"The Academy doesn't like Leonardo DiCaprio," Bill Rosis stated emphatically in CAA's Century City office. "His aim to win an Oscar is too obvious, and the bad impression from his overnight fame when he was young still lingers..."
Murphy and James Franco, seated on the couch, knew that what Bill Rosis said was true.
Bill Rosis continued, "But there's a limit to everything. His decade-long runner-up journey has accumulated enough credentials for him. Looking at this year's nominees, besides James, almost no one has the same level of credentials and fame as Leonardo DiCaprio."
"Matthew McConaughey," Murphy reminded.
If not for James Cameron's insistence, this actor might have become the lead in Titanic.
"No need to worry about him," Bill Rosis laughed. "He's only a second-tier client in CAA, incomparable to James. The company just signed him a couple of years ago, and they won't invest much in him. CAA's focus this time is on James and Maggie."
James Franco remained silent but exchanged a glance with Murphy. He understood why CAA was so supportive of him and Margot Robbie—not only did they have significant market value, but they were also members of the Stanton Party!
That latter reason was especially crucial. If 20th Century Fox wanted to continue working with Murphy, winning his favor and friendship was essential.
"It's time to mobilize our resources fully," Gal Gadot suggested.
She felt that given the current situation, Murphy's chances of winning Best Director and "Dark City's" chances of winning Best Picture were high. However, James Franco and Margot Robbie's chances were less certain.
James Franco spoke up, "I've already activated my network, but I don't have as wide a circle as Downey."
Coming from an acting family, Robert Downey Jr. had a broader network, something James Franco couldn't match. Murphy understood this and said, "We'll all fully support you and Maggie."
He referred to all the members of the Stanton Party.
"Getting James nominated isn't difficult," Bill Rosis said, "but winning the award—Leonardo DiCaprio is the biggest obstacle!"
Unlike in the past, due to Murphy fast-tracking "The Wolf of Wall Street," DiCaprio's Oscar-contending film became "The Great Gatsby." This film seemed to have no advantages, but with CAA not actively campaigning for Matthew McConaughey, who knew if DiCaprio might finally snag the Best Actor statuette?
Moreover, DiCaprio's team seemed to have grasped the direction the Oscars were taking and had started extensive side promotions.
"Honestly, the Academy elders like Leonardo DiCaprio more than they do me," James Franco shrugged.
Murphy laughed and nodded. Neither DiCaprio nor Franco were the type of actors the Academy typically favored.
"So, in other words..." Gal Gadot crossed her arms, "James needs to take down Leonardo DiCaprio first?"
"Darling," Murphy joked, "we're law-abiding citizens."
Gal Gadot rolled her eyes, ignoring Murphy.
"Alright, enough joking," Murphy said seriously to Bill Rosis. "Have you noticed that Leonardo DiCaprio has a close friend named Jho Low, a Malaysian?"
James Franco and Gal Gadot shook their heads, clearly unaware of who Murphy was referring to.
Bill Rosis nodded slightly, "Jho Low is a key figure in the 1MDB fund and one of the major investors in Red Granite Pictures, with which DiCaprio has worked closely in recent years."
He curiously asked Murphy, "Does Jho Low have problems?"
Once a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio, Murphy knew a lot about him, including many negative aspects.
Unable to explain the source of his information, Murphy said, "I have reliable information that Jho Low and 1MDB are fronts for many high-ranking Malaysian officials. It's said that Malaysian politics aren't very clean."
Bill Rosis immediately grasped Murphy's implication, "If 1MDB and Red Granite's funds are problematic, DiCaprio will inevitably be implicated?"
"Exactly," Murphy confirmed. "We don't need to prove DiCaprio's involvement. If the connection is strong enough, and Jho Low's activities are questionable, DiCaprio can't escape the fallout."
"Understood," Bill Rosis nodded. "If such issues come to light, it will definitely impact DiCaprio's Oscar campaign."
He suddenly chuckled, "The company would be happy to do this. DiCaprio's departure from CAA to set up his own management team caused significant discontent."
"What should I do?" James Franco asked. "Just watch?"
"Show your best side," Murphy encouraged, patting Franco's shoulder. "Jim, get out there with Lily and show some love. Make sure to grab all the entertainment headlines."
James Franco replied seriously, "Don't worry, I'll steal all the spotlight from you and Gal."
As Bill Rosis had predicted, CAA took up the task. Bill Rosis even contacted Carla Faith. There's truth to the saying that fame brings trouble; just as Murphy faced criticism, many in Hollywood would love to see DiCaprio falter.
Despite once being a fan of DiCaprio and his films, Murphy wouldn't hesitate to act. DiCaprio had previously clashed with him, and an Oscar win brought significant benefits.
Margot Robbie's chance at Best Actress depended largely on luck, aside from her own efforts and public relations.
However, compared to Franco's Best Actor bid, Robbie's shot at Best Actress wasn't without its advantages. Her role had garnered critical acclaim, hailed as one of the year's best performances. Additionally, recent Oscar trends favored younger actresses for Best Actress.
If memory served correctly, this year's Best Actress would be Cate Blanchett, another Australian actress. Robbie stood no chance against this powerhouse.
Blanchett's winning film was "Blue Jasmine," directed by the legendary Woody Allen.
Back at Wave Manor, Murphy considered the Oscar strategy. It wasn't just Best Actor and Best Actress; Best Picture also faced stiff competition.
His gaze settled on a black wall in the corner of the living room. Yes, black! The damned black! The most special group in Hollywood, always finding discrimination.
"12 Years a Slave."
Even Murphy couldn't ignore this film's massive advantage at the Oscars.
The film might not win any other Oscars, but it was a hot favorite for Best Picture!
Murphy shook his head at Hollywood's political correctness.
Despite his dissatisfaction, this reality existed. Hollywood politics were inextricably linked, and the Oscars reflected this, especially given America's current political climate. Many promoting democracy and freedom might choose a film about minority struggles to demonstrate "American democracy and inclusiveness." This, especially after recent controversies accusing the Oscars of being "too white," placed "12 Years a Slave" in a prime position.
These were undeniable facts. If not for the Catholic Church's backlash, Murphy doubted "Dark City" could compete with "12 Years a Slave."
Fortunately, the Church's recent scandals had caused an uproar, and the ongoing public clash between Hollywood and the Church kept attention focused away from other issues.
While preparing "Spotlight" and working on the Oscar campaign, Murphy received an invitation from Archbishop Marques Costello.
The archbishop wanted to meet and talk!
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