The Best Director

The red carpet, the awards ceremony, and the celebration party news dynamics, along with splendid pictures from Reuters, Associated Press, and other media, spread rapidly across the internet all around the world. But whether it’s NBC News or providing the information, movie fans can’t find any trace of Wang Yang and Jessica in the celebration parties of companies like Miramax Films, which implies only one possibility: neither of them showed up at the parties.

Indeed that was the case. Despite holding a major television award, as soon as the main award ceremony ended and they’d finished taking the “winners family photo” and given a few media interviews backstage, Wang Yang left the Hilton Hotel with Jessica to prepare for their return to San Francisco.

The media were short of two stars to chase, but there were even more dazzling personalities left in the night. Film awards have always overshadowed television awards, and a long list of news including Yahoo Entertainment, USA Today, MTV News, NBC News, FOX News, and The Guardian from the United Kingdom…. Out of every ten articles, eight or nine were about film, with headlines without exception featuring ‘The Lord of the Rings 3’, Peter Jackson happily lifting the trophy, Meryl Streep holding two awards, Charlize Theron with her radiant smile….

This conclusive and joyous list of winners naturally came without controversy. The media’s commentaries appeared rather tepid, as singing praises for ‘The Lord of the Rings 3’ was not as fresh as last year’s proclamation by Robert Downey Jr. or the birth of the youngest Best Director. What troubled many in the media even more was that this year’s 76th Oscars would also be predictable, with ‘The Lord of the Rings 3’ sweeping the board; on the other hand, the magical Wang Yang, who could always provoke discussion, didn’t even get to participate.

“Seeing Wang Yang now, I really find him quite ridiculous and pitiful.” Why would someone who won one of the final major awards upon his debut be considered ridiculous and pitiful? Jeffrey Westhoff, who always criticizes Wang Yang, jumped out again, commenting on his blog, “Wang Yang wanted to reap rewards on both film and television, but his beautiful dream has completely shattered. We can’t deny that cinema offers a broader stage and garners more attention, and all of this no longer belongs to him, it’s clear now.”

He sarcastically questioned in his writing: “Wang Yang now only sees box office and ratings, devoid of any significant meaning and memorable experiences for the audience; you should know that movies that are discarded after watching can sometimes also boast high box office. He has stooped to clinging to television awards, yet what’s more pathetic is, ‘Prison Break’ winning Best Drama Series? Which part of it is superior to ’24’ or ‘Six Feet Under’? I really want to know how many gifts NBC and Wang Yang have given to the judges.”

After blasting Wang Yang, Westhoff did not forget to write, “Meryl Streep had a great performance, I mean in ‘Angels in America’; even though she was excellent in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ the award should not have gone to her. If an experienced actress was to be chosen, then Diane Keaton; if it was about picking a younger actress, Scarlett Johansson.”

It wasn’t just Jeffrey who was dissatisfied with ‘Prison Break’ winning an award, but also a number of media and critics, some of whom had taken part in the debates over ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, now questioning the fairness of the Best Drama Series selection. ‘Prison Break’ might be a revolutionary series, but what depth does it have content-wise? ’24’ with its anti-terrorism themes and exploration of humanity was superior, yet the trophy became something for the miraculous Wang Yang and NBC to pocket.

“‘Prison Break’ won simply because it airs on NBC, but Wang Yang won’t always have such good luck.” Alan Dale responded to Westhoff in his blog, without stating explicitly, yet everyone knew he was hinting that shows like ‘Firefly’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory’ would take a big fall.

“They don’t understand why ‘Prison Break’ won because they haven’t seen the content in the second half of the season, while the judges probably have already seen the internal screenings. That’s the difference!” Prominent film critic blogger Harding Aliff countered the doubts of Alan Dale and others, receiving the support of countless ‘Prison Break’ fans, writing: “‘Prison Break’ has rewritten the pace of TV series, reshaped our understanding of anticipation and suspense, the plot’s meticulous intricacy is unbelievable! No current series is a match for it.”

Harding Aliff questioned in his writing: “This is a point Wang Yang had made before, and I’ve always been puzzled why only ‘depth of content’ is worthy of praise and awards? Why isn’t the most innovative, narratively epoch-making series deserving of commendation and trophies, just because it focuses on tension and excitement? Are they especially cheap and lowly for that reason, even though the competition might only offer a heap of empty platitudes that everyone knows and can find everywhere in ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’? The changes brought by ‘Prison Break’ are unimaginable for many people, and it deserves this modest Golden Globe Award.”

