The Oscars committee sent an invitation for presenting an award. Matthew wasn't surprised. After all, Warner Brothers is one of Hollywood's big six, and getting their top production's lead actor involved with the Oscars for publicity isn't difficult. His fame and influence are evident.
However, the category he was to present was somewhat unexpected.
"Best Picture presenter, huh?" Matthew sat in Helen Herman's office, closed the invitation from the Oscars committee, and said to Helen Herman, "I wonder if they made a mistake."
Helen Herman looked up from behind her computer, "With your current status, being a presenter for Best Picture is entirely appropriate."
Matthew was just a bit puzzled, "Haven't the Academy old-timers always disliked me, thinking I lack ambition, and am complacent and degenerate?"
"They don't like Tom Cruise either," Helen Herman said leisurely. "In the past few years, they still invited him to be the Best Picture presenter."
She put down her work temporarily. "Not to mention Warner Brothers' efforts behind the scenes, the Academy isn't as rigid as you think. They might dislike someone, but they won't turn away money."
Hearing this, Matthew nodded lightly. It's a commercial society, and commercial interests are paramount.
Helen Herman continued, "Oscar nominations have become increasingly niche, and ratings have dropped significantly in recent years. The main reason they're inviting you to present Best Picture is that you're very popular and can bring attention and viewership to the Oscars ceremony."
Her tone carried a bit of disdain. "They consider themselves highbrow, looking down on purely commercial stars, but they always bow to commercial interests."
Matthew couldn't help but laugh, "Helen, your words hit the nail on the head."
Helen Herman adjusted her glasses, "In essence, it's all about mutual flattery. There's no real nobility in any of it." She paused and then added, "Of course, there could be other factors involved."
"Could it be related to my conflict with Spike Lee?" Matthew speculated.
"Possibly. Spike Lee's 'Inside Man' and Will Smith's 'The Pursuit of Happyness' didn't receive a single Oscar nomination, which says something." Helen Herman thought aloud, "There are many leftists in Hollywood. Some are true leftists, and some are like me..."
She made no pretense, "There are likely many who, like me, adapt to social trends and masquerade as leftists. These people probably loathe Spike Lee, the democratic freedom fighter. If you take him down, they'd be very pleased."
Matthew first nodded, then said, "Helen, I'm a true leftist! I love working with Latinos and Asians."
Hearing this, Helen Herman thought of the upcoming 'Fast and Furious' series and said, "I've contacted the Israeli actress Akiva Goldsman recommended. She's been a model and soldier, familiar with firearms and combat, and has great looks. She's a suitable candidate."
"Have you signed a contract with her?" Matthew asked.
"We're still negotiating," Helen Herman replied directly, "but there shouldn't be any issues."
Matthew nodded lightly. The main actors in the 'Fast and Furious' series, apart from the key characters from the first three films, would mostly be represented by Angel Agency's actors. The agency would provide most of the crew, offering a near-complete package.
In a mutually beneficial situation, as long as it wasn't too troublesome, Matthew would appropriately help Helen Herman.
"By the way, Matthew," Helen Herman asked, "Aren't you considering Michelle Rodriguez for the Latino role?"
Matthew shook his head, "Since Dominic Toretto is out, there's no need to consider his girlfriend. Let's just replace her."
Frankly, apart from Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster, he hadn't considered other characters much. Tyrese Gibson, who played a role in the second film, was only kept on Paul Walker's recommendation.
Since they needed a black character anyway, Tyrese Gibson could continue his comic relief role. An old character could also evoke nostalgia among current fans.
As for the Asian actor...
Matthew directly asked Helen Herman, "Have you found a suitable Asian male actor as I requested?"
Helen Herman shook her head, "No." She explained simply, "There are limited well-known Asian male stars in the industry. People like Jackie Chan and Jet Li aren't suitable as their fees are too high. As for newcomers..."
She shook her head again, "I had the company gather some information, but we haven't found anyone suitable yet."
"This is indeed a problem." Matthew knew it wasn't easy to find a suitable Asian actor in Hollywood.
