(John POV)
Standing before the applauding crowd, I felt an unfamiliar surge of pride and intensity course through me. Nothing in my life had prepared me for this moment.
So this is what it feels like... to be truly appreciated by others...
The cheers washed over me: "Great film!" "Best movie this year!" "Incredible acting!"
But the loudest praise echoed for Arthur - "Brilliant directing!" accompanied by enthusiastic whistles. I glanced at him standing beside me, maintaining that characteristic calm smile.
Yes... I owe everything to this great demon. Without him, I'd never be here, receiving such recognition.
"Thank you everyone. I truly appreciate your response to the film," Arthur said into the microphone, his voice steady and assured.
After delivering his speech for several minutes, he turned toward me and the other cast members. "Of course, this film wouldn't have achieved such impact without our talented cast." He placed a hand on my shoulder, guiding me to the microphone. "This is John Joseph Nicholson - the man who brought Randle to life."
Excitement and nervousness battled in my chest as I faced the audience. With Arthur's encouraging nod, I cleared my throat.
"I haven't prepared anything formal to say. But first, I want to express how grateful and blessed I am to be part of my lor—" I caught myself mid-word, heart racing at the near slip.
"Ahem, to be part of the film by the great director, Arthur Pendragon!" I quickly recovered.
The crowd erupted with cheers of "Bravo!" and "Well deserved!"
"My costars deserve just as much praise!" I gestured toward them warmly. "Especially Ms. Vivienne Westwood - one of the finest actresses I've had the privilege to work with."
Vivienne stepped up to the microphone with a playful smile. "You're absolutely right! Besides Firfel Evergreen, I am quite the talented actress!"
Her blunt self-praise drew genuine laughter from the crowd.
I continued, acknowledging each costar and crew member before closing with another heartfelt thanks to Arthur. The audience's sincere applause warmed my heart - a feeling I'd never expected to experience. After years of being cut from final edits or blending invisibly into the background as an extra, this moment felt surreal.
***
(3rd Person POV)
The Autumn Film Festival continued through August, culminating on the 8th, 1274. As tradition dictated, the festival committee and director gathered to announce the winners.
The ceremony began with the Autumn Audience Choice Award, followed by technical categories including Best Cinematography and Best Screenplay. The anticipation built as they approached the major awards.
John claimed the Golden Leaf for Best Actor, a win the audience celebrated enthusiastically. Vivienne Westwood secured the Crystal Maple for Best Actress, while Arthur took home the Best Director.
To no one's surprise, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" swept the ceremony, earning the festival's highest honor - the Grand Autumn Prize. Critics and filmmakers nodded in approval, having witnessed firsthand the film's extraordinary impact.
After its eleven-day run at the Autumn Film Festival, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" expanded to theaters across Kanata Kingdom, U.S.E, Aztec Empire, and throughout the Empirican Continent. Even the Anatolia region prepared for screenings.
Despite its modest budget, Arthur's distribution strategy rivaled that of any major release. Though produced under Hellfire Indie - a Hellfire Studio subsidiary focused on small-budget films emphasizing acting and direction - the film commanded attention like a blockbuster.
This strategic separation of his big-budget productions from intimate character studies showed Arthur's vision for Hellfire Indie. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" would establish the subsidiary's reputation for meaningful storytelling.
His plan worked brilliantly. Magazines and newspapers couldn't stop discussing the film:
"Freedom vs Control: How One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Exposes Society's Hidden Power Struggles" - Kanata Times
"Small Budget, Massive Impact: Arthur Pendragon Proves Story Trumps Special Effects" - Film Chronicle
"Inside the Mind: A Haunting Look at Mental Health Care Through Randle's Eyes" - Entertainment Weekly
"John Nicholson: The Unknown Actor Who Stunned Critics" - Star Magazine
"Beyond Entertainment: Cuckoo's Nest Forces Us to Question Authority" - Cinema Review
The headlines swept through kingdoms, drawing crowds through Arthur's reputation alone. His name had become a brand that guaranteed quality - even heavily marketed blockbusters struggled to compete with his releases.
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" opened with a staggering 34 million dollars on its first day, outperforming recent offerings from industry giants like Titan Pictures, Underground Films, and Science Pictures.
By the third day, John Nicholson's face appeared on magazine covers and newspaper front pages across kingdoms, transforming him from unknown actor to celebrated star.
In Cusco Empire, the capital of South Empirica's Inca Empire, Juan was living it up at an exclusive club, drinking and dancing with beautiful humans and elves. His friend Eagle suddenly grabbed his arm, pulling him aside.
"What's your problem?" Juan slurred, clearly annoyed at the interruption. "Why're you ruining my fun, Eagle?"
Eagle ignored his friend's attitude and thrust a magazine in his face. "Juan, look at this guy. Recognize him?"
Juan squinted at the smiling, kind-faced man on the cover. "Eh, ugly looking dude," he muttered.
"This is the actor whose scenes you cut from your film's final edit!" Eagle snapped.
Juan's drunken haze cleared slightly. "Wait..." he peered closer. "Yeah, maybe... Jack something?"
"John!" Eagle corrected, exasperated. "His name is John!"
"Right..." Juan nodded slowly, staring at the magazine. "Why's this nobody on Star Magazine's cover?"
Eagle sighed heavily. "Of course you wouldn't know... That 'nobody' is now the most talked-about actor in multiple kingdoms. Critics can't stop praising him!"
Juan's eyebrows shot up as sobriety began creeping in. He studied John's photo more carefully. "You're not messing with me, right?"
"Why would I?" Eagle snorted. "That 'nobody' you're talking about is the hottest actor this month."
Juan snatched the magazine, flipping through pages frantically, searching for proof this wasn't some elaborate prank.
The critics' praise jumped out at him - they celebrated John's portrayal of Randle, noting how he brought the character to life through subtle expressions and powerful physical presence, creating a performance both raw and nuanced.
Then Juan spotted Arthur Pendragon's name. "How the hell did this nobody land a role in that demon's film?" he demanded, glancing at Eagle, who merely shrugged.
"Well," Juan scoffed after finishing the article, "anyone would get famous in that demon's films. Lucky bastard."
"So you think it's just Arthur's reputation making him famous?" Eagle pressed.
Juan waved dismissively. "Put an ant in that demon's film and it'll become a star. No surprise here."
"But everyone's praising his actual performance," Eagle pointed out.
"Hah, Star Magazine's probably just kissing up to Arthur. Nothing new."
"If you say so," Eagle replied. "I'm planning to watch it myself."
"Just let me get back to my fun!" Juan turned away, but the magazine remained clutched in his hand.
Alone with his thoughts, regret crept in. He remembered John's genuine talent, the very reason he'd cut his scenes. His girlfriend, the film's lead actress, had demanded John's removal, threatened by how he'd outshined her in their shared scenes.
Now, watching John's success unfold, that decision haunted him more than he cared to admit.
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