"Cheers!"
The cast of "Saving Private Ryan" gathered together, raising their glasses in celebration. Duke had just downed a glass of champagne when Robin Grand stood up again. "To tonight's victory, I propose another toast!"
"I agree, cheers!"
Tonight, most of the crew members nominated for the Oscars had something to celebrate. The center of the spotlight was the perfect time for excitement. Ben Watts filled everyone's glasses with champagne, and they clinked glasses, not caring about the spilled liquid, downing their drinks to the bottom.
This was the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and the crew was attending the Oscar night celebration party hosted by Vanity Fair.
"Duke lost Best Director," Zack Snyder suggested, "To comfort him, I want to drink with him."
John Schwartzman also chimed in, "Don't forget, I'm here too! I want to thank him for helping me win Best Cinematography!"
"Duke offered many suggestions during the set design. Without him, I wouldn't have won Best Art Direction." Hannah Selena wasn't about to let Duke off either. "To show my gratitude, I also want to drink with him!"
"Don't forget me." Mike Dawson refused to be left out. "I was just an ordinary Hollywood editor before meeting Duke. After that, I received three nominations for Best Editing and won a little golden statue for Best Editing. I must drink with him."
Sofia bumped Duke with her shoulder, then raised her glass to signal she wouldn't let him off either.
The noise in the banquet hall—the clinking of glasses, the sound of flirting between men and women—merged into a chaotic symphony. Duke looked at the members of the production team and understood that they had probably waited a long time for this day.
"Then I will drink with everyone."
Catherine Zeta-Jones had already poured him more champagne, and Duke stood up, raising his glass. "I should toast to all of you. May our collaboration be forever successful!"
After speaking, he took the lead in downing the champagne. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone quickly finished their drinks.
"Not right!" Putting down his glass, Zack Snyder suddenly came to his senses. "We each have to drink with Duke!"
"Wait!" Duke burped, already feeling the effects of the alcohol. "You know I can't hold my liquor; I'll be drunk if I drink more."
"Aren't you afraid of getting drunk without anyone to take care of you?" John Schwartzman gestured towards Zeta-Jones across the table. "I don't think Kate would refuse to take care of you."
"My dear," Zeta-Jones immediately replied with a smile, "I'd be happy to do that."
"Wow~"
This group of overly excited individuals erupted in cheers.
Zeta-Jones turned and brushed her lips against Duke's cheek, leaving a warm breath behind.
"Alright, stop the commotion!"
Seeing that they were about to act on their words, Sofia Coppola reminded them, "Don't you want to socialize? How are you going to flirt after getting drunk? Do you really want to spend this crazy night alone?"
"One more drink!"
Duke stood up, lifting his glass first. He encouraged, "The Vanity Fair party is a favorite spot for beautiful models. Don't say I didn't warn you!"
Honor, wealth, fine wine, and beautiful women—this was the unchanging theme of Oscar night. After finishing one drink, most people left the dining area to seek their own targets.
The table quickly thinned out; even Sofia Coppola went to another area, leaving only Robin Grand and her husband across the table, whispering to each other.
"You've had quite a bit to drink."
Zeta-Jones took her handbag and looked at Duke with concern. "I have a hangover remedy prepared for you; do you need it?"
"Not for now."
Duke hadn't eaten dinner at all. He took a knife and fork, cutting a piece of steak and shoving it into his mouth. Zeta-Jones had already poured him a glass of juice, which she handed to him after he had eaten a quarter of the steak.
Taking a big sip of the juice, Duke could tell she was a thoughtful woman, adept at handling situations. Both were the lead actresses in "Chicago," and while Naomi Watts was the target of jealousy from many female dancers and actresses, Zeta-Jones had won many people's favor. Even the dance director, Lily Fred, had mentioned to him more than once that she was a humble and hardworking actress.
"Someone's coming over."
Hearing Zeta-Jones' reminder, Duke turned slightly. Tina Brown, the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, approached.
"Hi, Duke. Congratulations on winning Best Picture." She glanced at Catherine Zeta-Jones, not recognizing her, then quickly returned her gaze to Duke. "Can we chat for a bit?"
"Of course." Duke gestured to the chair beside him. "Please sit, Tina."
