Chapter 40 – The First Screening of The Revenant
December 2015 – The Decisive Night
The big moment had arrived.
After months of brutal filming and an intense period of post-production, The Revenant would be screened for the first time for a select group of critics, producers, journalists, and influential members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
If this screening was a success, the film would officially be on its way to the year's biggest awards.
Jacob Stewart, sitting in the limousine on the way to the event, felt a mix of emotions.
Beside him, his agent Richard Calloway looked at his cell phone, following the initial reactions of the critics who were already present.
"A good sign?" Jacob asked, noticing Richard's smile.
"An excellent sign. Everyone who has seen part of the film is saying that this is Alejandro Iñárritu's best work so far."
Jacob took a deep breath.
"This puts a lot of pressure on me."
Richard laughed.
"Welcome to the big game, my friend. Now, everyone expects you to deliver an award-worthy performance."
Jacob looked out the window. The facade of the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills was illuminated, with a red carpet rolled out to welcome the guests.
There were directors, producers, renowned critics, and journalists waiting to watch the film.
This was the night that would define everything.
When Jacob entered the theater, he was immediately greeted by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the visionary director of the film.
"Jacob, today is the big day. How are you feeling?"
Jacob laughed.
"Like I'm about to be judged by the whole world."
Alejandro put his hand on his shoulder.
"You should be confident. You gave your all in this role. Now, let the film speak for you."
The two went inside the cinema, where the seats were occupied by some of the most important people in the film industry.
Among the guests, Jacob recognized Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Steven Spielberg.
It was surreal to be in that room.
The audience settled in, the lights dimmed, and the screen lit up with the first scene of The Revenant.
From the first minutes, the film captivated the audience.
Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography was simply stunning. Each scene captured the brutality of nature, the struggle for survival, and the epic journey of Hugh Glass, played by Jacob Stewart.
Critics held their breath as they watched:
Jacob lying in the snow, gravely wounded after the bear attack.
His look of pure hatred and despair when he is betrayed and abandoned by Fitzgerald.
The visceral scene where he drags his bloodied body through the forest, determined to survive.
The brutal, uncut action sequences, where he fights hunters and natives with axes and knives.
Every frame of the film conveyed authenticity and raw emotion.
Jacob didn't seem to be acting. He was Hugh Glass.
By the time the film reached its final climax, the audience was completely immersed.
And when the last scene faded to black and the credits began to roll…
There was absolute silence for a few seconds.
And then, the room erupted in a standing ovation.
Jacob felt a chill down his spine.
He exchanged glances with Alejandro, who smiled.
They did it.
As the guests left the screening room, critics and experts were already noting their first impressions.
Jacob picked up his cell phone and opened Twitter, where reactions began to appear in real time.
@FilmCriticNY: I just watched The Revenant and I can confidently say: Jacob Stewart DELIVERED the performance of the decade!
@Variety: The Revenant is an ABSURDLY visceral and beautiful film. Jacob Stewart disappears into the role of Hugh Glass. Oscar guaranteed?
@HollywoodReporter: Jacob Stewart proves he's a true actor. His emotional and physical delivery in The Revenant is one of the best I've ever seen. Hollywood has a new titan.
The biggest film websites were already publishing their first official reviews:
The Hollywood Reporter
"Jacob Stewart delivers the best performance of his career. An Oscar is inevitable?"
Variety
"The Revenant redefines survival cinema. Jacob Stewart gives us a raw, visceral and unforgettable performance."
Deadline
"Alejandro Iñárritu and Jacob Stewart have created a masterpiece of modern cinema. This film is an immersive and brutal experience that will leave you speechless." What Did This Mean for Jacob Stewart?
Jacob closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
His phone vibrated again – it was Richard Calloway.
He answered.
"Jacob. This is official."
"What?"
Richard let out a laugh of pure enthusiasm.
"The Revenant is going straight to the Oscars. You'll probably be nominated for Best Actor. This film could compete in several major categories."
Jacob remained in silence for a moment, absorbing the information.
This was real.
The brutal journey he had faced to make this film would be worth it in the grandest way possible.
Alejandro approached and placed his hand on Jacob's shoulder.
"I told you the film would speak for you."
