CHAPTER 903: CHAPTER 903: WHOSE HOME WILL THE BEST ACTRESS AWARD GO TO?

Seeing Yin Furong and the others appearing one after another, the host finally felt relieved.

If they hadn’t returned, he truly wouldn’t have been able to control the scene.

With a sigh of relief, the host began to cue the proceedings.

Originally, the Best Actress award at this film festival was almost unanimously expected to go to Quan Feifei.

Because Quan Feifei’s acting skills had reached a level where her peers could not compare.

But this time, because Shi Yaoguang’s "Rivers and Lakes" unexpectedly broke through, many were eagerly awaiting who the Best Actress would be awarded to.

Though some had absolute expectations for Ruanruan’s skillful technique and Mei Yunduo’s vivid natural acting in "Rivers and Lakes".

Yet there were still some who were entirely on Quan Feifei’s side.

Why say so?

The Best Actress System is indeed amazing!

It wholeheartedly supported Quan Feifei when bound to her.

Naturally, no flop situation would occur, as it promised to let Quan Feifei "by her skill" — frankly, using the system as a cheat to make her Best Actress.

Thus, the system would certainly do a good job with the aftermath.

So, even though Ruanruan had high acclaim.

Quan Feifei did not lack the chance to compete against her.

It was Quan Feifei herself who gave up the chance.

Ruanruan was somewhat nervous.

She sat beside Shi Yaoguang, looking at the stage, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Although she had the Best Actress System as an aid, her performance indeed felt impactful.

Yet she knew her acting being recognized by the public was thanks to the Best Actress System.

Even though she also put in the effort for it.

Shi Yaoguang noticed her nervousness and soothed softly, "It’s just an award, there’s no need to be so tense."

Ruanruan stiffly nodded, feeling even more nervous inside.

Shi Yaoguang looked at her clenched fist with a sigh, but said nothing further.

Ruanruan wants to develop in this industry.

So whatever issues, she needs to face them herself.

Even if providing solace can ease for a while, it’s better to let her get through it on her own.

By then, her mentality will undoubtedly be more resilient.

On the stage.

The host had started the award ceremony.

Awards for Best Actor and Actress are usually saved as the grand finale; Ruanruan’s gaze stayed glued on stage, with traces of anticipation in her eyes.

Shi Yaoguang raised her eyebrows slightly.

The award ceremony just started, and she’s already anticipating?

Ruanruan noticed Shi Yaoguang watching her and said a bit embarrassed, "I, I want to know how many awards our production can win."

Upon hearing this, Shi Yaoguang also began to feel a bit expectant.

"Rivers and Lakes" hasn’t premiered domestically yet.

But the organizers have obtained the material; they can make precise judgments about the film.

As each nominated film and award came forth, "Rivers and Lakes" repeatedly appeared in the public’s view.

Eventually, "Rivers and Lakes" swept the awards for Best Feature Film, Best Screenwriter, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Music, and Best Art Design.

Moreover.

There were still the awards for Best Actor and Actress yet to be announced.

And both leads from "Rivers and Lakes" were nominated.

More accurately, the dual female leads and the male lead from "Rivers and Lakes" were all nominated.

This truly stunned everyone.

Prior to this, no film had ever been nominated with dual female leads.

Even if the film had dual female lead setups, the awards were divided into Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

This meant that one of the female leads inevitably had to step down.

But now, "Rivers and Lakes" has broken the norm!

Upon seeing the final result, the host expressed considerable shock.

He voiced his confusion, "In previous years, even if there were dual female lead works, they were considered as singular female lead entries. How could the dual female leads both be nominated this time?"

"Can any of the jury members explain why?"

Upon finishing his words, a jury member stood up from the audience.

"Originally, our jury planned to split the dual female leads as per usual management, but "Rivers and Lakes" was rather unique; due to its clear and complete storyline and the two female leads’ perfect performances..."

"No matter which one we overlooked, we felt it would be a waste, absolutely unable to make a decision, so we simply allowed them to participate in the final award selection with the dual female lead setup."

After the jury member’s explanation, the big screen showed clips from "Rivers and Lakes", featuring Ruanruan and Mei Yunduo.

Just a clip, needing no subtitles, no background.

With a glance, it was apparent that Ruanruan played a courtesan.

A famous courtesan in the Capital City.

With one look, countless men would be willing to worship at her feet, ready to command, ready for her use.

Mei Yunduo played a demoness from the Demon Sect.

In every word and action, she exuded the allure of a demoness.

After viewing their clips, the audience truly couldn’t distinguish who should be the one to be sacrificed.

No wonder the jury simply abandoned past insistence and allowed the dual female leads from "Rivers and Lakes" to be nominated simultaneously.

After watching the dual female lead clips from "Rivers and Lakes", seeing the clips of other nominated actresses felt oddly ineffective.

The nominated actresses themselves knew.

If given a choice, they’d rather withdraw from running along.

Even being placed as a supporting actress would suffice.

Putting their clips alongside those of Ruanruan and Mei Yunduo left them shamefully embarrassed to the point of wanting to hit the wall in humiliation.

Too awkward.

Two of the nominated actresses sat together, unable to resist silently complaining.

"This feels like a live sentencing scene."

"Had I known it’d be like this, I should’ve called in sick today."

"Don’t think I haven’t thought of it? My agent said if I claim sickness not to come, tomorrow sarcastic posts of me not daring to face defeat would be everywhere."

"Oh..."

As they muttered on, the host on the stage finally finished keeping everyone in suspense.

The plot twists were revealed, and finally, the decision of who would claim the Best Actress Award was unveiled.

"Surely everyone has guessed, tonight’s Best Actress must be from ’Rivers and Lakes’. So, who do you all think the Best Actress will be this time?"

Below the stage.

People shouted their heart’s answers.

"Ruanruan!"

"Mei Yunduo!"

"Ruanruan, Ruanruan! It must be Ruanruan!"

"Yunduo for the win! Yunduo for the win!"

Waiting until the atmosphere reached its peak, the host finally revealed the truth.

"This time, the Best Actress award goes to—"

Prolonging the suspense with a dramatic pause, she slowly raised three fingers under tense anticipation from all, "She is..."

"Mei Yunduo!"

Those cheering for Mei Yunduo from the audience were ecstatic.

However, thinking that Mei Yunduo was too ill to attend made them feel somewhat regretful.

Upon hearing this, Ruanruan’s shoulders slightly hunched down, unsure if she felt disappointment or relief.

At this moment, the host’s dramatic pause finally ended, and she spoke again, "Besides her, who else would everyone like to see receive this award?"