“… Border War, Suspect.”
This time, for the Best Director Award, "Criminal Suspect" was once again shortlisted for an important nomination.
In Huaxia, He Cong, who was watching the live broadcast with her best friend, looked worried. She turned to look at her best friend and said:
"Looking at this, I'm a little afraid that the ending of 'Devil' will happen again."
She was worried about Jiang Se, afraid that it would be like in the past, making the movie popular and the director famous, but in the end Jiang Se would not get the trophy.
The bestie tried to ease the atmosphere and said with a smile:
"Don't worry, this year's "Criminal Suspect" will not be like "Devil", there is a male lead like Liu Ye competing with Sese."
As soon as she finished speaking, He Cong frowned.
This year, just as my bestie said, "Suspect" is a movie with two female protagonists and has little to do with men. The performances of several main male characters in the movie are also mediocre, and not as impressive as Liu Ye's Luo Shen in "The Devil".
"But, even though Liu Ye is gone, there is still Tao Cen." He Cong sighed. Tao Cen is much more dangerous than Liu Ye.
"Criminal Suspect" has not yet been released, and domestic audiences who have not been able to see this film have mostly learned about it from a few words from the media and film critics.
He Cong still remembers that Tao Cen once said that this movie is centered around her, with Jiang Se second.
In other words, the original idea of this movie was that Tao Cen was the heroine and Jiang Se was the supporting actress.
Although there were rumors that Huo Zhiming reported Jiang Se's name in the "Actress" column instead of the "Supporting Actress" column during the French Film Festival, the subsequent praise from major media and film critics, and the fact that "Criminal Suspect" was not nominated for the "Best Supporting Actress" award, seemed to indirectly confirm this.
But what is certain is that Tao Cen’s role in the movie is far greater than Jiang Se’s.
She is Jiang Se's strong competitor, and Tao Cen's acting skills are also obvious to the Chinese people. What He Cong is afraid of is that there is a probability that both of them will be nominated for the 'Best Actress' at this year's French Film Festival.
The judges on the stage stood up with the envelope in their hands. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the judge opened the envelope, looked down, and when he looked up, he smiled and said:
"Congratulations to the director of Criminal Suspect, Huo Zhiming, for winning the Best Director Award at this French Film Festival! Congratulations to Criminal Suspect."
Tonight belongs to Huo Zhiming. When he stood up to receive the award, Jiang Se clapped his hands. Tao Cen turned around and asked in a low voice:
"Do you think that at this point, will the same situation happen again?"
"Criminal Suspect" has won two awards in a row, which is quite similar to the situation of "Devil" a few years ago. Jiang Se seemed not to hear her words. Mo Anqi in the distance was also a little anxious and turned to look at Xia Chaoqun:
"Sister Xia..."
In fact, when it came to this point, no matter how anxious everyone was, it would be useless, but Mo Anqi just couldn't calm down.
She saw how much effort Jiang Se put into filming "Criminal Suspect". She even gave up her long hair for the performance.
If she couldn't even win the 'Best Actress' award at the French Film Festival, it would not only be a blow to Jiang Se, but even the people around her would not be able to accept such a result.
History repeated itself once again, Mo Anqi bit her lip:
"Sister Xia, do you think Sese can win the award?"
She desperately needed some "assurance" from Xia Chaoqun, as if only what Xia Chaoqun said could make her feel at ease.
"Sese's performance in the movie is obvious to all." She said to herself, as if to comfort herself:
“What’s more, Mr. Shu Payen and various media both at home and abroad are praising her.”
"What's the hurry?"
Xia Chaoqun stood at the spot reserved for the film festival staff and spoke calmly:
"You'll find out when you read on."
Mo Anqi was of course anxious, and she couldn't be as calm as her. "Everyone is hyping it up so fiercely now. I took a look and found that, in addition to Teacher Shu Peien, several film critics of Time Style believe that it is very likely that Sese will win the award this year."
There were also many praises at home, so under such circumstances, everyone was naturally happy that Jiang Se won the award.
"I'm worried that if Sese doesn't win the award, Tao Cen's fans might ridicule her."