Helen Herman suddenly suggested, "Why not change the character setting? Replace the Asian character with a female? Ivy Niebo's girlfriend's fee shouldn't be high, and she's said to be very popular in the East."
Matthew immediately vetoed the idea, "That's not a good idea. Female characters can only be ornamental. I need a tough male character."
This was also considering future expansion into the Pacific market. In typical popcorn commercial films like this, the significance of male and female roles is different. The latter is more ornamental, while the former has a bigger impact.
To win over the audience over there, rather than being rejected and seen as insincere, a male Asian character was more appropriate.
"I understand," Helen Herman nodded lightly. "I'll have people keep looking."
Matthew thought for a moment and added, "If necessary, send someone across the Pacific to invite a suitable male actor from there."
Helen Herman agreed, "Sure, if we still can't find anyone soon, I'll go there myself. Angel Agency has business ties with two companies over there."
With Helen Herman on it, Matthew felt more at ease. Finding a suitable actor from over there shouldn't be hard. And since the "pretty boy" stars hadn't yet become widespread, there was no worry about bringing back a "girly" actor.
He checked the time, stood up, and prepared to leave, "Is there anything else? I've got an appointment with Anna to look at dresses."
Helen Herman knew who Matthew was referring to and didn't comment. Instead, she said, "One more thing, '300' ended its North American run yesterday, leaving the last 120 theaters."
Matthew immediately asked, "What was the final box office?"
For movie stars of this era, the box office is the ultimate measure.
"356.68 million dollars," Helen Herman stated directly, "second only to 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest,' making it the second highest-grossing film of 2006 in North America."
Matthew didn't hide his feelings and laughed happily, "The films I starred in are the top two at the box office this year." He looked at Helen Herman, "Don't lower the negotiating terms with Warner Brothers."
Helen Herman said plainly, "35 million dollars, that's the bottom line! Otherwise, we'll go with a base fee of 20 million plus backend points."
"I have to go now, goodbye."
With that, Matthew left Angel Agency, drove to the north of Burbank, picked up Alexandra Daddario from his previous residence, and headed to Armani's store on Rodeo Drive to choose a suitable dress for Alexandra Daddario to wear at the Oscars.
Before going to New York, he had informed Armani. They had prepared many new season outfits and accessories for Alexandra Daddario to choose from, and Armani would only charge a nominal rental fee.
Matthew waited in Armani's VIP room while Alexandra Daddario came out of the fitting room. Donadoni, Armani's representative, stayed by his side the entire time.
"Miss Daddario has an outstanding figure and can perfectly carry off that herringbone dress," Donadoni said, flattering, "This is Armani's latest dress, not yet on the market and hasn't appeared in any fashion shows."
"Thanks for your efforts," Matthew said to Donadoni with a smile.
Donadoni smiled back, "You're too kind, Matthew. Also, the accessories are unique designs as well..."
At this moment, the fitting room door opened, and the dresser came out first, followed by Alexandra Daddario.
She wore a short, fitted black-and-white dress that ended right at her knees. The asymmetrical design on both sides added character, and the traditional deep V-neck highlighted Alexandra Daddario's most impressive assets.
Additionally, the earrings, rings, and necklace were all matching sets, made of platinum and sapphire. Against the sapphires, her icy blue eyes looked even more captivating.
Alexandra Daddario walked up to Matthew and asked, "How do I look?"
Matthew nodded, "Perfect! The dress is beautiful, and you look even more stunning!"
Alexandra Daddario smiled and went to the dressing mirror.
Matthew could tell she was very satisfied with the dress and jewelry. He said to Donadoni, "We'll take these."
It seemed Alexandra Daddario heard Matthew and turned to say, "My card is in the handbag. You can swipe it for the rental fee, right?"
Matthew could guess Alexandra Daddario's thoughts and didn't insist. He nodded to Donadoni, who immediately said, "Of course."
After booking the rental of the dress, shoes, and jewelry, Alexandra Daddario asked Matthew to take her to a ladies' club to meet Amanda for a spa.
Unlike Matthew, who was laid-back, women had more preparations to make for the red carpet.
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