Hollywood: Lights, Ink, Entertainment!-Chapter 179: Award Season

....

As the final days of 2002 rolled into view, Hollywood stood on the edge of its most glamorous battlefield:

Award Season.

Buzz, announcement, shortlisting's, speculation, competitive campaigns, private screenings, reeling in the fans of the film - everything had shifted into high gear.

But amidst the noise and dazzling premieres, two films continued to cast a long shadow across the industry, both of them directed from the same man:

Regal Seraphsail.

Barely two years into Hollywood - he wasn't just a random director anymore - but two of his films had made it to the centre of this year's critical eyes.

[Death Note]

Due to its genre and the themes it spoke, as many expected, the film swept into the awards conversation like a black horse nobody dared bet against but knew would win.

Golden Globes Nominations (Drama):

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Best Director – Regal Seraphsail

Best Picture – [Death Note] – Red Studio, and LIE Studio

Best Screenplay – Regal Seraphsail

Best Original Score – Ludwig Göransson

Best Cinematography – Mathew Hord

Best Visual Effects – [Death Note] – Red Studio, and Unique FX Studio

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That total of six Golden Globe nominations - and not a single one felt undeserved.

Academy Awards Nominations:

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Best Picture – [Death Note] – Red Studio, and LIE Studio

Best Original Screenplay – Regal Seraphsail

Best Original Score – Ludwig Göransson

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[Death Note] left an excellent impression with nine nominations in total - excluding the smaller guild and critics' awards it swept through like wildfire.

Many articles predicted it could walk away with at least two Oscars.

And then... there was the wildcard.

The comedy that no one took seriously until it was impossible not to.

[The Hangover]

A chaotic road trip drenched in adult absurdity, set against the neon-stained backdrop of Las Vegas - with a recast lineup that raised eyebrows and then had everyone laughing until their ribs hurt.

The film did not disappoint, just like the others.

Golden Globes (Musical or Comedy):

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Best Motion Picture – [The Hangover] – Red Studio, and LIE Studio

Best Director – Regal Seraphsail

Best Original Song – [Right Round] – Ludwig Göransson, Rio Flame

Best Supporting Actor – Musical or Comedy – Zach Galifianakis as Alan

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Academy Awards Nomination:

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Best Original Song – [Right Round] – Ludwig Göransson, Rio Flame

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While no one expected [The Hangover] to dominate the Oscars, the fact that it landed even one nomination - and four at the Golden Globes - was proof that Regal could stretch between genres without losing touch.

Combined Tally So Far (Major Categories Only):

- 13 nominations between both films

- 9 for [Death Note], 4 for [The Hangover]

- Plus, dozens of critics' circle acclimations, editing guild mentions, and screenplay awards from smaller festivals

But this wasn't just a story of awards - it was about a 24-year-old director redefining how fast one could climb Hollywood's mountain.

Regal had now been nominated in the [Best Director] category in both [Drama] and [Comedy] divisions in the same year - a feat not seen in decades, if ever, for someone so new to the scene.

Imaging a situation - winning both?

Well, talk of a new historical moment is already circling.

....

[Red Studio's HQ]

....

"So, what do you say, Regal?" Deonte Maravich eyed the youth in front."How hard do you want us, Red Studio, to push for your wins at the Golden Globes and the Oscars?"

Regal questioned back. "That's my question too, Mr. Maravich, how far are you willing to go?"

Deonte let out a soft, amused breath. "Quite far actually."

Regal's gaze didn't flinch. "I wonder why."

"You are clearly aware of it." Deonte said simply.

Despite the racking success of [Harry Potter] across the globe, their present conversation was about any of that.

This was about the usual proceedings, campaign dinners, crucial calls to jury members, and smoothly sliding your nominee to the front of the line making sure to garner enough attention.

And this time, Red Studio was prepared to go all out.

They already decided him to be the face of - [Harry Potter] - their highest investment franchise ever.

Additionally, now with the film success, Regal wasn't just an experimental indie director with some promise.

He was once a generational talent - and certainly almost all of Hollywood and realized.

Red Studio, had already left Regal during debut film - [The Following] - which managed to grab a Best Screenplay nomination at the Golden Globes almost entirely on its own steam.

Just like, [Death Note] and [The Hangover] - they distributed the film.

But at that time, they hadn't pushed.

It wasn't in the contract, and the executive members hadn't seen the upside to them.

Regal was new. Unproven.

By the time they did see the upside.

Two films.

Two entirely different genres.

A total of 13 major nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay across both the Golden Globes and the Oscars.

Pushing Regal for these awards means, pushing the value of [Harry Potter] franchise, in return pushing their brand, their portfolio, their name.

"We both gain here, Regal, the award board clearly sees you in lifting at least a couple of the 13 nominations, and I would be labelled as an idiot if I didn't support you."

For Deonte, the moment [Death Note] and [The Hangover] crossed over from being critical acclimation to commercial monsters, is in itself a proof.

"Right, I understand." Regal nodded. "But, let's not aim too high, and select only a few realistic choices to push."

13 Nominations?

Undoubtedly, a great feat.

However, he wasn't naïve.