Jacob looked at him and smiled.
"And I think it shouted it for the whole world to hear."
He knew his life would never be the same after that night.
Now, the Oscar was within his grasp.
Chapter 41 – The Awards Season Begins
December 2015 – The Official Recognition
Jacob Stewart woke up that morning unaware that his life was about to change forever.
He stretched in bed, still feeling heavy after the countless interviews and events he had attended since the first screening of The Revenant. Lucky, his faithful black Labrador, lay beside him, breathing peacefully.
Then his cell phone began to vibrate insistently.
He picked up the device and saw dozens of notifications piling up.
Messages from journalists, castmates, friends, and, of course, his agent Richard Calloway.
"What the hell is going on?" he muttered to himself before answering Richard's call.
"Jacob! Are you seeing this?!"
Jacob rubbed his face, still groggy from sleep.
"Seeing what?"
"The Golden Globe nominations just came out!"
Jacob sat up in bed, feeling his heart race.
"And…?"
"And you're nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Film for The Revenant!"
Silence filled the room for a few seconds. Jacob blinked a few times, trying to process the words.
"Wait… WHAT?!"
Richard laughed.
"Yes, man! You did it! Best Actor in a Drama Film! And that's not all. The film was nominated in several major categories!"
Jacob quickly opened the laptop next to the bed and accessed one of the main film websites.
Here was the official list:
2016 Golden Globe Awards Nominations – The Revenant
✅ Best Film – Drama
✅ Best Director – Alejandro González Iñárritu
✅ Best Actor in a Drama Film – Jacob Stewart
✅ Best Original Score – Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto
Jacob ran a hand through his hair, feeling the adrenaline rush through his body.
He wasn't just nominated…
He was now officially one of the most recognized actors in the film industry.
"Jacob? Are you still there?" Richard asked, laughing.
Jacob laughed along, still trying to digest the news.
"I'm here. I'm just trying to understand that this isn't a dream."
Richard took a deep breath.
"And there's more…"
Jacob raised an eyebrow.
"More?"
Richard let out a satisfied laugh before continuing.
"The SAG Awards list came out too." You've been nominated for Best Actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards!
Jacob quickly opened the list of Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) nominations and found his name there.
2016 SAG Awards Nominations – The Revenant
✅ Best Actor – Jacob Stewart
✅ Best Supporting Actor – Tom Hardy
✅ Best Stunt Ensemble
Jacob laughed, rubbing his face.
— This is unbelievable.
Richard continued:
— And there are also the Critics' Choice Awards. Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.
Jacob looked at his laptop screen and there it was:
2016 Critics' Choice Awards Nominations – The Revenant
✅ Best Film
✅ Best Actor – Jacob Stewart
✅ Best Director – Alejandro González Iñárritu
✅ Best Cinematography – Emmanuel Lubezki
Jacob took a deep breath.
This wasn't just a nomination.
The film was being recognized at all the major awards ceremonies.
Jacob opened Twitter, and it didn't take long for him to realize his name was trending worldwide.
@FilmCriticNY: Jacob Stewart proved he's more than just an action star. His performance in The Revenant is historic. He deserves all the awards!
@Variety: The Golden Globe nominations confirm what everyone already knew: The Revenant is one of the most important films of the year, and Jacob Stewart may be on his way to an Oscar.
@MovieInsider: Jacob Stewart went from action star to one of Hollywood's best actors in record time. This journey is inspiring.
Journalists were obsessed with his meteoric rise.
And he knew this was just the beginning.
Jacob was absorbing the news when his cell phone rang again. This time, it was Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film's director.
— Jacob… Did you see the nominations?
Jacob smiled.
— I did. This is surreal, Alejandro.
The director laughed.
— It's not surreal. It's deserved. You gave your all in this role. What we're seeing now is the result of your effort.
Jacob took a deep breath, still trying to process everything.
"And now? What happens next?"
Alejandro answered firmly.
"Now the most intense part begins. Awards, interviews, campaigns. You need to be ready, because the whole world will be watching you."
Jacob smiled.
"I am ready."
Alejandro laughed.
"I never doubted that."
And then, Jacob realized something important.
The journey wasn't over yet.
It was only just beginning.
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