"Oscar night is a grand event; everyone wants to be part of it." Standing in the interview area at the Hollywood Highland Center, Matthew spoke casually to the reporter's camera. "That's why I'm here, though, unfortunately, I wasn't nominated."
The reporter didn't dwell on this, knowing Matthew wasn't alone in Hollywood in feeling indifferent about the Oscars.
"This year, the Oscars have introduced a segment for film advertisements," the reporter from ABC, the broadcast partner, followed the script prepared days in advance. "I hear two of your films are featured?"
"Yes, that's right," Matthew replied. "One is The Hunger Games, which I co-produced and is set for an April release, and the other is G.I. Joe: Retaliation, in which I star. It'll open around Independence Day."
"Could you tell us more about these films?"
Matthew gave a brief rundown of both, describing The Hunger Games as "a film about hope triumphing over fear."
The interview lasted only a few minutes before Matthew moved on, walking toward the Hollywood Highland Center.
Formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, the venue had recently reverted to its original name after Kodak's bankruptcy left it unable to continue as a sponsor. The Academy was currently seeking a new partner, and it likely wouldn't be long before the theater took on a fresh name.
Matthew was well-informed; he'd heard Dolby Laboratories was a top contender, and in two or three months, the Hollywood Highland Center would likely be renamed Dolby Theatre.
As he ascended the steps, Matthew spotted Leonardo DiCaprio.
"Hey, Leo," he greeted.
Leonardo released the blonde he was holding hands with and stepped over to shake Matthew's hand. Glancing around, he asked with a grin, "So, are you here alone tonight?"
Matthew shrugged. "Yeah, just me."
As they spoke, Matthew glanced behind Leo at the blonde woman, a new face he didn't recognize. It wasn't Blake Lively as he'd seen before.
"Another new one already?" Matthew asked quietly.
"Have to keep up the pace," Leo replied with a sigh, also lowering his voice. "If you don't move fast, the beautiful ones all get snatched up."
"She's a Sports Illustrated model," Leo continued. "Need me to introduce you to someone?"
Matthew shook his head. "No need."
"Really?" Leo raised an eyebrow. "Thinking of settling down?"
"Not considering that just yet," Matthew replied honestly.
"Leo!" the blonde woman called for him.
Matthew didn't want to linger as a third wheel and excused himself. "I'll head in."
Entering the Hollywood Highland Center, Matthew followed a designated path toward a VIP lounge where many guests were networking before the ceremony began. Those uninterested in mingling could take a separate route into the theater to await the show.
Just as he'd finished greeting a Warner Bros. executive, Jennifer Lawrence approached.
In public, Jennifer always played the role of a cheerful, carefree girl, as if she had no worries. The quirky, unfiltered persona had made her quite popular; in recent years, audiences seemed to prefer this to the "life winner" image that others projected.
Hollywood had a few notable actresses who embodied that "life winner" image—Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, and Gwyneth Paltrow. But while Hathaway and Paltrow were well-known, surveys consistently ranked them among America's least-liked celebrities, mainly because people found their self-assuredness and pride off-putting.
In contrast, actresses who seemed down-to-earth and a bit clumsy, like Jennifer, were far more popular.
She leaned in close and whispered to Matthew, "I got here a bit early and overheard Tom Hanks saying that Academy President Tom Sherak was looking for you."
"Right." Matthew nodded. "I see Sherak over there."
"I'll leave you to it," Jennifer said, moving away.
Tom Sherak had already spotted Matthew and was heading his way.
Matthew knew of Tom Sherak even though they weren't close. Sherak, the current Academy president, had succeeded Sid Ganis, beginning a four-year term during which Tom Hanks had also become one of the Academy's three vice presidents. The other two were producer Kathleen Kennedy and veteran screenwriter Phil Robinson.
Matthew was familiar with both Hanks and Robinson; years ago, his role as Captain Spears in Band of Brothers had come through an audition that impressed Tom Hanks. Robinson had also worked on the series as a writer and director.
As Sherak approached, he greeted Matthew warmly. Matthew, always attentive to manners, took two steps forward, extended his hand, and said politely, "Good evening, Mr. Sherak."
"Good evening, Matthew," Sherak replied, shaking his hand and then glancing at Jennifer Lawrence nearby. "It's rare to see you at the Oscars."
Matthew chuckled. "I've been busy the past few years, but I had time this year."
Matthew found Sherak to be somewhat likable. Though he held conservative views, he wasn't as rigid and had been proactive in pushing some changes within the Academy and Hollywood.
Sherak and his predecessor, Sid Ganis, had introduced three significant initiatives: first, moving awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award out of the Oscars ceremony to a smaller, separate event in November, significantly reducing their prominence. Second, expanding the Best Picture nominations from five to ten. Third, applying a "no compromise" standard to Best Original Song nominations, meaning that if no songs scored above 8.25 in the voting, the award could be left unassigned.
"It's a shame not to see your name on the nomination list this year," Sherak said, seemingly with an agenda yet making small talk. "You really should go for an acting Oscar."
Matthew responded, appearing earnest though somewhat indifferent. "I'll definitely consider it if the right opportunity comes along."
Sherak continued, "With your current skills and eye for roles, you're more than capable of competing for Best Actor."
"I'll keep working on it," Matthew replied modestly.
Sherak, an industry veteran with nearly five decades of experience, could tell that Matthew wasn't overly interested.
It was no secret within the Academy's inner circle that Matthew Horner didn't hold much reverence for the Oscars.
Sherak wasn't here to gain respect, however. Smiling, he said, "The Academy is in the midst of major reforms, and we hope to have your support."
Hearing this, Matthew grew cautious. He and Sherak weren't exactly on the same page.
"Of course," Matthew replied courteously. "I'll definitely support the Academy's initiatives."
Sherak sighed. "The Academy faces a lot of challenges—every decision comes with a host of complications."
He continued smoothly, "Take, for example, the Academy's new museum project. Since it was restarted at the end of last year, it's faced significant funding shortfalls."
Now Matthew understood why Sherak was speaking with him. It wasn't a change in attitude toward him but rather a solicitation for donations.
Sure enough, Sherak added, "Thankfully, many of our members have generously contributed, helping alleviate some of the financial burden."
Matthew chose not to take the bait, instead suggesting, "Have you thought about organizing a large-scale fundraiser, Mr. Sherak? With so many members, the Academy should be able to address this."
Sherak hadn't expected this response and paused. His goal had been to seek significant donations from the Academy's wealthier members, with Matthew among those at the top of the list.
But Matthew's words implied…
If they could fundraise publicly, Sherak wouldn't need to seek contributions privately. A public fundraiser would damage the Academy's reputation.
"Yes, that's something to consider," Sherak replied diplomatically.
Matthew replied earnestly, "I'd be happy to contribute my share as an Academy member if there's an organized event."
Sherak chuckled, said a few words about films, and then excused himself.
Matthew recalled that the Academy's museum project was an ambitious plan requiring a $400 million investment, with a funding gap of nearly $200 million.
While he was willing to contribute as part of a collective effort, he had no intention of donating a substantial amount privately. After all, what would the Academy offer in return? An Oscar statue? Not only was he uninterested, but even if he were, the Academy wouldn't risk handing him one for that reason.
Besides, for Matthew, an Oscar simply wasn't worth that much.
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