Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 322: Weird Atmosphere

Ryan exhaled softly, a faint sigh escaping his lips. Deep down, he couldn't deny that he still hoped to win the award.

A trophy not only symbolizes recognition from the industry but also represents a breakthrough. For actors like them, who remain active in the world of independent films, the recognition and attention that come with an award can open doors to more opportunities and grant them the freedom to choose roles with greater liberty.

Every year, there are favorites and underdogs for the awards. But as long as you're a nominee, you can't say you have no chance of winning, right?

After the results were announced, Ryan couldn't help but feel an inexplicable disappointment. He turned his head and saw that Renly remained calm and composed, which piqued his curiosity. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Aren't you nervous?"

Renly shrugged, a faint smile in his eyes. "Why?" Why should he be nervous?

The last time at the Emmys, due to a lack of experience, the moment the intense drumbeats started, he couldn't help but get nervous. That mix of anticipation, hope, anxiety, and restlessness was hard to shake off.

But this time at the Golden Globes, Renly's mindset was much more settled. Perhaps it was because the Golden Globes are more of a game, perhaps because being nominated was already delightful, or maybe because tonight's dramatic moments had been too entertaining. But when the award results were revealed, he genuinely didn't feel the slightest bit of tension.

"In fact, I'm a little disappointed. After that chaotic opening, the ceremony became a bit dull," Renly whispered into Ryan's ear. Ryan burst out laughing, catching the attention of those around them. He quickly lowered his head, trying to suppress the joyful smile on his face.

"Dull" was how Renly felt.

Strangely, Ricky Gervais had been missing for almost an hour. The award ceremony continued with its glitz and glamour, but all the host's segments had been cut, and there was no sign of Ricky. This made the ceremony feel both excessive and flat, unable to build any atmosphere.

Renly couldn't help but feel disappointed. The Golden Globes were known for being bold and audacious, but now it seemed that at their core, they were just as "conservative." The so-called "boldness" was merely an image crafted for entertainment purposes. But soon, the chaos returned.

If "Boardwalk Empire" beating out "Mad Men," "Dexter," "The Good Wife," and "The Walking Dead" for Best Drama Series and Steve Buscemi winning Best Actor over Bryan Cranston from "Breaking Bad" and Jon Hamm from "Mad Men" was a mild surprise, then the miniseries and TV movie categories were utter chaos.

First, Romola Garai's brilliant performance in "The Hour" beat Claire Danes, the newly crowned Emmy winner, to take home Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. Then Al Pacino avenged his Emmy loss to Renly Hall by winning Best Actor in the same category.

Two awards in a row where Emmy winners were defeated at the Golden Globes.

As Renly sat in his seat, he could feel the gazes from all directions pouring in, filled with all sorts of emotions—schadenfreude, indifference, curiosity, regret... and shock. Ryan and Jennifer were the last ones to react; both were ready to stand and applaud Renly to congratulate him. But when "Al Pacino" was announced, their prepared movements froze in place.

Renly, however, felt a sense of relief. He stood up first, applauding for Al. Jennifer and Ryan quickly followed suit with enthusiastic applause.

Al Pacino, an actor with a four-decade-long Hollywood career, may have only won one Oscar from eight nominations, but that didn't diminish his status as one of the greatest actors of all time. He deserved a standing ovation.

Unlike the Best Actor in a Drama Series category, Renly had felt a brief tightening in his chest just before the announcement of Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film, but that was all. After the result was announced, he was at peace. Winning the Emmy was a delightful surprise; losing to Al tonight felt only natural.

While Renly was relaxed, it was Jennifer and Ryan who looked more disappointed, their expressions somber and serious, which made Renly smile.

Renly turned his head and saw the subdued atmosphere in the "The Pacific" section. The dim lighting made it hard to see the expressions on everyone's faces, but the low-pressure disappointment was palpable. Then Renly noticed that Tom Hanks was looking at him. Tom was applauding, and when he noticed Renly's gaze, he shifted his applause slightly in Renly's direction, offering encouragement.

Renly couldn't help but smile and nod in acknowledgment.

But the real surprises were still to come.

Standing on stage, Robin Williams glanced at the card in his hand not once but twice, his expression complex and difficult to read. "The winner of the 68th Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film is..." Robin looked at the card a third time, finally confirming the answer. "'Carlos.'"

The room fell silent for one second, two seconds.

What? "Carlos" won? Not "Temple Grandin," not "The Pacific," but "Carlos"?

In other words, the Golden Globes had almost entirely overturned the results of the Emmys, with both Best Miniseries ("The Pacific") and Best Television Film ("Temple Grandin") losing to "Carlos." This wasn't just an upset; it was bizarre.

"What the hell is going on?" was Tom's immediate reaction. Even someone like Tom, known for his self-control and positive public image, couldn't suppress his shock at such a result. He quickly realized the cameras were everywhere and toned down his frustration, but the furrowed brow remained, showing his irritation.

Losing to "Temple Grandin" or "You Don't Know Jack" would have been tough, but understandable. Losing to "Carlos," an unexpected dark horse, made the result even harder to accept.

Renly was stunned too. Although he had been through this before, he didn't remember the specifics of the Golden Globe winners, especially in the television categories. When Robin announced "Carlos," his first thought was: This is a total mess. His second thought was, "The Pacific" lost.

The atmosphere in the Hilton banquet hall seemed to freeze. Everyone's expressions were full of astonishment. Finally, the "Carlos" team broke the silence with their cheers, and applause slowly followed. However, everyone clapped mechanically, like puppets, with confused and complicated expressions on their faces.

Jennifer and Ryan instinctively glanced at Renly, their eyes filled with bewilderment, as if asking the same question: "What happened?"

Renly's smile was polite as he clapped for the "Carlos" team. Then, turning to Jennifer and Ryan, he shook his head slightly and gave a small shrug, indicating that he didn't understand either. After the applause subsided, and as the acceptance speech began, Renly mouthed a single word: "Trainwreck."

That one word made all three of them suppress their laughter.

When Ryan ducked his head, Natalie caught sight of the smile on Renly's lips. Her brow furrowed slightly. This guy was truly rude, laughing so inappropriately during the awards ceremony. Even though "The Pacific" lost to "Carlos," one should still maintain their poise and congratulate the winner graciously—that's what it means to have the bearing of a champion, isn't it?

James Franco, across from Renly, smiled sincerely.