Chapter 258: Director Zhou won the first battle in Cannes and won the Cannes Best Actor Award!
"Director Zhou Qing appeared at the airport, presumably flying to Cannes to attend the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival."
"Director Zhou Qing has set off to attend the Cannes Film Festival. Will Whiplash win a big prize?"
"The 62nd Cannes Film Festival is about to open, and Director Zhou Qing went there alone, without the other main creators of Whiplash."
The powerful media quickly reported Zhou Qing's movements.
It immediately attracted the attention of many people in the circle.
This is Zhou Qing's return to the top three European competitions after a lapse of two years, and it is Cannes, the most difficult to conquer among the three.
I wonder what the outcome will be?
Can he win the award again?
Can he win the Palme d'Or?
A heated discussion began in the circle.
The popularity of the upcoming "Whiplash" has also risen to a new level.
It can only be said that although Zhou Qing was absent from the promotion of "Whiplash", his contribution to the popularity of "Whiplash" was not small at all.
It's even better than the effect of the hard work of Liu Yifei and others in promoting it.
If Whiplash really wins some more awards, that would be even more amazing.
But can Whiplash really win the big prize?
Zhou Qing is also looking forward to this.
"Director Zhou!"
"Director Zhou!"
After resting for a night in Cannes, Zhou Qing arrived at the venue the next day and immediately became one of the most handsome guys in the crowd.
Many international filmmakers and media came to greet Zhou Qing enthusiastically.
Although this is Zhou Qing's first visit to Cannes, he has actually been well-known in the entire Big Three for a long time.
Even in a place like Cannes, he is definitely one of the most important directors.
"Director Zhou, this is your first time at the Cannes Film Festival. How do you feel about it?"
"As one of the most sacred art venues in the world of cinema, I have long admired the Cannes Film Festival. I am very happy and excited to be here this time."
In order to contribute to the popularity of "Whiplash", Zhou Qing openly accepted interviews from some international media.
In front of a group of media, he talked freely about various issues.
"Director Zhou, you have won awards at the Berlin and Venice Film Festivals. Do you think you can also win an award at the Cannes Film Festival?"
"For every nominated film, the director wants to win the grand prize, and I am no exception. I can't guarantee that I can win the grand prize, but I can guarantee that Whiplash is a movie worth watching."
"This time, you have four Chinese films shortlisted for the main competition. Which one do you think is most likely to win?"
"There's a saying that goes, 'Being nominated depends on your ability, but winning depends on luck.' All the works that are nominated are good works and have the potential to win big prizes, and the same is true for my Whiplash."
This interview of more than half an hour was definitely not in vain, as Zhou Qing mentioned Whiplash in almost every sentence.
This is equivalent to promoting "Whiplash" heavily in front of the international media.
In addition to the upcoming release of Whiplash, Zhou Qing also has another important mission in Cannes besides winning awards: selling films.
So naturally, the more high-profile you can be, the better.
It turns out that the effect is very good, and many international film producers have contacted Zhou Qing one after another.
"Zhou, after two years, you finally made another award-winning film."
Many of them are Zhou Qing’s “old customers”.
After all, Zhou Qing has made 6 films since his debut, and each of them sold very well.
Over the years, I have indeed accumulated a lot of connections.
"Haha, Wesley, you've become more handsome again."
"Thank you, Zhou, but I still feel inferior to you."
In addition to promoting Whiplash, Zhou Qing also met with many international film producers, and everyone had a very pleasant chat.
The specific details of viewing the film and the transaction were also preliminarily agreed upon, so needless to say.
But there is no doubt that this matter will be put after the award ceremony, and there is no rush now.
"Director Zhou."
The China Film Group team took the opportunity to meet with Zhou Qing and the two sides had a gathering.
In addition to saying hello, we also discussed matters related to selling the film.
After all, China Film Group is also one of the producers of "Whiplash", so it is naturally more positive about this matter.
