CHAPTER 646: CHAPTER 439

(Don’t look yet, adding the title means it’s finished)

The festival publication of "Variety" didn’t state a reason, but Shi Wu, who was nearby, pondered for a moment and guessed, "Maybe it’s because the boss is too handsome."

Wu Mu was slightly taken aback. Being too handsome as a reason? What on earth is that?

It is indeed considered a reason.

Seeing Wu Mu’s lack of understanding, Shi Wu explained in detail, "Although there’s no definite unspoken rule, various best actor awards tend to avoid actors with outstanding looks, which is a widely acknowledged idea. Especially in the big three European film festivals, someone previously analyzed that 70% of the best actor winners in the big three European film festivals played roles of the marginalized, patients, or various fringe characters."

With such marginalized roles, it’s obvious that appearances would generally be below the normal average.

NovelBin

The "American Economic Review" also conducted a survey on Oscar best actors, finding the average appearance score of best actors significantly lower than the average of all nominees.

There’s no written or universally followed unspoken rule, but there is this phenomenon.

Just like little Leo on Earth, he couldn’t win the best actor award when he was handsome. Only after destroying his looks, gaining weight and leaving scars, was he finally able to achieve it.

There are many reasons behind this, such as the judges’ subconscious behaviors to show their ’fairness,’ the mentality of maintaining the film festival’s prestige, the need for ordinary-looking actors to gain recognition compared to their more attractive counterparts, etc.

Shu Mei clenched her fist, feeling indignant for her brother, "This is all a stereotype against him!"

Indeed, it’s a stereotype. Anyway, handsome guys in the public’s eyes don’t seem to match the image of a best actor.

Wu Mu shook his head speechlessly. Of course, he wanted to win the Cannes Best Actor, for the points and popularity after all.

But if he doesn’t get it, it’s not a big deal since he is not someone who pursues artistry, and the award holds no special significance for him.

Besides, if he doesn’t win, it only proves the unfairness of Cannes, anyway, it’s not his fault.

After all, he acted his part, and it’s not reasonable to say his performance was lacking.

But anyway, their film was a hit.

Not only were the media chasing them, but the festival’s publications were reporting, and even the organizers contacted them to request more screenings.

Originally three screenings, it was increased to five.

Apart from the buzz, there were tangible benefits gained.

Wu Mu and Lin Qingyue continued to go out every day to "observe the enemy situation," watching films everywhere.

Meanwhile, Sister Yan from the crew was leaving early and returning late every day, with the joy on her face growing day by day.

"Did Sister Yan encounter some good news?" During dinner, Wu Mu asked curiously, seeing the lingering smile on Sister Yan’s lips as she passed by.

Lin Qingyue didn’t hide anything, "The distributors she contacted offered her a high price. Kino Lorber’s initial offer was to directly quote 1.5 million USD for the North American distribution rights, and they can discuss box office shares."

Every year at Cannes, many distributors come to purchase films, and Kino Lorber is one of the more well-known, specializing in buying art films from the three major film festivals for North American distribution.

"The price is that high?" Wu Mu was a bit surprised. Having followed Lin Qingyue around everywhere these days, he had heard about the prices from Cannes distributors, which generally centered around 300,000 to 500,000 USD.

Their film was directly offered 1.5 million USD, with room to discuss box office shares?

Lin Qingyue smiled at him, "Of course, it’s because we have a great leading actor."

Yes, although being handsome puts you at a disadvantage in art awards, conversely, it’s an advantage in box office terms.

Compared to watching an art film with ordinary-looking actors, audiences would obviously prefer to watch handsome actors in romantic films. And if this film also happens to be a hot art film at Cannes, waving its artistic flag, then it’s even better.

That’s why Kino Lorber thought that offering 1.5 million USD could very likely be profitable.

1.5 million USD is over 10 million RMB, and it’s just for the North American rights, not including other markets and domestic box office.

Their film was destined to make a great profit since its cost was just over 10 million. Even without considering the domestic box office and overseas box office shares, they could probably earn at least tens of millions.

"I’ll send you a red envelope later." Lin Qingyue, in a good mood, added, since the film was an investment from her mother’s company, and she herself had invested, plus the director’s share, she would get most of the money from its sale.

Wu Mu smiled slightly, "I’ll be waiting then."

------

However, before they reached the hotel, he unexpectedly spotted an acquaintance on the roadside.

Huh, why is she here?

Wu Mu looked curiously at the figure standing at the entrance of a restaurant ahead.

It was Su Meng, whom he had met long ago during the first episode of Star Agency.

At the moment, she was standing next to a red Ferrari, looking angry and saying something to the person inside.

Wu Mu couldn’t see the person inside the Ferrari from his angle, but that person seemed to have quite a temper too, because not long after they exchanged a few words, the person inside sped off, leaving Su Meng standing there.

Left standing there, Su Meng frowned and looked in that direction.

Wu Mu chuckled as he drove over, rolled down the window, and said with a smile, "Long time no see, Little Su."

Su Meng turned and looked towards him, seeming a bit caught off guard.

This was only the second time they met in person.

However, Su Meng seemed to follow his activities quite a bit, as Wu Mu often received feedback on his new songs from Su Meng on WeChat.

They didn’t chat much, just simple comments like, "The song is really nice."

Well, whether she’s a black fan or a white fan, at least she contributed to his viewer count.

Wu Mu smiled and said, "Did your driver ditch you? Do you need me to give you a ride?"

Su Meng hesitated slightly, "Let me just inform my family."

"Aunt Qing, you don’t need to come over. Yes, a friend is giving me a ride home. Okay, I understand."

After finishing her call, Su Meng opened the car door and got into the passenger seat beside Wu Mu.

After Wu Mu confirmed her address, he curiously asked, "Aren’t you from Shen City? How come you’re here?"

Su Meng shook her head, "I am from Shen City, but my family also has a house here in Beijing."

She paused, her face surprisingly showing a rare hint of a smile, "We were also at the venue earlier. During your first song, my friends almost wanted to cover their ears."

Wu Mu laughed heartily, "Well, that has nothing to do with me, my singing wasn’t off."

Chatting casually, Wu Mu soon dropped Su Meng off at her home, in a large courtyard house in the Upper City District, not far from the Forbidden City.

Hmm, confirmed, she is indeed a Heavenly Dragon Person.

Wu Mu was quite surprised, although Su Meng’s family’s wealth was somewhat apparent from her everyday behavior.

Even so, he didn’t expect them to be so wealthy.

Just that courtyard house alone is estimated to be at least

The host couldn’t be seen for the time being. Yang Rongfa asked, "Many big directors and company owners in the circle have come today, should I introduce you to them?"

This would be an opportunity for normal people in the industry.