She boldly spoke out what was in her heart. Ever since Xia Chaoqun intended to train and promote her, Mo Anqi became much bolder. She would often ask questions when she didn't understand something and would speak out when she had something to say. Xia Chaoqun was also willing to give her some pointers.
"The current situation is similar to that of "Devil" back then."
Mo Anqi was afraid that in the end, Jiang Se would miss out on the trophy again for the sake of "balance".
As soon as she finished speaking, she was still worried that Xia Chaoqun would scold her, but she didn't expect Xia Chaoqun to just glance at her and said calmly:
"What are you afraid of?" She glanced at Jiang Se and Tao Cen in the distance. Huo Zhiming was giving a speech on the stage, and Tao Cen was smiling and saying something to Jiang Se. Jiang Se didn't say anything. Xia Chaoqun smiled and said:
“Whether Sese can win the award or not, she will definitely be shortlisted.”
After she said this, seeing that Mo Anqi hadn't reacted yet, she added:
"In a situation like the French Film Festival, the probability of two people being nominated for the same film is very small."
It has been nearly seventy years since the first French Film Festival was held. So far, there have been only two cases where two actors from the same film have been nominated for the same award, which is very rare.
Mo Anqi was thoughtful, Xia Chaoqun said:
"If I can't win the award in the end, as long as I am better than Tao Cen and enter the finals, that's fine."
"Puff", Chen Shan at the side couldn't help it, Xia Chaoqun turned his head, and she covered her mouth with both hands.
As soon as the Best Actor award was announced, a solo by a famous pianist was interspersed, and finally it was time to present the Best Actress award.
"I am glad that this year's film festival has seen the birth of more outstanding directors and witnessed many outstanding works. But whether it is an excellent director or a wonderful story full of imagination, it is inseparable from the performance of the actors." The host said this with emotion, and then continued:
"The nominees for the Best Actress award are: Olivia Weisz from "Rising Star" and "Winter Is Coming"... "
The host has already read out the names of two nominated films. There are only five nominees for each award, and two of them have been taken, leaving three spots. Many people clenched their fists, waiting for the host to announce the next lucky nominee.
Tao Cen was no exception, staring at the screen behind the stage. The host continued reading:
"Criminal Suspect Tao Cen, The Devil's Deal..."
When she read this, Mo Anqi almost screamed out loud.
Tao Cen, who was sitting in her seat, was also stunned. She was overwhelmed by the huge surprise at this moment. She moved her fingers on her thighs slightly. Someone next to her reacted and quickly congratulated Tao Cen. She turned to look at Jiang Se and smiled. Before she could speak, the host said:
"Jiang Se from "Criminal Suspect"."
Tao Cen's smile froze on his face. No one expected that such a rare thing would happen again at the French Film Festival this year.
Two actors from the same movie were nominated for the same award.
"Congratulations, Sister Tao, congratulations, Sese."
Mo Anqi's heart, which had nearly jumped out of her throat, fell back to its original place when Jiang Se was shortlisted. At this time, the country was in an uproar!
Fans who supported Jiang Se and Tao Cen were each cheering for their idols. When He Cong and her bestie saw this, they hardly dared to read on.
It is indeed as rumored. Huo Zhiming nominated Jiang Se for the 'Best Actress' award, but Tao Cen has been in the industry for many years, has produced many works, and his acting skills are highly recognized. Now that they are both nominated, one of them will definitely be eliminated.
Under Shu Peien's column in "Times Commentary", a large number of fans who watched the live broadcast of the closing ceremony of the French Film Festival couldn't wait to leave comments:
Qingqing Zijin: It seems that it is a little too early to say what Teacher Shu said, that Jiang Se has been booked to win the Best Actress Award at this year's French Film Festival.
No need to wait for delicious food: Tao Cen and Jiang Se were both nominated for Best Actress. There is only one award and the probability of a double yolk is unprecedented. One person has to be eliminated, and I believe that person is Jiang Se!
Time flies: Tao Cen's acting skills are obvious to all, and Teacher Shu's film reviews should be revised. Tao Cen has been booked for this year's French Film Festival!
…
Inside the French Film Festival venue, Mo Anqi bit her lip as she watched the chairman of the jury stand up, holding a letter, and walk to the center of the stage. The rustling sound of opening the letter was transmitted through the microphone to every corner of the large venue.