“The Lord of the Rings 3” fans were jubilant, fans of all stars kept an eye on their idols’ whereabouts, and because of “Prison Break,” the subdued spitting wars were looking to rise again… Apart from various awards, one piece of gossip was the hottest topic in entertainment recently, capturing the attention of countless movie fans worldwide. Some people offered heartfelt blessings, some were annoyed, and some spitefully cursed the event in question—the rumored wedding date was drawing closer. Were Wang Yang and Jessica, who had been repeatedly rumored to have escalating conflicts, really going to get married?

According to insiders’ information, reports from the entertainment media indicated that on January 31, the couple would hold a grand Catholic wedding in Los Angeles. As for prior details, such as when and where they registered or whether they have already done so, those were kept highly confidential. Wang Yang and Jessica’s blogs and personal websites had no mention of it, as both naturally did not want to attract trouble.

If possible, Wang Yang and Jessica hoped to get married quietly and joyfully, without the excessive attention from the outside world that could ruin the beautiful memories of this significant life event. Therefore, when gossip magazines and media such as “Variety” and “OK!” wanted to bid for the rights to photograph the wedding and obtain pictures of the ceremony, all these requests were rejected. Wang Yang felt no need for this, as he was not a reality TV star; his life did not need nor would it be entirely exposed to the public.

He and Jessica had already decided that they would update their blog with news of the wedding, as a memento for themselves and to share their happiness with fans, forbidding those gossip magazines that fabricated “conflicts and arguments” from reposting any photos. The same would apply to the joyous times during their honeymoon.

This really made the gossip magazines and paparazzi anxious, as celebrity weddings have always been a draw for eyeballs and sales boosts. Everyone had been looking forward to the wedding of childhood sweethearts Yang & Jessica! Everyone was waiting to see the romantic wedding kiss of this fairytale couple, and now they’re told there’s nothing to photograph? Go to hell then!

Paparazzi Anderson grumbled and cursed as he boarded a plane to Las Vegas. The youthful and wealthy Wang Yang wasn’t short on money and could refuse cooperative shoots; but he could also photograph the couple due to their public figures, starting with their wedding certificate collection. According to insider info, Wang Yang and Jessica were expected to register in Las Vegas—understandable, as registration there could be completed in 15 minutes, as could divorce, making it a classic destination for celebrities to register their marriages.

However, this was clearly not 100% accurate information. According to insiders and informants, other possible places mentioned included Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Santa Monica… It was possible they had already registered, or they might do so close to the wedding date. Despite the slim chances of encountering the couple at the right time and place for registration, dedicated paparazzi were still willing to try their luck, launching a massive search in Las Vegas.

Under the azure sky, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge stood tall above the strait—in San Francisco, the day after the Golden Globe Awards, on the morning of the fifth day of the lunar New Year. Since the Lunar New Year celebrations had concluded days ago, and it was Monday, not many tourists were visiting or taking pictures in the lush greenery of the square in front of City Hall. With the classical dome architectural style, the City Hall’s exterior wall displayed a huge Spring Festival couplet banner with the greetings “Congratulations on your fortune, may all your wishes come true,” creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

A Lincoln limousine with the word “happiness” displayed, adorned with decorative knots of good fortune and fresh flowers, slowly pulled up. A young couple with radiant smiles stepped out, followed by several equally beaming young people, all heading towards the City Hall.

“Is that the amazing Yang? Jessica? Oh my.” The City Hall was quite inside, with classic sculptures and murals creating a solemn atmosphere, yet the red festive decorations for the New Year added to the celebratory mood. A few pairs of newlyweds and their company were taking commemorative photos, among which an Asian man and woman standing on the white steps had keen eyes—they immediately recognized the Asian man in a black jacket and the fashionable Latina woman in a white dress and denim jacket stepping out.

“Wow! They are really getting married.” The excited young Asian woman tugged at her husband’s hand: “We registered our marriage on the same day as Yang and Jessica!” The round-faced man also smiled heartily and suddenly had an idea: “Let’s ask for a group photo!”

