The awards ceremony took place in the Lumière Hall. In the past, the Cannes Film Festival often stirred up controversy, so to avoid a chorus of boos during the event, the ceremony hall stopped admitting media reporters years ago.
As a result, throughout the awards, journalists from around the world gathered in the press center or the Debussy Hall, watching the live broadcast of the event.
Based on the reviews of all the competing films, director Wong Jiawei's romantic movie received widespread praise after its premiere, earning a "historic high" score of 37 points. This score alone shows just how much the critics adored the film.
Next up was a mainland Chinese film, which scored 34 points. Another romance movie, it also garnered rave reviews after its release and became a contender for the Palme d'Or. The French-speaking critics gave it 36 points, though the English-speaking ones were less impressed, rating it at 29.
Then there was a film from Taiwan, widely praised, and a Swedish movie that might just turn out to be a dark horse…
Of course, there was one film that stood out—the highest average score from both French and English magazines. It's clear this movie has a unique charm that resonates across different linguistic and cultural lines.
To Dunn's left sat Alan Bauer, who leaned in slightly with a smile and asked, "Got your acceptance speech ready?"
"Me?"
Alan Bauer froze for a second.
Sure, he was the film's producer, but he was only an executive producer. Dunn was the lead producer. In Hollywood's rules, even if a producer accepts an award, it's Dunn who'd take the stage.
But this was Europe, where the rules were completely different.
Hollywood revolves around producers, while Europe puts directors at the center. If they won, it'd be Sam Mendes stepping up to claim the prize.
Dunn could sense Alan Bauer's disappointment. Just two months ago at the Oscars, Alan had been a producer but didn't get a chance to speak, leaving him a bit disheartened.
In producer-driven Hollywood, he'd still been sidelined. Here at a director-focused European film festival, producers were basically hired hands with even less say.
Dunn lowered his voice and said, "Get ready. When we win, you'll go up with Sam!"
"What… doesn't that break the rules?" Alan Bauer was mildly shocked—not because Dunn seemed so sure they'd win, but because of Dunn's attitude.
This was blatant goodwill!
Back when they'd talked, Dunn had made it clear he hoped Alan would partner with Dunn Films' TV production department for their next series, rather than going with HBO or another big cable network.
Now, Dunn's move reeked of an attempt to win him over.
Alan Bauer suddenly felt flattered. Even when facing giants like Disney or Fox, Dunn always held his head high and stood tall.
But now… Dunn wasn't being overt about it, but the friendliness in his words was unmistakable.
People aren't made of stone, and Dunn's consistent respect and humility touched Alan Bauer.
Dunn patted his arm with a meaningful look and said, "Hollywood or Europe, what rules don't change over time? The incapable cling to tradition; the capable… they make their own rules!"
…
While Dunn was still whispering with Alan Bauer, an Asian face appeared on stage—one Dunn knew well: Tony Leung!
Three years ago, Tony Leung had missed out on the Cannes Best Actor award by just one vote. This time, teaming up again with Wong Jiawei, his stellar performance finally crowned him the Cannes Best Actor!
Clearly, Tony Leung was a big deal in Europe. His win prompted a standing ovation from the entire audience, a scene no less grand than when the Jury Prize was handed out earlier.
And after Best Actor came Best Actress!
Dunn and Alan Bauer both straightened up in their seats.
Dunn glanced over and noticed Natalie beside him, her breathing uneven. Looking down, he saw her little fists clenched tight.
She might talk a big game about hating the process, but when it came time to win, she couldn't help feeling nervous and anxious.
Natalie wasn't even 19 yet. To win the Cannes Best Actress award at such a young age would be an incredible honor, one that'd turn heads everywhere.
Sure, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering might be shady, but in the spotlight, to the fans and the public, it was a real, tangible award—second only to an Oscar!
For an actor, this was the ultimate glory!
Dunn reached out, gently taking her small hand in his, nodding with a smile to calm her nerves.
Natalie took a deep breath and flashed him a bright, beautiful smile.
At that moment, jury member Aitana Sánchez-Gijón and famous French actress Isabelle Adjani took the stage together to present the Best Actress award.