The audience inside and outside the venue stared at his movements intently, as if they wanted to see through the chairman of the jury's hand and peek in advance at the name written on the card in his envelope.
Mo Anqi was so focused that she only heard the thumping of her heart and ignored the vibration of the phone in her bag.
Tao Tao in the field also licked her lips, loosened and clenched her hands, waiting for the chairman to announce the answer. Every second was a torment for someone like her who cared about the answer.
After an unknown amount of time, the envelope was finally opened and a card with a name on it was pulled out. He leaned over the microphone and raised his eyelids:
"Winner of Best Actress, Criminal Suspect,"
Tao Cen instinctively wanted to stand up, and the chairman of the jury continued:
"Jiang Se!"
When he mentioned the title of "Criminal Suspect", the camera had already turned to the direction where Jiang Se and Tao Cen were. Tao Cen's slight movement of standing up was recorded by the camera.
When she heard the name 'Jiang Se', she was stunned for several seconds before she reacted.
Tao Cen didn't know how she sat back down. She only knew that the muscles in her cheeks were a little out of control. The corners of her mouth, which she knew she should raise when facing the public, were tending to fall down.
"Sister Tao..."
Song Yi, who was far away, had a worried look on his face. Through the big screen in the conference hall, he clearly saw Tao Cen's gesture of getting up.
There was a burst of applause, echoing throughout the venue.
This honor should have belonged to Jiang Se four years ago, but she won it only many years later with another work!
Most of the people who came to the French Film Festival knew what happened that year, so the applause seemed particularly enthusiastic and long-lasting.
Jiang Se gently hugged Tao Cen, who had not yet recovered from her daze, to ease her embarrassment.
She was closest to Tao Cen and could feel the woman's body trembling slightly. It was obvious that she had not yet recovered from the previous misunderstanding.
Huo Zhiming reached out his hand to congratulate her. Every actor in the crew who was not nominated looked at Jiang Se with envy and hugged her to congratulate her.
When she went on stage, the camera kept following her footsteps. She took every step steadily, just like her acting career over the years, without being anxious or impatient, and with a very calm demeanor.
Tao Tao has not yet recovered from this huge surprise. She still remembers that four years ago, Jiang Se was nominated for Best Actress for "Devil", but ultimately missed the award. She burst into tears on the spot. She was extremely sad at that time, so she couldn't help herself.
But why were tears still pouring out of her eyes when she should have been very happy at this moment
China News: At the French Film Festival, Jiang Se beat Tao Cen and won the title of "Best Actress".
Global Times: At the French Film Festival, Jiang Se was nominated for the 'Best Actress' award three times and finally won the 'Best Actress' trophy!
Style of the Times: Jiang Se won the Best Actress award for "Criminal Suspect"!
Longxing Studio: Jiang Se won the 'Best Actress' award at the French Film Festival for her outstanding performance in "Criminal Suspect", becoming the first Chinese to receive this honor in the past twenty years!
Major domestic media outlets released the news as soon as possible. At this time in France, Jiang Se walked onto the stage and personally accepted the trophy representing the title of "Best Actress" from the chairman of the film festival jury.
The audience was still applauding, and all the people she was familiar with were drowned in the dense crowd. Wherever she looked, it seemed that every face was a stranger.
This scene reminded her of the time when she spoke at the "Centennial Filmmakers" event for "God's Redemption" two years ago. At that time, the entire crew was standing on the stage together, but now she was the only one standing on the stage.
The light shone on her face. She had already memorized the contents of the speech that Xia Chaoqun had prepared for her earlier, but now she felt that no word of it could represent her mood.
She looked down at the trophy in her hand. It was a crystal statue of a female angel. It felt heavy in her hand and was soaked with the sweat in her palms.
The applause in the venue has stopped, and everyone is looking at this beauty from China. Her charm was once displayed in "God's Redemption", and because of this movie, her name became known to movie fans all over the world.
"I have thought many times about standing here and delivering the speech I prepared in advance to each of you."
She spoke slowly, and Mo Anqi was stunned for a moment, then lowered her voice:
"Sister Xia, what Sese read was not the script we prepared in advance." (To be continued)