The two stepped down from the stage, approaching Wang Yang’s group along with a friend holding a camera. Their noticeable approach caught the attention of the other groups: a middle-aged interracial couple continued taking photos without interest, while another young white couple spotted the stars—Best Director! Sweetheart Angel! They had just seen them on TV last night, and now here they were in San Francisco getting married! They too hurried over.

You can dodge the paparazzi, but you can’t escape such ordinary movie fans. Wang Yang had considered registering discretely and leaving quickly, but why act like a thief? This was a wedding that he and Jessica believed happened only once in a lifetime, and they wanted to fully enjoy every moment.

“Hey, Amazing Yang! Jessica!” Seeing the two newlywed couples and their six or seven friends walking over with smiles, Wang Yang and Jessica raised their hands with a smile, “Hey!” and continued walking toward the office department. The tall and imposing Joshua spread his arms wide, stepping forward to block them: “Guys, not today, not today! We’re all here for a joyful registry, any other business is not for today!”

The group walked straight past him, and Joshua hurriedly ran up to block them again: “Not today! Thank you!” The young Asian couple shrugged their shoulders, lifted their camera, and started taking pictures of Wang Yang and his friends in the distance. The round-faced man said, “Can we take a photo?” Joshua quickly said, “Not today!”

Because they had a prior appointment, and there wasn’t a long line at the marriage registration desk in the city hall’s inner sanctum, the two could start the notarized marriage right away. San Francisco’s registry was more complex than Las Vegas’s, and the bride and groom, Wang Yang and Jessica, along with Zachary Levi and Eileen Iris as their marriage witnesses, signed the relevant registration documents under the notarization of a greying female notary attorney.

The party then joyfully made their way to the center of the second floor of city hall, beneath a large circular skylight, where the bright sunshine beamed down and filled a circle on the floor, signifying that the marriage was witnessed by God. The surrounding classical lamps gave off an orange glow as Wang Yang and Jessica, having taken off their coats, stood face to face in the circle of sunlight, staring into each other’s dark eyes, feeling the happiness in their hearts about to explode.

Harry George, the wedding photographer, was capturing the beautiful moments with his film camera, his expression focused; Joshua was recording with a DV camera, Zachary was taking pictures with a digital camera; Eileen and Roland both looked on tenderly, silently wishing their best friend, who was about to become someone’s wife, eternal happiness and joy. A few new bride-and-groom film fans were also there to witness the marriage, standing next to a brawny bodyguard who did not allow them to take photos.

“Today, I officiate the decision of Wang Yang and Jessica Alba to become husband and wife. From this day forward, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, they shall cherish and respect each other, be true to each other, and stay together till death do them part.” The woman in the black robe finished reading the marriage vows solemnly and looked at Wang Yang, asking, “Wang Yang, do you take Jessica Alba to be your wife, to be her lawful husband?”

“Yes, I do.” Under the watchful eyes and smiles of everyone, and facing his beloved’s tender gaze, Wang Yang nodded seriously, of course! Why else would he be here? As soon as he spoke, Jessica’s face broke into a smile that couldn’t suppress her emotions. In the sunlight, she truly looked like an angel descended from heaven.

The wedding witnesses all shared in their happiness; Harry George silently snapped photos while the white female attorney looked at Jessica and asked, “Jessica Alba, do you take Wang Yang to be your husband, to be his lawful wife?”

“Yes!” Jessica nodded immediately, her heart felt like it suddenly exploded, and her eyes welled up with warmth. After a moment, she managed to voice the significant words: “I do!” Wang Yang naturally smiled as well.

Everyone wanted to applaud loudly, celebrating the joyous moment, but the notarized marriage ceremony was not yet over. Eileen, standing to the side, opened a red ring box and passed it over. Wang Yang took out the beautiful silver wedding ring, held Jessica’s left hand, and slid it onto her ring finger while repeating the vows with the attorney, “With this ring, I thee wed, as a sign of my love and fidelity. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I want you to wear it always, as a reminder of the vows we have made on this day of our wedding.”