Of course, the person leading the China Film Group team this time is not Han Sanping, but another senior executive of China Film Group.
"Founding of a Republic" has not been completed yet, so Han Sanping naturally cannot spare the time.
But given Zhou Qing's relationship with China Film, it doesn't matter whether Han Sanping comes in person or not.
"The crew of Whiplash is walking on the red carpet now. Only Director Zhou Qing is here, but he is also the leading actor of the film."
"Director Zhou Qing has won the Silver Bear and the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and also the Silver Lion and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival..."
Like other film festivals, the red carpet is still the highlight.
However, it is rare that only one person walked the red carpet with his work.
But even so, the crew of "Whiplash" is definitely one of the most watched crews.
First, this film was shortlisted for the main competition unit.
Second, the director of this movie is Director Zhou Qing!
Based on these two points alone, "Whiplash" has made its presence felt enough that no media or individual can underestimate it.
You have to know that Director Zhou Qing is one of the top three, so he is really not an ordinary director.
After signing on the autograph wall and accepting some interviews, Zhou Qing entered the main venue like everyone else.
But I have to say that this year's Cannes Film Festival was still a bit awkward.
Many big-name stars canceled the opening red carpet ceremony, which ended hastily in less than an hour.
The subsequent meeting with the judges was also very dull and looked very sloppy.
"Shu Qi!"
"Shu Qi!"
Shu Qi's appearance caused a heated response at the scene.
There were actually quite a few Chinese media people at this year's Cannes, and during the photo session, many of them shouted Shu Qi's name loudly.
Unfortunately, when the official press conference started, Shu Qi was placed in the far right corner due to her lack of qualifications.
Shu Qi is often not in the camera shot.
In addition, Shu Qi's English is not that good and she needs others to translate, so her overall presence is not high.
However, no matter what, the opening ceremony started on time, and the opening film was the 3D animated film "Up".
It's a classic movie, very warm and touching.
Even though he had seen it in his previous life, Zhou Qing still enjoyed watching it again.
As for the other parts, those who understand will understand that they are very dull and boring.
Of course, this is actually an unimportant matter. After all, Zhou Qing came to Cannes to do serious business!
"Mr. Wesley."
"Mr. Thomas."
In the next few days, Zhou Qing got busy with his work.
Promote Whiplash, meet film producers from all over the world, and take time to watch other movies.
Generally speaking, it is a very fulfilling life with fun.
"Director Zhou!"
"Senior Brother Lou Ye!"
During this period, Zhou Qing inevitably met other crews from China.
For example, the crew of "A Night of Intoxicated by Spring Breeze" led by Lou Ye.
Speaking of this crew, they do have some connection with Zhou Qing.
First of all, director Lou Ye and Zhou Qing are both directors from the Beijing Film Academy.
Qin Hao, one of the leading actors, was once Zhou Qing’s “favorite male lead”.
He starred in two Zhou Qing movies in succession.
So after the two sides met, they had a very pleasant chat.
"I have watched Director Zhou's Whiplash, which is really instructive. Both the structure and the camera language are top-notch and I admire them."
"Brother Lou Ye, you are too kind. 'Days of Love and Delight' is a truly good movie. It will definitely win a trophy this time."
After a brief greeting, Zhou Qing gave Lou Ye his best wishes.
It's not a false courtesy. As a reborn person, Zhou Qing knows the final result of this year's Cannes.
Of the original three Chinese-language films, only Lou Ye's "Spring Fever" won the award.
Although it was only the Best Screenplay Award, it was still an award in the main competition unit, which was already very good.
"I'm here mainly to exchange ideas and learn. It doesn't matter whether I win an award or not. But Director Zhou, you will definitely win a trophy, maybe even the Palme d'Or."
Lou Ye also quickly responded with a wave of business boasting.
It's not pure bragging.
Lou Ye actually went to see "Whiplash" and knew the quality of the film.
