"Difficult? Oh no, I wouldn't use that word to describe life after winning the Golden Raspberry Award," Hugo said with a chuckle, shaking his head. "Actually, I've mentioned in previous interviews that the reason I was willing to go on stage to accept the Razzie was to face it head-on. Yes, The Hudson Hawk is my work. You didn't like it, but it was a project I poured effort into, and the production costs weren't small either."
Hugo's calm words, laced with humor, drew laughter from the audience. He knew that no matter how much of his past he could remember, he was Hugo Lancaster now, and he had to take responsibility for everything in his past—family, career, everything.
"So, I think after the Razzies, there was a shock, a bit of disappointment—but not because of the award itself, rather because of me. No one would want to hire an actor like that, with neither skill nor attitude," Hugo recalled the situation he faced after his unexpected rise. Though he forced himself to attend the audition for A River Runs through it, it was only later that he truly realized the opportunity he had and experienced the emotional ups and downs. "I realized that acting skills can be honed over time, but if I didn't have the right attitude, I'd achieve nothing. So I corrected my attitude and viewed the Razzie as an opportunity—a chance to start over."
"And that brings us to the current you," Oprah interjected.
Hugo smiled and spread his hands, presenting himself openly. "Exactly, which is why I'm here."
"Then, it looks like you've taken the first step toward a fresh start! Congratulations on your dual nominations at the 50th Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama!" Oprah led the applause, and the audience immediately joined in, whistling and cheering. Hugo couldn't help but smile. "This is a significant step. To be double-nominated like Pacino or Nicholson, especially compared to the Razzies earlier this year… wow, what a rollercoaster. How does it feel?"
"I wouldn't put myself on the same level as Pacino or Nicholson—that would be too much pressure," Hugo said with a gentle smile. "They're extraordinary actors, and working with them taught me a lot, but I still have a long way to go."
"Surely winning two Golden Globe nominations must feel special. Aren't you happy?" Oprah asked, genuinely curious.
"Oh, of course, I'm ecstatic," Hugo said, his smile fully blossoming, tinged with shyness, prompting more laughter from the audience. "But while the nominations are exciting, I see them as a recognition of my effort, proof that I'm heading in the right direction. Perhaps this is the path I'll continue to follow."
Hugo's words earned another round of applause.
"So, since your fame has skyrocketed, how has your life changed? Are you constantly surrounded by screaming fans?" Oprah asked, shifting the discussion from his career to his personal life, a skill she excelled at.
"No, not at all," Hugo shook his head repeatedly. "Life hasn't changed that much. It's just that more people greet me on the street, and more can call me by name. Everyone's friendly, just greeting me politely."
"No screaming?"
"No."
"No shouting?"
"No."
"Oh, that's disappointing," Oprah said, her expression clearly conveying mock disappointment, making Hugo laugh heartily.
"Maybe I just don't appear as eye-catching in real life as I do on screen," Hugo said with a cheerful smile, his almond-shaped eyes curving sweetly, sparkling under the studio lights.
Oprah looked at him with an exaggerated expression, then turned to the audience. "Friends, Hugo says he doesn't look that striking in real life? Let's tell him the truth."
"Ahhh!" A chorus of screams erupted in response, making Hugo laugh sheepishly. In reality, his day-to-day life hadn't changed that much. Although he'd been surrounded by fans twice recently, those were exceptional incidents, not the norm.
"So, how did you spend Christmas? Any special plans this year?" Oprah asked once the cheers settled.
Hugo shook his head awkwardly. "No, I spent Christmas alone in Los Angeles this year."
"Alone?" Oprah asked in surprise. "Christmas is a time for family gatherings. Why were you in Los Angeles by yourself?"
Hugo suddenly regretted being too honest—he answered everything she asked without thinking. He didn't want to expose family matters to the media. "I just didn't plan to go home this year, so I enjoyed a completely relaxed Christmas." He tried to brush it off lightly, but his honesty made the explanation feel weak.
As a seasoned talk show host, Oprah immediately sensed an opportunity. She could explore two angles: ask about his family or his personal life. Many celebrities avoid exposing their families, as they are private individuals. After a moment's hesitation, she continued with her original plan.
"I thought you'd have someone with you," Oprah hinted. Hugo's thoughts were still on his father, and he didn't respond immediately, confused. Oprah had to clarify, "Not long ago, you appeared at the A Few Good Men premiere with Uma, and you openly confirmed you were dating. Didn't you have any special plans for Christmas?"
This was exactly what Oprah had intended—gossip. Hugo recalled that many of the questions on the list he received yesterday were about Uma. Surprisingly, he felt a sense of relief. Compared to family matters, discussing a rumor actually felt freeing.
"She went home for Christmas, to New York," Hugo said, a smile returning to his face. "No, we didn't plan anything special."
"That's such a shame," Oprah sighed. "So, how's your relationship with Uma? Everything going well?" Since the A Few Good Men premiere, rumors about Hugo and Uma had been a constant focus. Recently, paparazzi hadn't captured anything sensational, so the story had been simmering without breaking.
"Very well, everything's fine," Hugo said, pressing his lips together. "You know, I've been busy promoting, so I haven't had much free time. We haven't seen each other for a while, but… everything's good. When I get the chance, I'll take her out."
Thinking back to the surprise Uma gave him at home during Rock Night, a sweeter smile spread across Hugo's face. Both career and love were going smoothly—truly a miraculous year.
"How did things progress with Uma? I mean, at the beginning of the year during the Final Analysis premiere, she kissed you, but you both denied it was a romantic gesture, insisting you were just friends," Oprah pressed, digging for more details. "By the end of the year, though, the story suddenly changed."
"Haha…" Hugo chuckled. "At the Final Analysis premiere, we really were just friends. That kiss was Uma's prank. But we met a few more times after that, and each conversation had sparks. Eventually, I thought, maybe a proper date wouldn't be a bad idea."
"So, who asked for the first date?" Oprah interrupted, seizing the topic.
"Uma," Hugo admitted frankly. Most of the turning points in their relationship had been her initiative, and he wasn't going to deny it. The admission drew whistles from the audience, making Hugo a bit embarrassed. "In matters of love, I tend to be passive. I know that's not a good habit."
"Of course, a gentleman should never make a lady wait—you must take the initiative," Oprah said bluntly. "Now that you missed Christmas together, do you have any special plans for New Year's?" Seeing that Hugo didn't shy away from the topic, she pressed on. "You know, girls always expect something special—this is a perfect chance to show your gentlemanly side."
Hugo looked flustered under the rapid-fire questions, hiding behind a smile. "New Year's… yes, I'll think of something. But please, allow me to keep it a secret." Seeing Oprah ready to continue pressing, Hugo realized he couldn't stay passive, so he took the initiative. "I've always wondered why women attach so much importance to certain dates. For example, February 14—technically just an ordinary day—but once it becomes Valentine's Day, why is it expected to give roses on that day?"
"Oh, Hugo, I didn't expect you to be such a mischievous man," Oprah said, excited, exclaiming repeatedly. "Anniversaries are important because they show respect for a relationship. February 14 may not be inherently special, but it's an opportunity to show care for your girlfriend—or dating partner," she looked Hugo directly in the eye, reminding him that he and Uma publicly call themselves "dating partners." "The day itself isn't special—it's your relationship that makes it special."
...
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