Sitting diagonally across from Duke, Tina Brown smiled politely. "There aren't many talented young directors like you. I heard your new film is preparing to shoot. Would you be interested in accepting an exclusive interview with Vanity Fair?"
"No one would refuse an invitation from Tina Brown, right?" Duke first offered a polite remark, then added, "I can't make that decision alone. Tina, you should contact my PR and manager."
"No problem." Tina Brown stood up to say her goodbyes.
It was getting late, and Duke glanced at his watch, ready to leave. But before he could stand, he saw Mel Gibson sitting alone at the "Braveheart" table, looking over in their direction, seemingly hesitating.
"What does he want?"
Catherine Zeta-Jones also noticed him, gripping Duke's sleeve, slightly anxious. "Should I call security?"
Shaking his head, Duke turned to look at Mel Gibson, curious about what the Australian wildman intended to do.
Mel Gibson hadn't had a drink all night, nor had anyone approached him for one. Everyone avoided him like he was a fly, wanting to keep as far away as possible. Losing the chance for Best Director at the Oscars had turned him into a complete failure in this circle that chased success.
Watching from across the room, he felt incredibly complicated. That young director also lost Best Director but was still surrounded by admiration. No matter where he stood, he became the center of attention, as if the whole world revolved around him.
Lowering his head, Mel Gibson avoided the two seemingly calm yet sharp gazes and recalled his purpose for attending this party. He was not there to endure ridicule but to find new opportunities in his dire situation.
To apologize, to seek forgiveness, and then to create some media opportunities to improve his current situation.
These steps were not difficult in theory, so why did he feel such resistance inside?
Mel Gibson looked at Duke again. He understood that even with the most sincere apology, his heart was filled with hatred.
But hatred wouldn't solve the problem or change his situation, so Mel Gibson stood up.
He was waiting, just like Duke had once waited for an opportunity. He was also choosing the right moment.
Finally, a dozen people walked over to the "Saving Private Ryan" crew, and Tom Hanks and his wife were also sitting at that table talking to him. Mel Gibson took a heavy and slow first step.
That step was difficult and painful, making him feel as if his face had been slapped hard.
However, the hardest step was often the first one. Once that step was taken, the rest would become easier.
Mel Gibson took a deep breath, disregarding the scornful gazes around him, and strode toward Duke.
"Mel Gibson is coming over."
Hearing someone's reminder, Duke finished his conversation with Hanks and turned to watch Mel Gibson's tall figure approach step by step.
"Don't be impulsive, Duke." Sofia, returning to the table, quickly reminded him in a low voice. "Stay calm; he's done for."
Duke nodded; he wouldn't be foolish enough to take the initiative.
The "Saving Private Ryan" table was already very conspicuous in the banquet hall, and Mel Gibson's actions immediately attracted countless eyes, with many eagerly anticipating the drama.
Mel Gibson didn't care about the gazes, nor did Duke.
Stopping about five feet away from Duke, Mel Gibson looked at him, wanting to say something, but the words nearly turned into a surge of anger. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed it.
Nearby, several people looked at Duke. Ben Watts and Zack Snyder had unknowingly positioned themselves on either side of Mel Gibson, seemingly guarding against any reckless actions from the Australian wildman.
Hollywood knew all too well about Mel Gibson's temperament, and no one believed he would have good intentions.
Duke looked at Gibson and directly asked, "Is there something you need, Mr. Gibson?"
"I..." Mel Gibson seemed to gather all his strength. "I'm here to apologize."
Apologize?
Including Duke, everyone nearby who heard this was taken aback. Mel Gibson was going to apologize voluntarily?
"At the last Golden Globe Awards party, I did something foolish." Mel Gibson's voice was unusually loud, seemingly to ensure everyone in the banquet hall could hear. "I feel very guilty about it and came here specifically to apologize to you."
After this loud declaration, many eyes fell on Duke. Mel Gibson's apology seemed sincere; how would he respond?
Wasn't this a smart move? Duke chuckled to himself. Was Mel Gibson genuinely apologizing? He didn't know, nor did he care to find out. The other party was an old actor; his acting skills were certainly above average when sober.
Mel Gibson looked sincerely at Duke, as if trying to touch his heart. As long as the person involved forgave him, there would be plenty of articles to write later.
After only a second of silence, Duke gave the answer, "I'm very sorry, Mr. Gibson, I don't accept your apology!"