Then the host turned to Peter Jackson:
"Mr. Jackson, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has six nominations. How many awards do you think it will win?"
Peter glanced at his wife. With a playful tone, Fran Walsh replied,
"Don't look at me, speak your mind. This is the Oscars, not Beverly Hills."
Her teasing tone hinted that Jackson was henpecked, eliciting laughter from those around.
Peter Jackson stroked his beard, adopting a serious expression.
"Honestly, of course, I want to win Best Picture. It's a very important award, but Gangs of New York, The Hours, The Pianist, and Chicago are also very strong contenders."
"Martin Scorsese and Roman Polanski are my senior colleagues, Stephen Daldry and Rob Marshall are my juniors. I'm stuck in between them. But you know, I like being between women, but men—well, that's a different story."
After these words, he couldn't help but smile and laugh.
Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood, and others were surprised. Daring to joke like that at the Oscars was a bold move.
Everyone present recalled last year's host, Whoopi Goldberg, who opened the ceremony with, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the city where lying is part of the craft," and once again, they felt a sense of relief.
Going back further, at the 1999 Oscars, the organizers even joked about the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal—now that was truly bold.
However, such jokes are only permissible for masters. Newcomers without sufficient authority should avoid such humor; otherwise, they risk triggering a wave of criticism.
Moreover, this year's ceremony is being broadcast by ABC, and if something seems inappropriate, it can simply be cut from the recording.
Peter Jackson's joke made the host laugh, but he quickly realized it was inappropriate and attempted to change the subject. However, the bearded director suddenly pointed forward.
"Excuse me, but there's a familiar little guy over there. I need to say hello," he said and, without waiting for the host's reaction, strode through the crowd and threw his arm around someone's shoulders.
On the red carpet, Eric was talking with Anthony Hopkins when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Peter Jackson.
He knew Jackson liked to joke. They had shared drinks and engaged in "guy stuff" together several times. And for those thinking otherwise, they should be ashamed of their thoughts.
"You startled me, Peter. How do you manage to walk so quietly with your 200 pounds?" Eric asked.
"My voice is loud, so everyone just clears the way when I start talking. But your attention was completely captured by Anthony," Jackson replied, turning to Hopkins. "Doctor Hannibal, your oratory skills are impressive not only on screen but also in real life."
Anthony Hopkins smiled slightly. As an experienced British actor, he rarely laughed out loud, preferring to maintain a reserved demeanor.
"Eric, do continue your conversation. There are too many people here; I feel like I can't breathe. I need to find my seat," Hopkins joked and headed towards the theater.
"This year's red carpet feels a bit dull," Peter Jackson remarked.
"No fan screams, something's missing."
"Yes, not only are there no spectators, but the actresses are dressed very modestly," Eric added.
"Hmm! I believe Hollywood should stick to making movies and stay out of politics. Excessive politicization is ruining it," Jackson opined.
"I agree, but what can you do? Hollywood is a stronghold of the Democrats, and Americans are always interested in politics. Isn't it the same in New Zealand?"
"Before I came to the US, I never encountered forced opinions. Maybe it's because New Zealand is such a small country," Jackson quietly replied.
Peter led Eric over to the Lord of the Rings team and began introducing everyone one by one.
"Where is Sir Ian McKellen?" Eric asked.
"Because of the war, Gandalf decided not to attend the Oscars," Hugo Weaving answered.
"What a pity. I like his roles as Gandalf and Magneto. I'd love to meet him," Eric said.
"No problem, I'll arrange a party sometime where everyone can get together," Jackson promised.
As they continued talking, applause and shouts erupted from behind them, and the journalists' attention suddenly intensified.
Everyone turned to see Steven Spielberg approaching the red carpet with the Catch Me If You Can team.
Following him were Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, and it was clear who had caused the uproar.
Cameras clicked non-stop, capturing DiCaprio as he happily posed for them.
A few years ago, when Titanic captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, he had skyrocketed to fame. However, the Oscars had overlooked him, not granting him a nomination, which left the actor resentful, and he openly declared that he didn't care about the Oscars and refused to attend the ceremony.
Perhaps this was why it took so long for Leonardo to finally get the coveted statuette. Only after his self-sacrificing role in The Revenant did he manage to move the Academy and win the long-awaited award.
But now, a few years after Titanic, DiCaprio had realized his previous brashness. Now he cooperated politely with the press, smiling sincerely despite not being nominated this time.
Spielberg, in the meantime, headed towards Eric. They embraced like old friends.
"Steven, long time no see. How are things?" Eric whispered.
"There are some developments. Let's talk in detail after the ceremony," Spielberg replied.
Peter Jackson watched them with interest.
"I only introduced you, and now I see you're talking behind my back," he joked.
The journalists also noticed this scene and pointed their cameras in their direction. Many international journalists didn't know who Eric was, but if he could easily converse with great directors and was as handsome as Leonardo, he was clearly worth their attention.
The host approached at the right moment:
"You've captured everyone's attention. Let's take a group photo."
It was a great idea. Eric tried to place Spielberg in the center, but he insisted that the young man take the spot. Jackson, though acknowledging Spielberg's superiority, was unwilling to relinquish his position.
In the end, Jackson and Spielberg positioned Eric in the center, with Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Viggo Mortensen flanking them. The others had to stand aside—their star power didn't quite allow them into this company.
Amidst envious glances, the camera shutters continued to click, capturing the moment.
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