Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 357: The Oscars Are Big Business, Anne Fletcher]

On Saturday, February 18, 1995, the 52nd Annual Golden Globe Awards kicked off right on time at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The ceremony was held as a formal dinner, making it the second most important film awards event of the season, right after the Oscars. To many outsiders, it was considered a key indicator of Oscar chances.

However, insiders didn't see it that way. Given the Academy Awards' voting rules, the true bellwethers were the awards decided by the guilds -- the Screen Actors Guild, Writers Guild, Directors Guild, and Producers Guild. Historically, the films and individuals who won at these four major guild awards ended up as top Oscar favorites, matching up over 80% of the time.

The Golden Globes, however, were shrouded in controversy. Their voting body consisted of fewer than a hundred international journalists, who were often targets of concentrated PR efforts. Basically, the Globes had little real correlation with the Oscars.

Just recently, Harvey had chartered a luxury yacht and basically invited every Golden Globe voting member aboard. The yacht was stocked with gorgeous models, all stunning men and women, and they partied at sea for three days straight. After disembarking, Harvey confidently assured Linton the Golden Globe results were all secured.

The reason the Globes were seen as an Oscar bellwether or weather vane was mostly because the winners gained significant exposure, which could influence Oscar voters to some degree.

This year's big nominees included Pulp Fiction, Get Out, and The Fault in Our Stars. What surprised Linton most was Charlize Theron's nomination for Best Actress.

---

On the day Charlize learned of her Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globes, she stormed straight into Linton's office. The two of them had an intense afternoon together. The heat continued well into the evening -- in the office, living room, conference room, screening room, pool area, private cinema, gym, garden suite living room, master bedroom, even the bathroom -- their passionate sessions left their mark everywhere.

It was only the next morning that Charlize left, completely satisfied.

---

Because Linton himself wasn't nominated for any awards, and frankly wasn't too invested in the Golden Globes, he didn't attend the ceremony.

But the creative teams behind Pulp Fiction, Get Out, and The Fault in Our Stars -- especially nominated stars Sophie Marceau, Winona Ryder, and Charlize Theron -- were ecstatic. Dressed to the nines, they walked the red carpet and attended the gala dinner.

Harvey's publicity firepower paid off: Pulp Fiction won three major awards -- Best Director for Quentin Tarantino, Best Supporting Actress for Winona Ryder, and Best Screenplay for Quentin Tarantino.

Get Out's lead Sophie Marceau took home the Best Drama Actress award.

As expected, Best Picture and Best Actor in a Drama went to Forrest Gump and Tom Hanks.

That night, Sophie Marceau and Winona Ryder's energy and excitement were unstoppable. Their boundless enthusiasm amazed the party organizer Madonna, and Linton was treated to a truly unforgettable experience.

---

Following the Oscar's traditional strategy for awards contenders, Pulp Fiction had been playing in a limited release, with fewer than 200 theaters showing it. But its per-theater box office was strong, exceeding $30,000 last week, and its total gross had already surpassed $18 million.

The day after the Golden Globe dinner, Pulp Fiction dominated headlines in over 60 entertainment media outlets and made front-page entertainment sections in nearly 40 major mainstream newspapers.

All four major American TV networks aired the news of its wins during prime news slots.

Linton's film company seized the opportunity, negotiating with theaters to expand the release from under 200 screens to 2,400.

Because it was a Sunday, and with the Golden Globe buzz, Pulp Fiction pulled in $7.35 million that day -- a clear number one.

Box office remained strong Monday with $5.57 million.

---

Then, on February 21, the 67th Oscar nomination luncheon was held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Pulp Fiction was among the biggest winners at the luncheon, garnering seven Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. It was second only to Forrest Gump.

Get Out received nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress.

The Fault in Our Stars earned nods for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Linton's Oscar campaign was a smashing success.

Once the nominations were announced, Harvey's team cleverly switched to more discreet PR efforts, stopping any overt lobbying as per strict Academy rules forbidding campaigning after nominations are revealed.

---

With the Oscar nods announced, Pulp Fiction's buzz grew further, with more media outlets voluntarily covering the film.

Buoyed by the Oscar excitement, its daily box office rose again to $6.73 million.

Linton's distribution team pushed for even wider screening, taking advantage of the slow season and minimal competition, expanding Pulp Fiction's presence to 2,800 theaters.

Box office for Wednesday and Thursday hit $5.86 million and $6.02 million, respectively.

That first full weekend of wide release brought in $7.91 million, $8.57 million, and $8.02 million across three days -- a total of $24.5 million.

By now, North America's total had reached an impressive $74.46 million. Given the trajectory, the final gross was expected to exceed $130 million.

Oscar campaigning proved to be an excellent business.

Beyond the box office boost, the real prize was increased value in ancillary rights.

Take Pulp Fiction, for example -- having already won the Palme d'Or, its overseas rights sold at a premium. But even ignoring overseas sales, the increased value from rental tapes, TV broadcast rights, and more would add at least another $10 million.

Even if it didn't win major Oscars, the nominations and Golden Globe wins alone would raise the film's licensing value by at least 20%.

---

Unexpectedly, the day after the Oscar nominations were announced, Anne Fletcher came to Linton's office and carefully closed and locked the door behind her.

Today Anne looked stunning and seductive. Her fitted pencil skirt perfectly accentuated her figure, her legs clad in sheer black stockings complimented by classic black stilettos. Her makeup was elegant and understated, her golden hair falling over her shoulders, and her lips painted a sensuous red.

Her appearance, already about 80% beautiful, now radiated a commanding, sophisticated allure.

Upon seeing Linton, she threw her arms around him dramatically and planted a kiss on his lips.

"Linton, thank you so much. I feel like I'm dreaming -- I never expected to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars."

"Keep up the hard work. I'm sure you'll win Best Director one day," Linton patted her back encouragingly.

"Darling, I have to really thank you today."

"Anne, come on now, don't be like that."

"Please, darling, just give in to me already -- I've wanted this for so long, and I finally mustered the courage today." Anne began making her move more actively.

Well, with Anne this forward, Linton had no choice but to fully cooperate.

... Sweet and joyous singing filled the air...

Anne was still very skillful. With the halo of an Oscar nomination, her passion was fierce, and she mastered at least half the arts of seduction...

Linton enjoyed a unique and thrilling experience. But, as a director, he sensed Anne's star power paled in comparison to Kate Winslet. After all, Kate's only real claim to fame was starring in the You Are Not Alone music video.

After two hours, Anne settled lightly like a kitten on top of Linton.

"Darling, my dream of three years has finally come true. I can't believe how amazing you are."

But in Linton's mind, Anne wasn't quite ready to join his inner circle of lovers -- at most, she was an occasional intimate companion.

"Is that so? So you planned this all along? But don't get too attached to me."

"Don't worry, I won't cling. But when I need you, you can't refuse."

*****

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