As he entered the backstage area, the event director immediately approached him with a new script. The original script had been changed for the sake of time; the new one was much shorter. Matthew reviewed it carefully. The original script given during the last rehearsal was quite long, but due to the award ceremony dragging on for over three hours, they made last-minute changes. If it didn't end soon, some actresses in tight dresses might wet themselves at the Kodak Theatre.
Having memorized the new script, Matthew followed the director to the backstage exit. He arrived just in time to see George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg on stage presenting the Best Director award.
His eyes fell on George Lucas. Despite not being a member of the Directors Guild or the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and having a nonchalant attitude toward the Oscars, Lucas remained a top figure in Hollywood. His status and influence in the industry surpassed those of Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg, even without an Oscar statuette.
With these three directors on stage, the suspense for the Best Director award was gone. It was evident who would win. Unsurprisingly, after years of striving for recognition, Martin Scorsese finally received his due, winning the Best Director Oscar for "The Departed."
The audience erupted in applause. Though "The Departed" wasn't Scorsese's best film, it was one of his finest. His win was well-deserved. Matthew didn't particularly enjoy Scorsese's gangster films, preferring the Hong Kong original "Infernal Affairs" over "The Departed." However, he sincerely applauded Scorsese's victory, acknowledging that it was long overdue.
On stage, the presenters were high-profile, and Scorsese was visibly emotional, his eyes moist under his trademark thick eyebrows. He repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying "thank you" over and over again.
Scorsese specifically thanked Andrew Lau and the Hong Kong production team, while also claiming he had never seen the original "Infernal Affairs." To Matthew, "The Departed" felt like forcing a man to wear high heels—awkward. Despite his bias against American gangster films, he acknowledged that "The Departed" might indeed be excellent, transforming a dark, intricate story into something distinctly American.
Scorsese, who debuted in 1956 and was frequently nominated for Best Director, had long yearned for Oscar recognition. Despite numerous other accolades, he was deeply invested in receiving this honor. The Best Director Oscar was more a recognition of his enduring style and contributions than just the merit of "The Departed."
The Oscars often make up for past oversights, rarely honoring directors at their peak with their best works. Scorsese's golden era had passed, and this award was long overdue. Yet, seeing him with the statuette, it was clear this moment was deserved.
Though now aged, Scorsese finally achieved his goal, standing on stage more content than "The Departed" lead Leonardo DiCaprio. That year, both DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were nominated for Best Actor and Actress, respectively. Fans of "Titanic" hoped they'd both win, but the reality was that they couldn't yet dominate the Oscars.
When DiCaprio and Winslet could truly carry a film on their own, the awards would naturally follow. Imagining that future, Matthew decided to keep his distance from Oscar acting awards. His good looks were a significant asset in achieving his dreams, and he didn't want to risk them for a golden statue.
Future generations would likely remember an aged Leonardo DiCaprio, unaware of his youthful, breathtaking beauty.
While lost in thought, the four directors exited the stage. The director gently reminded Matthew, who then focused. As host Ellen DeGeneres announced the Best Picture award, Matthew walked onto the stage.
At that moment, under the spotlight and in front of countless viewers, the power of the Oscars was undeniable.
Seeing Matthew at the microphone, Alexandra Daddario bit her lip slightly. Matthew's appearance was impeccable, his smile warm and enthusiastic, with a wild charm and chiseled features that exuded confidence.
Alexandra Daddario thought he possessed everything a remarkable man should have: looks, physique, fame, wealth, status, and character. These were all top-tier attributes. Additionally, her friend Amanda, who knew Matthew well, had told her more about him. Unlike many actors, Matthew lacked innate acting talent but succeeded through relentless learning and effort, overcoming his weaknesses. His early hardships greatly contributed to his current success and brilliance.
She had only met two outstanding men like this: her father and Matthew. Despite being highly attracted to him, she knew Matthew was a notorious playboy. Amanda had warned her that if she wanted marriage or a stable relationship, she should stay away from Matthew. However, if she desired a passionate and intense romance...
Listening to Matthew speak on stage, Alexandra realized that at twenty-seven, Matthew was too young for long-term stability. Now was the time to enjoy life to the fullest.
"The nominees for Best Picture are…" Matthew turned to the big screen behind him, announcing each film as its clip played. "Babel, produced by Steve Golin and Jon Kilik; The Departed, produced by Brad Grey and Gianni Nunnari; The Queen, produced by Andy Harris and Francois Ivernel; Letters from Iwo Jima, produced by Clint Eastwood and Paul Haggis…"
He quickly opened the envelope and read the card, revealing the winner without any theatrics. "The Best Picture is 'The Departed'!"
Matthew clapped lightly, then continued as per the script, "Please welcome the team from 'The Departed'!"
Led by the producers, the team, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, ascended the stage, with Martin Scorsese returning from backstage. Matthew received the Oscar statuette from the usher, hugged the producers, and handed the statuette to Brad Grey before stepping aside to make room for the acceptance speeches.
Standing next to Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew whispered, "Congratulations, Leo."
DiCaprio, somewhat disheartened, replied, "Matthew, are you teasing me? I'm the big loser tonight."
"How could that be? Your film won Best Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. You're the biggest winner tonight," Matthew reassured him. "How could you be a loser?"
"You know what I mean," DiCaprio muttered.
Matthew pretended to think, then nodded. "I get it," he said, leaning closer. "Leo, forget about chasing Oscars. What's the point? How about we team up for a big production, something really grand? It'll be a blast."
DiCaprio responded, "You don't mean joining your biker gang, do you? I'm not into that."
Matthew, initially joking, realized it might be a good idea. He replied more seriously, "We could find someone to write a script about a duel between two heroes."
DiCaprio, not easily swayed, said, "Bring me a good script, and I'll consider it."
"Alright," Matthew agreed, quickening his pace as the acceptance speech neared its end. "We'll work on that. I'll have someone look for a suitable script."
Maybe a scriptwriting team could produce one?
With this thought, Matthew joined the "The Departed" team as they left the stage, looping around to the main hall entrance of the Kodak Theatre. He met Alexandra Daddario and attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Night party. After discussing "I Am Legend" with the media, he took Alexandra home.
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