CHAPTER 647: CHAPTER 440: THE SITUATION IS INTENSE

The news was broken by the Hollywood Reporter.

It’s one of the two major publications in the American entertainment industry. Although it’s called the Hollywood Reporter, it also has deep ties with Cannes, managing to uncover various jury closed-door meeting secrets every year.

They posted a video of the jury members arguing with each other on their official Twitter account.

The video seemed to be from a debate session showcasing a competition film screening.

First, a juror expressed amazement at the film, saying the lead performance was impressive, conveying a chilling feeling even through the screen.

The old man Matthew initially nodded, agreeing that it was indeed impressive, similar to Wu Mu’s performance, especially in his eye acting.

Up to this point, the atmosphere was quite normal.

But then that juror began to disagree, saying he didn’t believe Wu Mu’s performance amounted to acting.

His exact words were:

"That Hua Country actor Wu’s performance is indeed impressive, but I don’t think it’s acting. It’s more natural expression of his individuality. I watched three of his performances very carefully and observed that he didn’t really process the scenes; he just stood there like he was that person, like the plot required a crippled person, and they found an actual cripple to perform. That’s not acting."

Basically, he thought Wu Mu was too natural in his performance and could only be said to resemble the character, not that he was a great actor.

But the old man Matthew also had a different opinion. He believed that Wu Mu was indeed a great actor, as the character in the film couldn’t be summarized with just one label. Even if it was a cripple or a fool, there would be different reasons for being such in the film, facing different circumstances and requiring different reactions.

Certainly, Wu Mu in real life couldn’t be the same as that character, but since he could perform it seamlessly, it represented his skill.

Both sides held their ground, and the argument became increasingly heated.

Finally, the outspoken old man Matthew lost his temper, pointing at that juror’s nose, saying, who do you think you are to argue about acting with him?

He declared Wu Mu impressive; therefore, Wu Mu was impressive.

Wu Mu: "..."

After watching the video, Wu Mu exclaimed, "Director Matthew is truly a real artist."

He’s so pure.

He doesn’t spare any face for his colleagues.

Even more carefree than someone like me who has a special system.

Lin Qingyue was also astonished, "I thought he would dislike you... Truly a director who spares no one in his scolding."

However, the video did show that not everyone in the jury believes Wu Mu’s acting is superb.

This, coupled with negative reactions toward his appearance, made the award results at the closing ceremony increasingly unpredictable.

There was also heated debate about this outside, with everyone discussing who was right.

Li Man, who had been following closely, clenched her fists slightly.

This situation had even led the jury chair and members to quarrel, making Wu Mu the first.

If he does win an award in the end, this experience would truly be legendary.

And so, amidst this intense atmosphere,

one by one, the twenty-two main competition screenings were completed.

Finally, came the day of the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony also featured a red carpet and was more grandiose than the opening ceremony’s red carpet.

Thus, everyone from the team was busy preparing for the red carpet walk and participation in the award ceremony that evening.

However, while their hands were busy with preparations, their attention was not quite on it.

"According to Cannes tradition, the jury gathers at the Cannes Film Festival Palace starting at 2 PM for a closed-door meeting. Through an anonymous vote in the first round, they select the top three candidates for each award, followed by debate and voting to determine the winners in the second round. This generally concludes around 4 or 5 PM."

Lin Qingyue explained this quietly to him.

But that’s tradition.

Today seemed to be a break from tradition.

All the associated personnel waited anxiously until after 6 PM, and the Cannes Film Festival Palace meeting was still not over.

"It probably means there is disagreement and they haven’t been able to agree," Lin Qingyue whispered her insight.

Wu Mu chuckled, "Nervous?"

Lin Qingyue nodded lightly, "A bit."

She looked at Wu Mu, her expression somewhat serious, "If you don’t win this time, it will be a regret. Who knows when you’ll encounter another suitable role next?"

Wu Mu was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, "Are you nervous for me?"

Lin Qingyue gently tidied his hair, also laughing, "I most likely have a Golden Camera Award as a fallback, that’s enough. My first short film got the Venice Short Film Golden Lion, my first feature film took Cannes Best Debut, far surpassing my dad’s achievements."

But Cannes doesn’t have a Best New Actor award, only Best Actor/Actress, and if you don’t get it, then that’s it.

And for an actor, opportunities to win the Best Actor award at the three major film festivals are rare and precious. Saying that if you miss this chance, you might not get another in a lifetime is not an exaggeration.

"Then let’s hope for a win," Wu Mu wasn’t too nervous.

For others, it might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but for him, as long as he has enough points, he could bulk-buy films from Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and the Oscars.

Time slipped by, and it was already past 6:30 PM, the time for arrivals at the closing ceremony red carpet, yet the top-floor conference room of the Film Festival Palace still hadn’t opened its doors.

By now, even ordinary viewers unfamiliar with the process sensed something was up.

An atmosphere of solemn unease began to pervade the air.

However, the red carpet walk must still proceed as planned.

"William, William!"

"Thorne Shaw!"

"Bodun, are you confident about winning tonight?"

The red carpet was unusually lively.

Unlike the opening ceremony’s red carpet, which focused more on big-name celebrities, the closing ceremony’s red carpet was focused more on the top contenders for major awards.

Everyone was hurriedly interviewing these hot candidates.

And while they were conducting interviews, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted outside.

Who arrived now?

Those slow to react were still pondering who it was.

Meanwhile, the quicker ones were already rushing outside.

"Wu!"

"Wu, look here!"

"Wu, what do you think about the argument between President Matthew and juror Seid from the other day?"

"Do you think you or William has a better chance of winning the Cannes Best Actor this time?"

A large group of media reporters surrounded Wu Mu as he got out of the car.

Unlike the opening ceremony, where everyone was drawn by his appearance and taking pictures, the Cannes twelve-day journey had already made everyone remember Wu Mu.

It’s hard to say how well-known Wu Mu was among international audiences, but to the onsite media, he left a very deep impression.

Reporters surrounded Wu Mu all along, interviewing and taking pictures.

Wu Mu skillfully handled the reporters while joining the main creators of the production on the red carpet.

As they walked from the red carpet into the award ceremony venue inside the Film Festival Palace, a sudden commotion erupted outside.

"The jury’s closed-door meeting is over!"

"The results are in!"

---

ps: Not delayed.