Even though she knew it wouldn't be hers from the start, Laila's heart still sank a bit. She believed that with "Chicago," she had the capability to challenge for the Best Director award. However, that's how the rules of Hollywood work. Breaking decades-old traditions requires not just achieving the best; it requires surpassing the best!
"You'll get it in the future!" Roy planted a kiss on her forehead. He understood her feelings at the moment. Last year, when he didn't win the award, he felt quite disappointed too, hoping for a "what if." Unfortunately, the "what if" didn't happen, and he ultimately didn't get the trophy he wanted.
"Okay," Laila responded softly, her eyes transitioning from disappointment to clarity. She was never one to stop and indulge in self-pity. With the time spent stopping, she might have already progressed closer to success.
What made her happy was that in the end, "Chicago" won the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. It was a very celebratory honor, representing the recognition of the entire crew's abilities.
After all the awards were presented, the Golden Globe Awards concluded amid musical applause.
This was the most honored Laila had been since she started making movies. Seven nominations resulted in winning three heavyweight awards. Such achievements couldn't be criticized even by the most demanding individuals.
She was satisfied, the crew was satisfied, and the company and partners were certainly satisfied. They say the Golden Globe Awards are an indicator of the Oscars. Since the Golden Globes had yielded many wins, they could now look forward to "Chicago's" performance at the Oscars!
The subsequent celebration was a given, but online dissent about the Golden Globe Awards was beginning.
Every year, after the conclusion of each award ceremony, there would be criticism from various quarters. This was normal, and people were accustomed to it. After all, there were so many excellent films every year, and with different tastes, people's favorite films would undoubtedly differ. There's only one trophy, and once it's given to you, it can't be given to someone else. So, people might vent a bit and then move on.
However, the dissent this year was more significant. Some thought Roy was too young, and his acting skills didn't match the more experienced Hugh Grant. Others believed it was inappropriate to place both female leads from "Chicago" in the Best Actress category; otherwise, Zeta-Jones, who didn't win, might have taken home the Best Supporting Actress trophy with her outstanding performance.
But the most debated topic was the Best Director award. Many people believed that this award should have gone to Laila instead of the older Martin.
"My favorite 'Pirates of the Caribbean' didn't give Laila a Best Director award. She didn't even get a nomination, which is already unfair to her. Now she made such a great film this year and didn't win an award. Isn't this discrimination?"
"Is it okay to judge awards based on age and experience? If that's the case, what's the point of having judges? Can someone tell me where Martin is better than Laila in directing? 'Gangs of New York'? Who would watch that kind of thing!"
"Conspiracy, it must be a conspiracy. If Laila doesn't win in the future, I won't watch the Golden Globe Awards again!"
Ordinary people might not have the ability to voice their opinions on a larger platform, but they have websites, forums, and Facebook. There, they could freely express their opinions and discuss with like-minded people.
In terms of fan numbers, Laila clearly had many more supporters than Martin. So, even though some people spoke well of Martin, thinking he was a truly good director and not inferior to Laila, they were drowned out by the massive wave of Laila's fans.
Laila only found out about the online uproar the next day. She was happy for the support from her fans; it meant that her film was genuinely loved by people. However, she didn't want to see people attacking another well-known director just to speak up for her.
After thinking about it, she wrote on Facebook, " 'Gangs of New York' is a great film that needs serious contemplation. Martin's directing skills are unquestionable. Perhaps I still lack something in the eyes of the judges, but I think I gained something better."
Following this text, she attached a photo: the perfect capture of Roy holding the trophy, expressing his love for her on the stage.
The photographer was skilled, capturing Roy's expression at that moment perfectly. His sparkling eyes, affectionate gaze, and smile were all so clear. Even the most heartless person would be moved after seeing this photo.
Her post received countless replies shortly after being posted.
Her fans were indeed diverted, now focusing on the love story between her and Roy. They congratulated her on Roy's public declaration of love in front of so many people.
Laila interacted with fans for a while, managing to suppress the surging "public opinion." It should be noted that most of the people gathered under her Facebook post were her die-hard fans and the main force attacking the Golden Globe Awards and Martin. With these people appeased, the pressure from others would be much less.
Her actions inadvertently left Martin with a very favorable impression. Originally full of anger from being scolded, he felt relieved after seeing the goodwill Laila expressed. The Golden Globe Awards also thanked her for her help; otherwise, they didn't know how they would have been attacked. Although they weren't afraid of being scolded, it didn't mean they liked being scolded.
Faaris was also somewhat satisfied because Laila didn't get the Best Director award. For him, that was a significant success. After all, the award-winning "Gangs of New York" also had his investment. Saying that he pushed Laila out of the winner's list wasn't an exaggeration.
"If she didn't get the other awards either, that would be even better," he said, still somewhat dissatisfied. He didn't understand heavyweight awards; he just knew that the films she directed took away quite a few trophies. If possible, he would prefer her not to get any awards, as retaliation for her previous insults.
"Mr. Faaris, this is inevitable. The Golden Globe Awards are divided into drama and musical/comedy categories. We invested in some profound stories, and films that could win more awards at the Oscars. Moran's competition at the Golden Globes wasn't too strong; that's why she won those awards. Wait for the Oscars, and you will see the true victory and defeat," someone advised.
Faaris thought about it and realized it made sense. Their goal was to keep Laila pinned under the trophies. As long as she didn't get the Best Director award, that would be their victory!