Chapter 199: The Biggest Winner
Reality Bites opened in 1,100 theaters across North America, earning $5.5 million over its opening weekend.
The film received decent reviews, but given its niche subject matter and modest budget, Aaron didn't pay it much attention.
Compared to Reality Bites, what truly interested him was the romantic comedy set to release the following month—Four Weddings and a Funeral, starring British actor Hugh Grant alongside French actress Sophie Marceau.
---
On a private beach near a luxury villa at Point Dume in Malibu, Aaron and Jennifer Connelly relaxed under the sun, enjoying the ocean breeze.
"This should be your last spring break," Aaron said casually.
"Yeah," Jennifer replied with a smile. "I'm graduating soon anyway. I've already read the script you gave me—My Best Friend's Wedding."
"It has a strong romantic-comedy vibe," she continued. "And there's an important female role in it. Who are you planning to pair me with?"
My Best Friend's Wedding was a low-budget romantic comedy with a straightforward production plan, and Dawnlight intended to release it the following year.
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Do you have anyone in mind?"
Jennifer thought for a moment.
"How about Nicole Kidman or Winona Ryder?"
Aaron laughed.
"If it's either of them—or Julia Roberts or Meg Ryan—then wouldn't your importance in the film drop immediately?"
"That's why," he added, "it's better to cast a newcomer or someone without too much name recognition."
Jennifer nodded thoughtfully.
"I see."
"Exactly. Once Speed is released, we can start production on My Best Friend's Wedding."
---
On the afternoon of March 29, 1992, the 65th Academy Awards were held at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Aaron attended the ceremony with Sophie Marceau, deliberately using the occasion to build momentum for the upcoming release of Four Weddings and a Funeral.
There was no suspense about the night's biggest winner.
Produced by Dawnlight Pictures and directed by Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List dominated the ceremony, taking home seven awards, including:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Cinematography
The Crying Game won Best Original Screenplay, while Scent of a Woman finally earned Al Pacino the Oscar he had long dreamed of—Best Actor.
Without question, Dawnlight Pictures was the biggest winner of the night.
Backstage at the Music Center, Winona Ryder stepped forward and gave Aaron a brief hug.
"Congratulations," she said with a smile. "You're the biggest winner tonight."
Bram Stoker's Dracula had picked up several technical awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Makeup. As the film's female lead, Winona Ryder was naturally in attendance at the Oscars—and she had also made a cameo appearance in Scent of a Woman.
Aaron slipped a hand around her waist and gave it a light squeeze.
"Come celebrate with us tonight. After all, you've got Jewish heritage too."
Winona laughed softly.
"With Sophie Marceau by your side—the stunning French rose—do you really need anyone else?"
Nearby, Sophie Marceau was chatting animatedly with her fellow French icon Catherine Deneuve.
Deneuve had received a Best Actress nomination for her performance in the French romantic drama Indochine, though the award ultimately went to Emma Thompson for Howards End. Still, Indochine took home the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, and Sophie had personally congratulated the cast and crew.
Aaron pulled Winona Ryder into a small storage room backstage and kissed her deeply. Winona wrapped her arms around him, returning the kiss with equal passion.
More than half an hour later, the two finally emerged—Winona slightly unsteady on her feet.
---
On the ride from the Los Angeles Music Center to the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Boulevard, Aaron smiled at Sophie Marceau, who sat beside him in the back seat.
"So—how does it feel, attending the Oscars?" he asked.
Sophie leaned in and kissed him lightly.
"I've been acting for so many years, but I've never really had major awards to my name. This is actually my first time at the Oscars."
She had risen to fame early on through her beauty, winning the César Award for Most Promising Actress for La Boum 2. Since then, however, major acting awards had eluded her.
Aaron patted her thigh gently.
"Take it slow. Your time will come."
With the successful conclusion of the 65th Academy Awards, Dawnlight Pictures, as the night's biggest winner, earned unanimous recognition from the film industry.
Commercially, the studio also reaped enormous rewards:
The Crying Game surpassed $60 million at the North American box office.
Scent of a Woman crossed $50 million domestically and began its international rollout.
Schindler's List exceeded $80 million in North America and had already earned over $150 million overseas.
On the evening of April Fool's Day, Aaron was relaxing in his Bel Air villa bedroom with Sophie Marceau when he received a call from Franklin Templeton Investments.
"Les Wexner has agreed to sell Victoria's Secret?"
Aaron's sudden excitement earned him a playful glare from Sophie.
"At what price?" he asked.
"$1.15 billion. Franklin Templeton has completed the acquisition of Victoria's Secret from Limited Brands."
Aaron had personally invested $60 million in the deal, while Franklin Templeton contributed the full purchase price—giving him roughly 5.2% ownership of Victoria's Secret.
"The plan can finally begin," Aaron said with a grin.
He hung up, then pulled Sophie close and kissed her firmly.
"Looks like I'll need to make another trip to New York."
Sophie stretched lazily.
"I'll be promoting Four Weddings and a Funeral, and then I'll head back to France for Fanfan's publicity tour."
She glanced at him.
"You'll be attending the Cannes Film Festival next month, right?"
Aaron nodded.
"Of course."
This year, Dawnlight had multiple projects heading to Cannes—Farewell My Concubine and The Piano for competition and exhibition, The Mask of Zorro for promotion, and early collaboration talks for Rumble in the Bronx.
Four Weddings and a Funeral would premiere first in London, then in Los Angeles.
"After the European press tour," Sophie said softly, "I'll stay in France and wait for you in Cannes."
She kissed his cheek.
"Don't change your mind at the last minute."
Aaron laughed, pulling her closer.
"What man could possibly resist you?"
He smiled thoughtfully.
"And who knows—we might even discover another acquisition worth making."
With Dawnlight riding high, the upcoming trip to Cannes promised to be nothing short of rewarding.