Coupled with Zhou Qing's impressive record in the three major leagues, Lou Ye was indeed very optimistic about Zhou Qing.
If we were to ask which of the four Chinese-language films has the greatest chance of winning an award.
It is undoubtedly Zhou Qing's "Whiplash".
"Director Zhou."
After Lou Ye, Qin Hao also came to chat with Zhou Qing.
He was very humble and enthusiastic in front of Zhou Qing. Although Zhou Qing had not asked him to make a movie for a long time, Qin Hao always respected Zhou Qing.
He will never forget that it was Zhou Qing who helped him when he was in the most difficult time.
While Zhou Qing was chatting with Qin Hao, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
After going around in circles, Qin Hao finally returned to his old ways.
He plunged headfirst into the wave of rushing to win award-winning movies again, unwilling to come ashore.
But this was Qin Hao's own choice, so Zhou Qing certainly wouldn't say much.
The two sides had not seen each other for a long time and chatted for a while. The atmosphere was still very pleasant.
"Hello Director Zhou, I always like watching your movies. It's a great honor to meet you in Cannes this time."
Chen Sicheng seemed a little reserved in front of Zhou Qing, and his body seemed a little stiff.
He will become famous in the future, but now he is just a little-known actor.
Although "Soldier Assault" was a big hit and Chen Sicheng's portrayal of a talented character was also remarkable, this hit drama only made one Wang Baoqiang famous.
As for the other main actors, they were all mediocre.
Although Chen Sicheng has signed a contract with Huayi and has acted in many TV dramas, he can only be considered to have made his mark.
In front of a director of Zhou Qing's level, he is of course the younger brother among younger brothers.
"Director Zhou, please stay and attend the closing ceremony on the 25th."
After a few busy days, Zhou Qing received a call from the Cannes Organizing Committee.
The other party specifically notified Zhou Qing to attend the closing ceremony.
This made Zhou Qing feel very excited.
According to the consistent "unspoken rules" of the three major European film festivals, we were notified in advance to attend the closing ceremony, which means that the film will definitely win an award!
In other words, even though the award ceremony won't start for a few days, Whiplash has already booked an award.
Even Zhou Qing felt somewhat excited.
I just don’t know what award I can win this time?
“I hope Director Zhou wins the Palme d’Or this time.”
The China Film Group also learned of the news and specifically congratulated Zhou Qing.
"The Palme d'Or is not easy to win."
Zhou Qing shook his head and chuckled.
"It's not easy for others to get it, but it's different for Director Zhou."
The other party once again said a few respectful words to Zhou Qing, and Zhou Qing was of course humble in return.
The two sides exchanged views on the meeting with the film distributor and agreed to start working on the film sales after the awards ceremony.
As for the related operations, China Film Group Corporation actively proposed that they would do their best to handle it.
Zhou Qing did not refuse this and decided to just hand it over to China Film Group, which would save him a lot of trouble.
"I now declare that the closing ceremony and awards ceremony of the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival officially begins!"
On May 5, the much-anticipated Cannes Film Festival held its closing ceremony.
After the red carpet and other miscellaneous procedures, Zhou Qing and other filmmakers finally waited for the most important part.
Awards ceremony!
It has been more than a month since the shortlist was announced, and the final result is finally revealed!
When the president of the film festival officially announced the start of the award ceremony, even Zhou Qing subconsciously sat up straighter.
It’s not easy to win an award at Cannes.
Zhou Qing also attaches great importance to it.
Like those other film festivals, Cannes first awards other relatively unimportant side dishes.
From "Golden Camera Special Mention Award", "Golden Camera Award" and other "other awards" that you have never heard of, to an award for the attention unit.
It took two full hours before the awards for the main competition unit finally came.
Zhou Qing felt a little tired from sitting!
I have to say, there are really too many awards in Cannes.
"The award that will be presented next is... the Best Screenplay Award!"
The awards ceremony of the main competition unit started with the Best Screenplay Award being the first one to be presented.
