Chapter 100: Wish I Could Do It Again
As the 63rd Academy Awards concluded, Dances with Wolves unsurprisingly emerged as the biggest winner.
Kevin Costner had skyrocketed to fame: not only did he win Best Director on his first attempt, but the film also took home Best Picture.
Meanwhile, Kathy Bates earned a surprising victory for Best Actress with her role in Misery.
Aaron also took note of the Best Foreign Language Film nominees, which included the Mandarin-language film Ju Dou. Although Miramax secured the nomination, it fell short of winning — unlike last year's Cinema Paradiso.
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Culver City, Columbia Pictures.
Sidney Gannis sat back in his office chair, a smile on his face.
"Kevin Costner really delivered a surprise this year."
His assistant nodded. "But Dawnlight Pictures is even more impressive. Boyz n the Hood has already grossed $25 million."
"Lucky timing," Gannis said knowingly. He understood that the film's success was closely tied to the recent Black protests against police brutality.
"Looks like we'll need to pay more attention to Ghost, too. Time to increase the marketing budget."
Kevin Costner was at the peak of his popularity, and the new Oscar-winning actress had only been a supporting role in her film. Confidence in Dawnlight's Ghost was growing by the day.
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"Mr. Gannis," the assistant suggested cautiously, "if Aaron Anderson's track record is this good, maybe we should deepen our collaboration with him."
Sidney raised an eyebrow. "You mean an exclusive distribution deal?"
He shook his head. "Hard to pull off. Just look at how Aaron operates — he likes full control over his projects. He doesn't worry about getting production funding from distributors; with his résumé, he doesn't need to. But… we should try anyway."
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At the time, Sony Pictures Entertainment was chaotic internally.
Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and TriStar Pictures were all throwing money around recklessly, disregarding profit or loss — a frightening scene for the industry.
Meanwhile, Jon Peters, one of Sony's co-heads, was mired in scandal. His office reportedly saw a constant stream of call girls and young women, and the story made headlines.
The former hairstylist from the San Fernando Valley owed his fame mostly to being Barbra Streisand's ex-boyfriend.
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That evening, at a beachside villa of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, Aaron lounged on a chaise by the pool, arms around Jennifer Connelly.
"Good. We'll coordinate the Ghost production team to support your promotions," he said.
"And Kevin Costner's schedule? We'll handle that too."
Aaron was on the phone with Sidney Gannis.
"Hmm, looks like Columbia is taking Ghost more and more seriously."
After hanging up, Jennifer Connelly leaned over and kissed him.
"Completely normal. Kevin Costner is just too dazzling right now," Aaron said, stroking the gorgeous actress in his arms.
Dances with Wolves had already grossed $140 million in North America and over $150 million overseas. Winning Best Picture would surely spark another surge. Though it was a long-term release, for Orion Pictures, this was an incredible profit.
"Last year, the biggest hit was still Home Alone, distributed by 20th Century Fox. Its North American box office has surpassed $250 million, and overseas is over $150 million."
"That even beats Pretty Woman!"
While Home Alone dominated the North American market, Pretty Woman made most of its money overseas.
Aaron had worked with 20th Century Fox before on The Telephone Booth Sniper. He found them far too greedy. Distribution and marketing costs were sky-high, and with News Corporation focusing on TV, they weren't putting much effort into movies anymore.
News Corp wanted to build a global TV network across Australia, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Rupert Murdoch, holding 45% of News Corp, had been acquiring aggressively for years. Competition with FOX, the major U.S. networks, Sky Television, and British Satellite Broadcasting had left the company heavily in debt. Globally, they owed $7.6 billion to 146 financial institutions across nine currencies.
However, the planned merger between Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting was good news for Hollywood distributors, reducing domestic competition.
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"Speaking of Home Alone, do you remember Career Opportunities?"
Career Opportunities was set to release at the end of the month, produced by John Hughes, the same producer as Home Alone. Aaron had previously asked Jennifer Connelly to turn down a role in it.
"Not at all. The genres are different — one's a Christmas family comedy, the other a teen romance. Besides, last year's Light Sleeper already proves your good taste."
Jennifer smiled, nuzzling his chest.
"Mm!" Feeling playful, Aaron kissed her back, slowly undoing her bikini and savoring every curve.
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Meanwhile, at the Angels Theatre office on Fountain Avenue, West Hollywood, Jack Wells poured a glass of champagne for Boyz n the Hood director John Singleton.
"John, come on, have a drink. Our film is already a success. Don't worry!"
John smiled, setting aside his audience survey report. "First films are always nerve-wracking. Plus, some newspapers claim our movie glorifies violence, and a few veteran Hollywood actors have criticized it. Look at this."
He handed Jack a newspaper featuring Warren Beatty criticizing Boyz n the Hood in an Empire magazine interview.
Jack frowned. This guy really wouldn't let it go.
"Jack, don't worry. Most media and critics have given Boyz n the Hood positive reviews," John reassured him. Criticism is inevitable, especially from Hollywood veterans.
Jack took a sip of his drink. "You know, John, Warren Beatty and Aaron don't get along. He's like a fly buzzing in your ear — irritating at times."
John chuckled. "Of course. Remember the comparisons between Dick Tracy and Pretty Woman? Beatty lost face completely back then."
Jack scoffed. "Face? With that nude scandal involving the French actress? That guy has zero shame."
Yeah… Jack Wells really wished he could relive that kind of chaos.
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