CHAPTER 651: CHAPTER 443: END OF THE AWARDS CEREMONY

Although there wasn’t much expectation initially, writing multiple drafts in advance for different winners is something everyone understands.

The editor-in-chief, having completed the arrangements, doesn’t rest but quickly takes out his phone to make more calls.

The Weibo department needs to be informed; whoever publishes the news first will capture more attention!

This eye-catching topic will surely have countless viewers clicking in for more details!

Sina Entertainment is in chaos; other platforms are the same.

Even the notifications department at Gaode Map is suddenly bustling, quickly preparing to push out stories.

Don’t ask why Gaode Map is involved too—haven’t you seen news and ads pushed by map software?

Though Gaode Map is just a mapping company, they also dream of becoming a major internet entry point.

[Weibo: (Breaking) #WuMuCannesBestActor#, superstar idol Wu Mu wins the 79th Cannes Best Actor with the new film "Separation," the first in nearly six years! Award ceremony video http://t.cn/A6XoZq1 32,000 discussions quickly gathered]

[Today’s Headlines: Just now·Film·Blockbuster (Historic Breakthrough) Wu Mu crowned Best Actor at Cannes! Jury chairman praises: His performance makes people want to fall in love️. Award-winning film "Separation" behind-the-scenes️ Wu Mu’s career review]

[Little Red Book: Breaking! Wu Mu wins Best Actor at Cannes! Ladies!! Wu Mu has really nailed it this time!!! With the new film "Separation," he wins Best Actor at the 79th Cannes, becoming the fifth Chinese male actor to achieve this after Hou Zhenzhong!]

...

"An outstanding performance, congratulations."

Harrison Ford presents the award to William and then hugs Wu Mu, patting his arm and quietly offering encouragement before handing over the trophy and certificate.

Wu Mu holds both items, curiously looking down; the certificate is rolled into a cylinder tied with a red ribbon, obscuring the words.

The trophy, a silver palm branch embedded in crystal, isn’t as striking as the previous golden camera but uses the palm branch, a symbol of the Cannes Film Festival.

"It’s an honor to win Best Actor. I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time, ever since I first participated in Cannes 26 years ago."

"I still remember that year, Best Actor was Keo Bowers. As a newcomer actor, watching from the audience, I couldn’t quite grasp the significance of Cannes Best Actor until I saw Keo cry on stage. That was when I felt what Cannes Best Actor truly means..."

Though a bit dissatisfied and regretful of the dual winners this year, winning Best Actor at Cannes is still something.

On stage, William feels relieved but also dazed as he reflects on his pursuit of Cannes.

After his speech, it’s Wu Mu’s turn.

Wu Mu glances around the venue, pauses for a few seconds, waits till it’s completely quiet, then smiles and waves at Lin Qingyue.

Audience: "..."

The audience is speechless.

Once is enough, and everyone applauds with blessings.

But you’re doing it a second time?

This is too much.

Just kill us to make it more exciting for you two.

"Best Actor Award, this is for the Best Director of our film." Wu Mu smiles and hands over the trophy.

Lin Qingyue, with watery eyes, accepts it.

During the acceptance speech, Harrison Ford playfully passes the microphone to Lin Qingyue, jokingly saying, "Then let’s have our Best Actor share his feelings now."

Wu Mu had spoken for Lin Qingyue earlier, and now it’s Qingyue’s turn to speak for Wu Mu.

However, expressing love for film on Wu Mu’s behalf seems entirely irrelevant.

Not just Lin Qingyue, even Shu Mei knows that the boss has no sanctified ambitions towards films.

Holding the microphone, Lin Qingyue doesn’t speak in Wu Mu’s tone but gazes into the distance, recalling their first meeting, then slowly begins to talk.

...

After the unexpected dual winners for Best Actor, the award ceremony wasn’t over yet.

There was still Best Actress.

Theoretically, Lin Qingyue also had a chance, given she acted in a film too.

But just theoretically; she wasn’t likely to win Best Actress at Cannes.

Next was Best Director.

Lin Qingyue was also a hot candidate for this award.

But...

Lin Qingyue slightly shook her head, "Winning the Golden Camera basically means no chance; Cannes rarely awards Best First Feature and Best Director to the same person."

The roles would repeat.

If there’s a Best Director, there’s no need for the Golden Camera.

However, since the Golden Camera is a one-time opportunity award for directors, it’s still decent.

As expected, the Best Director award finally went to the director of William Hans’s film.

Next was the Jury Prize.

"The Jury Prize goes to..."

"Separation!"

...

After more than two hours, the closing ceremony of this year’s Cannes Film Festival finally came to an end.

The initially red-hot "Death Mail" ultimately won the Golden Palm Award.

Though the film won only this one award, its prestige remained extremely high.

Because the concept upheld by the Cannes jury is that "the Golden Palm already encompasses its comprehensive achievements."

One trophy represents full achievement.

The second big winner, who could rival the biggest winner, naturally was Wu Mu and his team.

Sweeping the Golden Camera, Best Actor, and Jury Prize, a total of three major awards.

Winning so much, naturally, upon exiting the Cannes award ceremony, Wu Mu was immediately surrounded by major media.

They interviewed them with various questions.

Yes, during the interviews, "Hollywood Reporter" also disclosed a bit of inside information.

"Wu, what do you think about this year’s jury president, director Matthew, who, in a closed-door meeting, favored you, and, when overall voting was against you and William was set to win, used his award allocation suggestion rights to propose two Best Actors and used a deciding vote for your victory?"

Listening to the Hollywood Reporter’s question, Wu Mu was momentarily stunned.

The dual winners maneuver was orchestrated by Matthew Albert?

The Cannes jury president doesn’t hold veto power but certainly has advantages, such as leading the agenda, deciding discussion directions, proposing award allocations, arranging speaking orders, etc.

If voting reaches a deadlock, like a 4-4 tie, the jury president’s vote becomes the deciding vote, favoring the side they vote for.

Judging from the reporter’s question, if it weren’t for Matthew Albert, would he not have won Best Actor this time?

Wu Mu silently heard this.

It seems the value of his Cannes Best Actor title might have decreased slightly.

But still, as the saying goes.

Wu Mu calmly looked at the questioning reporter, "I believe my performance winning Best Actor isn’t about any bias operation. I don’t think director Matthew was favoring me, and I even think it’s worth asking if some jury members hold any preconceived notions about me."

Yes, he was so outstanding that winning Best Actor at Cannes really doesn’t require shady maneuvers.