[Chapter 472: No Suspense]
The 61st Academy Awards represented a more typical ceremony in recent years. White Films made a high-profile return with Dances with Wolves, marking a sort of royal comeback.
Even though the Academy's old guard was quite proud, they had to concede that there was a significant gap between White Films and other production companies -- and that gap was widening.
William White was playing a game where they simply had to award him. In the face of the most predictable Oscars in history, the media's focus wasn't on whether Dances with Wolves would win, but rather on how many awards it would take home.
"Best Original Screenplay goes to Dances with Wolves." When Audrey Hepburn announced that William White was the winner, the whole audience stood up and applauded.
Although William White had his flaws, no one could deny his talent. His very presence elevated the social standing of Hollywood artists. Interestingly, this place not only produced a president but also the world's richest man.
"Ms. Hepburn, I'm so thrilled they had you present this award. You're just perfect in my eyes. May I give you a hug?" Laughter erupted from the audience; it was good-natured for the most part.
Hepburn happily smiled, at sixty years old, still having a billionaire fan.
"Of course, I'd be honored."
Viewers at home were surprised; they could see that William White was truly happy and showed respect for Ms. Hepburn.
"I thank Ms. Hepburn for presenting this award, and I thank the Academy for giving it to me -- though I did have to wait quite a while." More laughter followed; everyone knew what he was hinting at, but it didn't seem too far out of line.
"Thank you, thank you all."
Being the boss, William White didn't really have many people to thank.
When Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn appeared again, William White couldn't help but reflect. The handsome old guy had turned into an old man, yet that beautiful angel was still radiant.
"Hey, I know Audrey Hepburn, but who's that next to her? Is that her husband?"
"No, have you seen Roman Holiday?" Michelle Reis nodded; who hadn't seen that classic?
"That's the handsome guy from the movie."
"Wow, he sure aged."
"Yeah, and Audrey Hepburn is sixty too -- time's a brutal thief, except for those kissed by angels."
"Right? I'm sure I'll be a wreck at sixty. Honey, you won't leave me, will you?"
"Don't be silly. Sure, I may be a jerk, but one thing's for sure: I never give up on anyone."
"As long as I'm with you, the rest doesn't matter."
The big winner of the night was undoubtedly Dances with Wolves, which was also one of the least controversial films in recent years. Not only did it perform exceptionally at the box office, but it also had high artistic merit.
Don't underestimate this point -- Western movies were a staple in America. However, in a civilized society, how could you still promote engaging in battles with Native Americans? That's not something to take pride in.
A Nielsen report showed a viewership rating of 51%, setting a record.
This time, the media gave quite a bit of grace, not pointing fingers at the wealthiest man. Though some said Rain Man was decent, it just had bad luck.
That's not entirely off the mark -- while the Oscars seemed fair, there were clearly political motives involved. Americans were doing some self-reflection, and it wasn't a bad thing to revisit their past. If this movie had come out ten years earlier, many states might not have let it show.
The Academy was long dominated by a group of old folks who only felt connected to historical themes. Films about gunfights, cops and robbers, and wars likely had a hard time winning, even a film like Saving Private Ryan didn't have much of a chance and ended up with just a consolation prize.
Voting based on personal preference was normal; when a bunch of old men had similar tastes, opportunists like Weinstein could shine.
...
"Finally snagged that little gold guy, William, how do you feel?"
"I don't even feel much anymore. Those old geezers are tricky; they had no choice this time. That doesn't mean they like me though. I bet, Lucas, those old-timers absolutely hate me."
"Ha! That feeling of being forced to vote is really something. If this selection process doesn't change, trouble's coming."
"I think I'll be heading to places like this less and less. It just feels overly oppressive. I mean, if Spielberg and I went head-to-head, that could be interesting."
Lucas thought to himself, you've got tons of avid fans, and Spielberg hasn't lost his mind -- what would he want to compete with you for?
In reality, William White had lost interest in the Oscars; he wasn't looking to correct those old-timers. Honestly, Hollywood was still the same -- stuck in the last century.
...
"Filson, how's the site selection coming along?"
"Sir, the San Francisco government is being quite reasonable; they're really looking forward to Bell Labs setting up shop."
"Good, Silicon Valley is still the best. We can't operate in a vacuum. What's going on with Morgan Stanley? Has they lost it yet?"
"Nope. Their people just arrived in California, and we've already signed a contract with Qualcomm. That old fox has pretty good vision."
"Ha, Qualcomm might not be so eager; all they can offer is US dollars. How does he value a company like that?"
William White was spot on -- Morgan Stanley originally planned to pick up a bargain. Now that GSM was here, they were going to sideline CDMA.
"What? You say it's going to be promising in the future?
Let's not kid around, the GSM technology is already well-developed; it's going to take at least two more years. Your CDMA is just a concept; it'll be three to five years before you can even think about it.
As for why William White would invest?
This guy was a scientific juggernaut, with countless research projects that were truly jaw-dropping.
Without even counting his investments in laboratories, just in Silicon Valley risk capital funds, he had already spent close to a billion dollars. Who dared to compete with his wealth?
Filson was William White's top dog and enjoyed quite a reputation in Silicon Valley.
As long as this guy invested in your project, you wouldn't have to sweat out in a garage anymore; he could give you everything you wanted.
Of course, your shares would keep getting diluted in his hands.
*****
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