Whether he liked it or not, some categories were already lost, and the nomination is just a kind of appreciation.

And for the rest? He would choose his fights wisely.

He would rather win two than lose thirteen.

"I am always surprised by your attitude of being in reality and not letting the moment push you, it is rather uncommon for someone of your age. But again it's the least surprising thing about you."

....

The Oscars campaigns and [Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone] took over Regal's schedule.

And currently he is at the Award Ceremony Movie screenings - this is where various board members will be invited from all the major studios - allowing them to watch the nominated film.

The screenings were finished for the day, and it was the afterparty that took over three lounges, two bars, and an outdoor terrace - all packed wall-to-wall with actors, producers, directors, agents, and the usual swirl of photographers.

But somewhere past them, tucked away near the far edge of the VIP section, there was a small pocket of space that most people instinctively avoided.

Not because it was roped off.

But because - Ross Oakley - was seated there.

Alone.

Drink in hand.

And no one really wanted to be the one to bother Ross unless they had to.

Except, of course, Regal.

He moved through the crowd like he belonged everywhere and nowhere at once.

There were people who turned as he passed - some congratulating him, others whispering. A few tried to grab his attention, to pull him into a conversation or a photo, but he didn't stop.

Not until he reached that spot.

And, like a wall parting for a tide, the chaos dulled the moment he stepped into Ross's airspace.

Standing off to the side, Don, the bodyman. He was there for exactly this reason - to keep people out.

Yet when Regal passed him, he simply gave a small nod and didn't raise a hand.

"...." Ross noticed.

"That look really doesn't suit you." Regal said, eyes flicking down to the short glass of whiskey in Ross's hand.

"I think I need to scold Idande for letting you through." Ross muttered finally.

"Oh, come one, unlike you he knows you like me, and that I mean no harm." Regal said, glancing sideways at Idande.

He remembered Idande - somewhat similar to Rock - only difference being he talks even less than latter. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Ross exhaled and gave a glance at Regal's tux. "Are you here to beg to vote for your film too?"

"Nah, there aren't 'many' actor nominations to Oscars for my films."

"Ah, how unfortunate...." Ross mocked humorlessly. "Here I thought this old man could be of some help to you."

"Sorry to ruin your touching moment... but I won't be needing that." Regal said dryly.

Ross's eyes narrowed immediately. "Just tell me what the hell you are doing here... and get the fuck out."

He really is unpredictable.

Regal grinned, unbothered, and pulled a small paper bag from under his arm - inside, a bottle of Ross's favorite scotch.

"Let's have a drink. I brought something better than the watered-down garbage they're serving here."

Ross rolled his eyes, but didn't protest when Regal poured two glasses from the bottle into the crystal tumblers set beside him.

"Has it really been more than eight months since we last met?" Regal asked as he handed over the drink.

"I don't know, and I don't care enough to remember." Ross said, taking the glass but not toasting.

Regal clinked his own against Ross's anyway.

"...what are your thoughts of Andrew after all the training?"

Ross took a sip, then replied after a beat. "That little brat works surprisingly hard."

That actually made Regal blink.

Ross? Using words like working hard?

Andrew must have done really well.

Regal leaned against the marble edge behind them. "The screenings weren't a disaster, if that's what you are wondering, the members did express their liking."

Ross snorted lightly. "Then I assume there will be trouble soon."

Regal turned with mock innocence. "Why do you always assume I am the one causing trouble?"

"Forget it." Ross waved a hand. "But whatever you are trying to do, be careful. A single misstep and you are done."

"If I do misstep, wh—

"I am not stepping in." Ross cut him off coldly.

Regal chuckled. "Haa... how cold."

Then, raising his glass again: "And thanks, by the way, for agreeing to be part of [Whiplash]."

Ross took another sip. "That has nothing to do with you."

"I will be the one paying your remuneration, though." Regal added, smirking.

Ross didn't answer.

Regal watched him in silence for a beat longer, then shrugged, voice softer now. "Anyway... I will be careful. Hopefully, I don't misstep."

But Ross could see it - the fire in Regal's eyes, the slight curl of his lips.

He didn't mean a single word of it.

He wasn't slowing down.

He wasn't going to not misstep.

In fact, he looked like someone who was ready to dance on the edge of the line.

"I didn't know you were this far gone." Ross sighed and finished his drink in one slow motion. "If I had known, I wouldn't have associated with a damn brat like you."

There was no anger in his voice.

Just tired, bitter honesty.

Regal leaned back slightly... then stood up.

Ross raised a brow, surprised. "Didn't you say you wanted to drink? Where the hell are you going now?"

Regal straightened his collar and replied. "I am going to get some snacks."

Ross stared at him for a beat. "Really." - who received the worst attempt at a sincere nod from Regal.

"You could ask Idande." Ross offered, almost amused. "That's literally what he is here for."

"It's a very specific craving." Regal said solemnly.

Ross looked at him a moment longer. Then, finally, he shrugged. "Go, don't get lost."

Regal gave a soft chuckle, but his face had already shifted - subtle, but sharper. More focused than before.

He wasn't going to get snacks, that was obvious.

And Ross didn't ask again.

.

....

[To be continued...]

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