Wang Yang’s voice was deep and solemn, moving Jessica and the others; then, it was Jessica’s turn to place the wedding ring on his left ring finger. Her voice was full of emotion yet slightly choked and stiff: “With this ring, I thee wed, as a sign of my love and fidelity…”

“Looks like their relationship is really good!” The new bride-and-groom fans watching from a distance couldn’t help but think, completely unlike what those gossip magazines had claimed, not at all like the big stars who marry and divorce repeatedly. But then again, who isn’t full of love and passion on their wedding day? In the end, whether they’re celebrities or ordinary people, there’s still a bunch who will get divorced. My God! Those thinking this hurriedly shouted in their hearts, “God forgive me! It was just a passing thought, not including me! My vows earlier were from the heart!”

“When I put this ring on you, I give you my love and my soul. Wear it always as a reminder of the vows we made on our wedding day,” Jessica recited her vows and pushed the ring onto his finger.

Wang Yang instantly felt a force encircle his ring finger. It was the first time he had worn a wedding ring. It felt a bit heavy, yet his heart was filled with a deep sense of contentment and peace, and gradually, excitement arose within him. Was he now a husband? In the eyes of the law and God Almighty, he truly was! He wrapped his left arm around her waist and leaned in to kiss those familiar, moist, and sensuous lips; she eagerly lifted her face to meet his.

“Congratulations on becoming lawfully wedded,” the elderly female lawyer said with a chuckle, declaring the marriage complete. “Yay! Congratulations! Congratulations!” “Yang, Jessica, wishing you eternal happiness!” Joshua, Eileen, Roland, Harry-George, and Zachary all offered their jubilant congratulations while film cameras, digital cameras, and video cameras captured the eternal kiss of the newlyweds. A few fans standing not too far away also clapped and congratulated them: “Congratulations!”

“Thank you!” After their passionate kiss ended, Wang Yang, smiling, took Jessica’s left hand with his own and raised it aloft. The sunlight bathed their wedding bands, their youthful and sweet smiles, and the happiness flowing in their hearts.

After the ceremony was completed, everyone returned to the first floor of the city hall, where Wang Yang and Jessica obtained their brand-new marriage certificates, inscribed with each other’s names. They didn’t leave city hall right away, as the paparazzi had not “caught wind” so quickly; they took many commemorative photos inside and outside on the plaza and released a series of balloons they had prepared earlier. Only then did everyone depart, laughing and chatting merrily.

“Wang Yang and Jessica registered their marriage in San Francisco!”

That very evening the news had already leaked out. Perhaps someone from the city hall had tipped off the media. The fact that the couple had just obtained their marriage certificates suddenly spread all over the entertainment websites. Managers and assistants, as well as Joshua, contacted by the media, had no comment to offer, but the paparazzi knew they had been played, absolutely played; they hadn’t gone to the 15-minute-away Las Vegas at all! Gossip lovers were immediately curious again: Why choose San Francisco, where the process of getting married and divorced is so cumbersome?

Could it be true, as the unbelievable rumor, which few people believed, had it that Wang Yang and Jessica hadn’t signed any prenuptial agreement? Impossible… the gossip enthusiasts couldn’t fathom it.

The very next day, January 27, after the news of their marriage registration came out, the 76th Oscars announced their nomination list, which, unsurprisingly, was almost a replicate of the Golden Globe Awards. With 11 nominations, ‘The Lord of the Rings 3’ led the Oscars showing a king’s presence.

‘Lost in Translation,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings 3,’ ‘The Perfect Storm,’ ‘Mystic River,’ and ‘The Era of Galloping’ were in contention for Best Picture; Sofia Coppola, Clint Eastwood, Fernando Meirelles (‘City of God’), Peter Jackson, and Peter Weir vied for Best Director.

Meryl Streep effortlessly claimed a spot for Best Actress in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ not to mention Charlize Theron, Naomi Watts, 13-year-old Keisha Castle Hughes (‘Whale Rider’), who set the record for the “youngest” nominee, and Samantha Morton. Johnny Depp, Bill Murray, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley, and Sean Penn were vying for the Oscars’ Best Actor crown…

As for the newly famous Yang and his movies from the year, as expected, almost came away with nothing. No nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, no nomination for Best Cinematography; the highly acclaimed ‘MIT-21-TEAM’ was only singled out for Best Editing. ‘TDWP’ advanced to Best Costume Design, but there were no nominations for Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Score, etc. The Oscars ceremony would take place on February 29. (