outright false. I've been in Hollywood for two years, made four films, and practically lived in the studio and office. I haven't even met most of the women named in those rumors; there's no chance for any sort of entanglement. Alright, that's more than three questions. Goodbye, everyone," Link waved, pulling Monica along as they moved forward, ignoring any further inquiries from the reporters.

...

As they entered the Hilton for the awards ceremony, they found themselves seated toward the back due to not receiving any nominations. However, Link's reputation drew several crew members over to greet him once he sat down.

There was Martin Scorsese, director of the crew from The Age of Innocence, along with leading actresses Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder. This film had premiered in September the previous year and garnered four nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.

Scorsese asked Link how his new film was coming along and what the genre was, hoping it wasn't a thriller; after seeing Final Destination, he had canceled two flights and switched to the train.

Link explained it was a religious-themed film, encouraging goodness.

Scorsese nodded approvingly, saying such films were better.

Winona Ryder, who wasn't particularly familiar with him, came over to chat with Monica, but her dark, sparkling eyes occasionally glanced over at Link.

Michelle Pfeiffer, a focal point of the event for her Best Actress nomination, was surrounded by others, making conversation difficult. She discreetly shook Link's hand and traced her ring finger across his palm.

...

After Scorsese and the others left, Johnny Depp approached to chat. This year, he starred in the romantic film Benny & Joon, which was nominated for Best Actor, marking his second Golden Globe nomination.

Though his career was on the upswing, his personal life was a mess. First, there was the death of River. The bar where River had his tragic accident was one of Depp's properties, and the drugs found there were supplied by him. After River's incident, the bar was investigated, dragging Depp into the spotlight.

He also felt the lingering resentment of friends like Keanu Reeves.

On top of that, he had recently broken up with Winona Ryder. Rumors suggested a third party; both Depp and Ryder were said to have been unfaithful, and there were reports that their breakup stemmed from their busy schedules, often leaving them out of touch for months, which cooled their romance.

Depp didn't disclose the reasons for their split and Link refrained from prying.

...

Julianne Moore, the supporting actress from Benny & Joon, also came over to say she loved his films and hoped for a chance to collaborate.

Link reminisced about the time he worked as a server at Burger King and served her coffee, receiving a five-dollar tip from her, which he gratefully acknowledged; he was quite strapped for cash back then.

The group erupted in laughter at the story.

...

Emma Thompson, the lead actress from The Remains of the Day, also came to greet him. Last year, she had written the script Sense and Sensibility, which James Schamus wanted to adapt with director Ang Lee.

After reviewing it, Link had approved the project. Emma had also become a partner with Guess Pictures.

She was having an especially fortunate year, with three films nominated for Golden Globes. The Remains of the Day received five nominations, including Best Actress, while her starring role in Much Ado About Nothing earned the nomination for Best Musical or Comedy. Additionally, In the Name of the Father garnered her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She was considered one of the most successful British actresses in Hollywood at that time.

Emma introduced Kate Beckinsale, the supporting actress from Much Ado About Nothing.

Keanu Reeves played the antagonist in that film and had also been invited by the organizers, but he was busy filming Speed and couldn't attend the Golden Globes.

*****

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