Behind The Spotlight Chapter 263
Reviving a career was not easy, Axel knew that. But if there was someone who could do it, it was probably Collin.
For some reason, Collin could see ways to make someone successful. Axel's life had turned out much better ever since he met Collin in a bar on that fateful night.
"You don't have to be thankful, most of your success is because of you. I just did my job and helped you smooth things out." Collin grinned, and Axel chuckled.
Collin had just closed a deal worth $20 million plus a 10% worldwide box office share, and Axel was thrilled about it. Axel was now preparing for his role in The Borne Supremacy. He was buff and maintained his physique. With his tall figure, he looked like a perfect soldier.
"Thanks, Collin," Axel said sincerely.
"Well then, it seems like the award show is about to start. I'll return to my seat. Let's talk later."
"Alright."
Collin bid farewell and headed to a seat further back in the theater... This was the best his influence as an agent could do. The front rows were mostly reserved for celebrities and high-profile individuals.
As Collin sat down, his phone rang. He smiled because it was a text from Lila.
-- I miss you.
-- I miss you too.
Collin replied.
-- Don't forget our dinner tonight.
Lila texted back.
-- I will never forget, of course. Will I get lucky tonight?
Collin asked.
-- You're always lucky with me.
Collin chuckled when he read her reply. He was happy that Lila enjoyed spending time with him.
Collin actually didn't know that Lila had become addicted to snu snu because of him. She hadn't expected that sex could be that good. Since then, Lila loved spending the night with him. She was just highly skilled at keeping her expression neutral, so Collin had no idea that the woman was always thirsty.
Anyway, the show started.
The contenders for this year's Academy Awards were heavy, especially given the movies that had been released.
Movies such as Strongest Gladiator and Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger were the biggest ones this year. The directors who created these movies were also nominated for the Best Director Award.
Honestly... Collin didn't really care about the other awards. He was only interested in the Best Supporting Actor Award, the category for which Axel was nominated.
If Axel won the Best Supporting Actor Award, his status as an actor would level up. Even his salary range would increase. Studios would take him seriously because he had proven himself as a powerhouse performer. Matched with Axel's successful filmography, studios would have no problem paying him top dollar.
Aside from that, Collin would also receive better treatment in the industry. If one of his clients won an Academy Award, Collin would prove that he had the capabilities to mold an actor into an award winner.
'Some washed-up actors are actually interested in signing a contract with me.'
Collin felt like he had already reached his limit by handling five clients. If he signed another one, he would have a hard time managing them all.
The only way for him to sign a new client was if the person possessed a golden talent. So far, Collin hadn't seen anyone worth signing.
He had seen some people who had Golden Talents, but their talents were not suited for the entertainment industry, just like Detective Holmes Moriarty.
Aside from gaining a better status, Collin wanted to change his image within the company.
After what Jennifer did, some agents had been avoiding Collin. They didn't want their clients to collaborate with Collin's clients out of fear of being sabotaged.
It didn't matter if Jennifer was right or wrong, she was still viewed as a liability. She had destroyed someone's career, and no agent wanted that risk for their own clients.
Two of Collin's clients had been involved in scandals, and now other agents were actively advising their talent to avoid Jennifer, specifically.
As for Salvador... he suffered the most. Shawn was now in jail, and Salvador's position at ANT was incredibly shaky. Even his chances of becoming the President of Talent Management and Representation in the next company election were slim. Salvador blamed Collin and Jennifer entirely.
The two sides had been on terrible terms since then, and it even affected the overall atmosphere in the company, as stories about Shawn and Jennifer circulated through many office rooms.
But because Collin and Salvador were executives who owned company shares, the others couldn't just kick them out unless a unanimous vote occurred.
So, Collin needed a major shift to happen. And he believed that tonight was the perfect opportunity.
If Axel won the Academy Award, Collin would share in some of the glory, and public opinion would inevitably shift.
"Let's hope Axel and the PR team's hard work is enough to convince the old farts of the Academy."
One by one, awards were presented, and the winners stepped onto the stage to thank the people who had helped elevate their careers.
And then, the moment for the Best Supporting Actor Award arrived.
"The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are:"
Ben Toro — Traffic road.
Jeffrey Bridge — Contender.
William Dafoe — Vampire's Shadow.
Jackie Phoenix — The Strongest Gladiator.
Axel Gunner — Whiflash.
Five actors who had delivered outstanding performances in their respective movies, but only one could take home the prize.
Collin was nervously clenching his fists.
As for Axel, he kept his smile steady as the camera pointed directly at him, waiting for his reaction. Underneath that smile, his heart was beating at a frantic pace.
The presenter opened the envelope, smiled at the camera, and announced:
"Congratulations, Axel Gunner, for winning the Best Supporting Actor Award!"
The crowd erupted into applause.
Axel stood up and hugged his co-stars and the director of Whiplash. He smiled, and this time, it was entirely genuine. He was incredibly happy.
A few years ago, he never expected that he would reach this far. He had never even dreamed of winning a Best Supporting Actor Award, not at all.
A decade ago, he was just a depressed, retired soldier earning a few thousand dollars while acting in small roles. He was just saving money for child support, that was it.
But now...
Axel shook hands with the presenter and accepted the golden statue.
[Thank you for reading this novel.]