It is the least important award in the main competition unit.
But even so, everyone in the conference hall subconsciously looked solemn.
All eyes were fixed on the award presenter on the podium without blinking.
In any case, this is also an award in the main competition unit. As long as you get it, it will be a huge success!
"The winner of the Best Screenplay Award is... Mei Feng, "A Night of Spring Breeze"!"
Lou Ye and everyone in the crew of "A Night of Intoxicated by Spring Breeze" all subconsciously felt a surge of excitement.
Especially director Lou Ye, his tense nerves suddenly relaxed.
Got a prize!
This time, my own movie won an award!
Even if it was just the Best Screenplay Award, it would not be a complete waste.
Lou Ye was still very happy.
Wow!
There was a burst of warm applause at the scene. Zhou Qing also raised his hands and clapped twice.
“Thank you to the Cannes organizing committee!”
The screenwriter did not come, so the director Lou Ye went on stage to accept the award on his behalf.
The main competition unit kicked off with a fluent acceptance speech.
It completely pushed the atmosphere on the scene to a higher level of intensity and tension.
“I wonder what award Whiplash will win?”
Even Zhou Qing couldn't help but think about this question.
Looking at all the awards in the main competition unit of Cannes, except for the Best Screenplay Award and the Jury Award, they are actually major prizes.
These are all extremely important awards.
Now that the Best Screenplay Award has been ruled out, it's not like I'll just get the Jury Award, right?
If that's the case, it would be embarrassing.
Zhou Qing couldn't help but secretly complain in his heart.
"Next up is the Best Actress Award."
Many filmmakers breathe deeply subconsciously.
Especially the actresses, each of them was obviously a little nervous.
However, this award has nothing to do with "Whiplash". Zhou Qing looked relaxed and calm throughout the whole process.
Soon, the presenter announced the result, and the Best Actress award was won by Charlotte Gainsbourg from England.
"The next award to be presented is the Best Actor Award."
Now, it was the turn of the male actors on the scene to be extremely excited.
Cannes Best Actor.
This is the Cannes Film Festival winner.
For an actor, it is definitely one of the most important honors and achievements, and it is not an exaggeration to even call it the most important.
After all, the value of Cannes is really amazing.
Especially Qin Hao, who was sitting next to Lou Ye, felt his heartbeat subconsciously speed up a lot.
He has an obsession with the three best actor movies that most people don't have.
It’s comparable to Leo’s obsession with the Oscars.
"Best Actor? That's pretty good!"
Director Zhou Qing couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Although it is true that he is the director of "Whiplash", he is also the male lead.
Moreover, Zhou Qing’s acting skills are top-notch, so he is very competitive for the Best Actor award.
So Zhou Qing was not overthinking, he was also one of the top candidates for Best Actor!
However, Zhou Qing was not sure whether he could win.
After all, the original Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Christoph Waltz also gave a wonderful performance.
"The best actor this time is very interesting. He is not an ordinary actor, or rather, he is not just an actor."
"Because in addition to being an actor, he is also a director, a very outstanding director with brilliant achievements."
What the hell!
Following the award presenter's introduction, Zhou Qing almost couldn't help but slap himself on the thigh.
The word "Fuck" almost came out of his mouth.
An actor who is also a director?
Is there any doubt about this?
Looking at all the nominated films, besides "Whiplash", who else is there that was directed and acted by the actor himself?
Didn’t run away!
Can't run!
"It's Director Zhou! It's Director Zhou!"
Lou Ye and the others all subconsciously showed a look of astonishment, and they felt like they were going to screw up.
This year's Best Actor Award at Cannes went to a director?
This incident was really unexpected, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that I had sprained my waist.
After all, it has never happened in the entire history of Cannes that a director has won the Best Actor award!
But thinking about Director Zhou's jaw-droppingly superb acting skills, Lou Ye and the others felt relieved again.
Director Zhou deserves the Best Actor award! (End of this chapter)