Videotape?
Hearing Matthew mention this term, Johnny Lee Miller's eyes widened, recalling events from several years ago, and he involuntarily felt a wave of defeat.
Those incidents happened long ago. Was there any point in pursuing it? Even if he wanted to, what could he use to fight against Matthew Horner standing before him?
Money? Matthew Horner's salary for one film was more than Johnny had earned in his entire career!
Status? At his peak, Johnny was only a mid-tier star, whereas Matthew Horner was now an undeniably top-tier celebrity!
Physical fight? Johnny didn't dare to back then, and after two years of indulging in alcohol, gambling, and drugs, his body was wrecked. He probably couldn't even take on the large-breasted woman beside Matthew.
Suddenly, Johnny regretted calling out. He had been out of his mind with hunger, and now he was foolishly provoking this jerk. It was just asking for trouble.
"Johnny!" A voice, like a savior, called out, "What are you doing? Hurry over here!"
"Someone's looking for me. I have to go." Johnny Lee Miller left without looking back, grabbing his female companion's hand as if fleeing from a demon.
Alexandra Daddario watched this exaggerated scene and said to Matthew, "He seems really scared of you."
Matthew shrugged slightly, "Maybe."
People started to walk the red carpet, and the fans' cheers grew louder. Matthew led Alexandra Daddario towards the tent's exit.
"You mentioned a videotape earlier?" Alexandra Daddario, holding Matthew's arm tightly, was very curious. "What videotape?"
As they walked, Matthew explained, "When I was still a small-time actor, he tried to set me up. I..."
At this moment, he stopped talking as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt approached from a distance. The two slowed down upon seeing Matthew.
Passing each other, Matthew nodded slightly at Brad Pitt, who smiled and nodded back, seemingly unaware of Matthew's past actions.
Compared to Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie's gaze was sharper when looking at Matthew. Matthew smiled at her, but she responded with the same cold indifference she showed when they first met.
The two hadn't made a public appearance since the Jennifer Aniston scandal.
"Are they making a comeback?" Alexandra Daddario whispered in Matthew's ear, "That cheating couple!"
Matthew shrugged, "If they don't return soon, they'll be forgotten."
Hollywood has always had a short memory, and so do the audiences. Even Brad Pitt, if absent for too long, would become just another face.
The couple quickly walked past, likely intending to use the Oscars to stage a strong return.
Matthew wasn't too worried. Apart from Helen Herman and Elena Boyar, no one knew of his involvement in that incident. Jennifer Aniston might suspect it was a setup but wouldn't link it to him.
Of course, such things couldn't be completely kept secret. There was always a chance of rumors or someone connecting the dots, but judging by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's current behavior, they didn't seem to associate him with the incident.
"What are you looking at?" Angelina Jolie glanced at Brad Pitt, "That woman's chest?"
Brad Pitt nodded subconsciously, "Yes, it's big." He then realized his mistake and quickly added, "I just wanted to see what Matthew Horner's new companion looks like."
"You'd better keep an eye on Matthew Horner," Angelina Jolie appeared more strategic than Brad Pitt. "He's a useful tool for us to regain our high status."
"Why do you say that?" Brad Pitt was puzzled.
Angelina Jolie explained, "I did some research. Matthew Horner's style is somewhat similar to yours. The roles he eyes might suit you as well. We desperately need a success, and he...he's almost synonymous with success right now."
Brad Pitt nodded, "I understand. I'll find a way to secure the roles he's interested in."
"Good, you've got some sense."
Despite being viewed negatively by the media and the public in recent years, these two had been in the industry for over a decade and had their network. They mingled in the tent, leveraging every opportunity.
Meanwhile, Matthew and Alexandra Daddario stepped onto the Oscar red carpet.
The white canopy shielded them from the rain, while blinding flashes illuminated every inch of space, and the fans' frenzied shouts surged like a tsunami...
The unique Oscar red carpet experience made Alexandra Daddario's legs tighten. She could only muster a trained smile, her hand on Matthew's arm trembling.
"Relax, Anna." Matthew wrapped an arm around her waist, "Wave to the fans on the left."
Alexandra quickly raised her hand and waved, feeling a bit more at ease.
"Am I looking stiff?" She worried about her red carpet appearance, "Do I look silly?"
Matthew, holding her waist, guided her forward, "Anna, you look beautiful, absolutely stunning."
A woman like Alexandra Daddario naturally drew attention because of her striking features.
Anyone driving wouldn't miss the headlights.
Of course, Matthew wouldn't sell himself short. Anyone he brought to the red carpet would certainly be impressive, at least capable of outshining many actresses who spent their lives perfecting their looks.
In the interview area, both Matthew and Alexandra gave brief interviews, mainly discussing "I Am Legend," their primary reason for attending the Oscars.
As Matthew predicted, Alexandra drew significant attention from the journalists. Countless cameras were fixed on her, the flashes so intense they briefly affected her vision.
Matthew quickly led her into the Kodak Theatre, his mind already picturing how the entertainment reporters would write about Alexandra tomorrow.
"A natural beauty with captivating pale blue eyes."
"She's an icy blue-eyed beauty with black hair, fair and delicate skin, an ice queen."
"The new screen siren, a mixed-race angel and devil, an angelic face with a bewitching body..."
Entering the Kodak Theatre, Matthew soon found his seat. Although he wasn't an Oscar nominee, his seat in the fifth row near the center was quite good.
Alexandra stayed by Matthew's side, maintaining her composure even when Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson passed by and exchanged some snide remarks with her, showing her good manners.
"Do you think Martin Scorsese will win?" Alexandra whispered to Matthew, discussing the upcoming awards.
"I'm not sure." Matthew pondered and leaned closer to Alexandra's ear, "But I did hear something. When I came here for rehearsal a few days ago, I saw George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg rehearsing for Best Director."
"Really?" Alexandra almost exclaimed but quickly covered her mouth.
"Think about it, Anna. Who could make those three come to rehearse for Best Director? The most likely person?"
Being in the industry, Alexandra whispered back, "Martin Scorsese."
Matthew nodded slightly, "I heard 'The Departed' is really good. Old Marty has a great chance this time."
He knew the film was based on the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and remembered that Martin Scorsese's version wasn't well-received by some.
When he watched both versions, he also felt the North American version wasn't that great.
Perhaps each region has its own unique taste. "The Departed" received good reviews in North America, with an IMDB score of 8.7, which is high on IMDB. Even if it dropped a bit later, it would still hover around 8.5.
Among Martin Scorsese's films, it ranked highly in terms of reviews.
Every film market has its own aesthetic, and this wouldn't change with one film. Just like how the romantic gangster style of the Hong Kong version didn't sell in North America, "The Departed" with its gritty realism didn't appeal to the Eastern market.
Even now, Matthew felt the Hong Kong version of "Infernal Affairs" was a level above the American version, maybe due to initial impressions.
The awards ceremony began, and it seemed the Oscars were once again ready to overlook Martin Scorsese. "The Departed" didn't win any early awards until the latter part of the evening, where it picked up Best Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay.
When Helen Mirren won Best Actress, Matthew left his seat to go backstage to prepare for presenting an award.
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