Isabelle Adjani, still stunningly gorgeous past forty, spoke in French: "And now, I'm pleased to announce the winner of Best Actress at the 53rd Cannes International Film Festival…"
Aitana Sánchez-Gijón took the envelope from her, switching to English: "Nicole Kidman, *The Film*!"
"Boom!"
The entire Lumière Hall erupted.
Nicole Kidman's global superstar status was on full display in that moment.
What's an international movie star?
Nicole Kidman was the definition!
Compared to her, Tony Leung's modest popularity didn't even come close.
But back with *The Film*'s crew, the mood stiffened.
Everyone on the team knew this movie had been tailor-made by Dunn for his girlfriend, Natalie. And now… had it just paved the way for someone else?
Dunn was especially stunned, his eyes widening slightly.
What was Luc Besson playing at?
He was starting to get mad!
Nicole Kidman winning was, of course, a good thing too. She'd been Dunn's longest-standing companion. She might complain and nag on the surface, but in bed, she was all sweetness and submission, bringing Dunn unmatched pleasure.
That mature, sultry charm was something the young and innocent Natalie simply couldn't match.
But Natalie was the girl Dunn cared about most!
Nicole Kidman was just a friend, a companion. Natalie Portman was his girlfriend!
Dunn was still holding Natalie's hand and could clearly feel her palm tremble when "Nicole Kidman" was announced. Moments later, it grew damp with sweat.
Natalie kept a faint smile on her face, but to Dunn, that smile felt heartbreaking. He wanted to comfort her.
Backroom deals, after all, relied on others—there was never a 100% guarantee.
Luc Besson had dropped the ball!
Just then, he noticed Aitana Sánchez-Gijón on stage, speaking into the mic, though it was hard to hear over the uproar Nicole Kidman had caused.
After four or five seconds, the crowd seemed to catch on and quieted down a bit.
On stage, Aitana glanced at Isabelle Adjani with a hint of exasperation before leaning closer to the mic. "There's one more winner for Best Actress!"
The room fell dead silent—you could almost hear people breathing.
Dunn's eyes shot wide open, and he felt the little hand he was holding tense up again.
In that moment, Dunn and Natalie's hearts were perfectly in sync.
Isabelle Adjani flashed a dazzling smile and said in slightly accented English, "Natalie Portman, *The Film*!"
A tie—two winners!
After two seconds of silence, the hall exploded into a standing ovation with thunderous applause!
The *The Film* crew sprang to life, everyone beaming with smiles as they stood to celebrate the two winning actresses.
Dunn, like the rest of the team, got up with a grin, then opened his arms and pulled Natalie into a big hug. "Sweetheart, congrats!"
"Thank you."
Natalie hugged him back lightly, her thanks carrying a deeper meaning.
Then Dunn and Nicole Kidman shared a celebratory hug too. Nicole smirked and whispered, "I was totally caught off guard just now!"
Dunn felt a pang of guilt. "Your performance deserved everything."
"How long have we been together, Dunn? I know you." Nicole tapped his chest playfully. "You can't fool me. But this works out fine, doesn't it? A happy ending for everyone?"
"Absolutely, a happy ending for all!"
…
European film festivals, with their looser rules and jury chairs holding all the power, often produce some jaw-dropping award moments.
Like that one year when a juror voted for Brother Zhang as Best Actress, splitting the vote and costing him the Best Actor win.
Or when there were six Best Actresses, five Best Actors, or even a tie for Best Picture…
That kind of thing would never fly at the Oscars!
Forget five or six winners—even a tie isn't allowed. They'd use a final elimination ranking to pick one.
So, two Best Actresses at once? Everyone in the room was used to it by now.
In just one month, Natalie Portman, not yet 19, would become the second-youngest Best Actress winner in Cannes history!
At the previous Cannes, Émilie Dequenne won for *Rosetta* before turning 18, making her the youngest ever. Before that, French icon Isabelle Huppert won at 22 during the 36th festival in 1978 for *Violette Nozière*.
This time, Natalie stepped onto the world stage of Best Actress winners with *The Film*, etching her name into Cannes history!