The Creation of the Avenue of Stars and the Birth of the Academy Awards
"Here they are." Charlie Lee was deep in thought, digesting the details of the situation. Elaine Sticknerd rose with a smile to greet Louis Mayer, who approached confidently.
"Hi, Louis. How are you doing lately?" Elaine asked warmly.
"Better than ever, my friend. You look younger every time I see you," Louis replied with a hearty laugh. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned his sharp gaze to Charlie Lee.
"This is Charlie, the young man behind the idea for the Avenue of Stars," Elaine introduced. "He's my nephew—a remarkable and talented individual," he added in a quiet but proud tone.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Mayer," Charlie said with a smile, extending his hand.
"Likewise, young man," Louis responded, shaking Charlie's hand with a calculated yet playful expression.
Louis then introduced his companion, saying, "This is Douglas Van Punk, President of the Academy. I believe you're familiar with him."
Charlie recognized Douglas immediately. "Of course, I know Mr. Van Punk. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, Charlie," Douglas replied politely.
Charlie led them to a prepared reception room, signaling that it was time to discuss business. Once seated, Charlie opened the conversation.
"Mr. Mayer, I assume Aunt Elaine has already briefed you about the Avenue of Stars project. May I know your thoughts?"
Louis leaned back in his chair, his expression measured. "Charlie, I'd prefer to hear your vision directly from you."
Charlie outlined his plan confidently. "I intend to invest $5 million to establish the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which will oversee the construction of the Avenue of Stars. Each month, one individual will be selected to receive a star, representing excellence in entertainment-related industries. While nominees may come from various fields, the final decision would rest with the Academy."
His tone was deliberate, ensuring Louis understood he sought collaboration, not competition. Charlie's goal was to carve a space for himself in Hollywood while respecting the Academy's existing influence.
Louis, however, saw an opportunity. "Why not have the Academy establish the Chamber of Commerce? You can fund it, and we'll manage it together," he proposed with a glint of ambition in his eyes.
Charlie remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "Mr. Mayer, if that's the case, how much funding would the Academy be willing to contribute?"
Louis's smile widened. "Charlie, the Academy's influence is its greatest asset. Surely, you recognize its worth?"
Elaine frowned, interjecting cautiously. "Louis, while the Academy holds significant potential, it's still in its early days. Its current value doesn't match the investment Charlie is proposing."
Louis shot back confidently, "Elaine, the Academy's influence is growing rapidly. Soon, it will redefine Hollywood itself."
Charlie's eyes darkened as he realized Louis's intent. Deciding the discussion had reached a dead end, he ended the meeting curtly. "I'll need time to consider, Mr. Mayer."
As Louis Mayer and Douglas Van Punk left, Charlie remained seated, making no effort to see them off. It was a clear sign the negotiations had soured.
Once they were gone, Charlie turned to Mahdi, his trusted aide. "Register patents for the Avenue of Stars concept immediately. Cover all commemorative ground facilities and anything remotely similar, even under the Hollywood name. Don't worry about the cost—just get it done."
Mahdi nodded, understanding the urgency, and immediately made calls to the Chicago think tank to begin the process.
"Louis Mayer is becoming insufferable," Elaine muttered apologetically. "Charlie, if he tries to steal your idea, I'll do everything in my power to stop him."
"Aunt Elaine, don't worry. Not everyone in this world can be as honorable as Rockefeller," Charlie replied with a subtle smile, knowing Elaine admired the legendary businessman.
Mahdi returned swiftly. "Boss, Ben's team is handling the patents as we speak."
"Good. Now, I need you to oversee a few key initiatives. Establish the Star Awards, set up the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and secure the support of our honorary mayor. Reach out to the Actors Guild, Directors Guild, and Editors Guild. Hollywood needs more voices and choices, and I'm willing to fund public facilities to make it happen," Charlie instructed.
Despite Louis's arrogance, Charlie was determined to outmaneuver him. He decided to create something even grander than the Avenue of Stars—a rival to the Academy itself.
"Mahdi, spread the word that the Star Awards will be a lifetime honor. Allocate $10 million to establish a foundation for its independent operation and maintenance," Charlie added.
Mahdi then suggested boldly, "Boss, why not establish a new academy?"
Charlie's eyes lit up. "Yes! Why not? And we'll call it the Oscars!"
Inspired, Charlie envisioned a pure gold statuette symbolizing honor and freedom. The Oscars would feature an expansive list of awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and many more, including special categories like the Free Honor Award and Special Achievement Award.
"Buy the Bowl Theater and make it the most luxurious venue in Hollywood," Charlie declared. "It will host the Oscars and become a hall of legends."
Elaine, listening in astonishment, finally asked, "Charlie, isn't this a bit excessive for just an award?"
"Aunt Elaine, I'm a humble man," Charlie replied with a smirk. "But when someone tries to belittle me, I show them what humility looks like—with facts and money."
Mahdi and his team worked tirelessly to bring Charlie's vision to life. They secured government support, negotiated with industry guilds, and began preparations for the Oscars. Meanwhile, the media buzzed with the announcement of the Star Awards, a pure gold trophy, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's ambitious projects.
In MGM's office, Louis Mayer fumed as he read the headlines. "That arrogant bastard is challenging the Academy itself!" he growled, slamming the newspaper onto his desk.
Douglas Van Punk hesitated before responding, "Louis, they've already secured deals with major guilds and jury members. The first Oscars will feature far more awards than the Academy ever has."
Louis's anger boiled over. "Damn it, Douglas! Don't forget who put you in your position. I made you, and I can destroy you."
But Charlie Lee was undeterred. By combining innovation, strategy, and sheer determination, he had not only protected his vision for the Avenue of Stars but also established a rival institution destined to redefine Hollywood's legacy.