Hollywood What If Chapter 567
The next day, Kazir lazily leaned against the chair as he read the newspaper. The main article was about the results of the 81st Academy Awards. Some critics were satisfied with the results, while others were not.
Some critics praised the Academy for finally recognizing a performance like Heath Ledger's Joker. Headlines like "Ledger's Joker Redefines Acting in Superhero Genre Films" and "Heath Ledger Overcame Tragedy and Won Academy Award" echoed through newspapers and online publications.
Online news in 2009 was already strong. Some published news-related articles, while others wrote blogs. Also, Facebook and Twitter had already solidified the power of social media.
Fans and critics celebrated Heath's win, calling it an iconic moment for superhero films and for actors who take dangerous roles. Because honestly, Heath Ledger's performance was truly worthy of recognition. Anyone would agree to that.
At the same time, Slumdog Millionaire received great reviews for sweeping the awards.
Some critics admired its direction and powerful storytelling, saying the Academy made the right call.
As for The Dark Knight not getting a nomination for Best Picture, no one talked about it.
Kazir weakly smiled... Was it bad that he was disappointed?
"Hey, why are you looking like you lost money? The last time I heard, you're richer than me." Tom showed up and found Kazir staring at the newspaper with a disheartened face.
"Said the actor who has a $250 million net worth," Kazir replied.
As of 2009, it was estimated that Tom Cruise's net worth was over $250 million. Clearly, the actor was successful.
"Yeah right, yeah right."
Tom didn't deny or agree with what Kazir said. After all, a huge amount of money was not something to flaunt about. As for his real net worth, only Tom Cruise knew the truth.
"You shouldn't believe what these reporters say. They don't know the truth. They don't know my net worth, and they don't know how the Academy Awards work their way," Tom added.
Kazir chuckled softly, folding the newspaper and setting it aside.
"It's not about the truth. It's about their unhidden biases and disgust toward box office hit movies. The Academy has its own taste… and we're not on the menu."
"That's kind of a weird comparison, but alright."
Tom raised an eyebrow.
"You made a film that changed the game. The Dark Knight is now one of the best superhero movies. The fans know it. The industry knows it. That's bigger than any golden statue. Besides, you created another genre, which is the Cinematic Universe. You don't need the Academy's approval."
'...Funny that you said that since you're also one of the actors who went crazy just to win a Best Actor Award.' Kazir stared sternly at Tom, who was drinking his coffee. They were at a golf clubhouse.
Well, Tom Cruise had a point. Kazir changed Hollywood, and no one could deny that.
Kazir appreciated the sentiment.
"Thanks."
Tom stood up and stretched his body. He then looked at his clubs and found that one was slightly bent. Clubs, or golf clubs, were the things that they used to hit the golf ball.
"Change doesn't happen overnight. Perhaps the Academy will appreciate blockbusters in the next decade, although that might be impossible to happen. Anyway, trust me, you already made history." Tom patted his shoulder.
"Let's not talk about the Academy. They are washed anyway, and their influence is not that strong anymore. I'm not even surprised if an actor slapped a host at the Academy Awards one day," Tom said.
"You don't say?" Kazir laughed.
"We rarely talked last year because I was busy with Tropic Thunder and Valkyrie."
"Alright, so what really happened in The Oprah Winfrey Show? Why the fuck were you jumping on the couch like some toddler who snorted cocaine?"
"..." Tom's smile became stiff.
In the original timeline, Tom Cruise had an interview with Oprah on her show. The actor was like an active kid who did so much stupid stuff on the show. That was one of the most unforgettable things that happened in Hollywood back in 2005.
Perhaps because of Kazir's timeline interference, this incident didn't happen in 2005 but instead happened last year in 2008. The jumping incident jumped three years forward.
"...Let's just say I was so in love with Katie that I didn't know what to do. Also, I wanted to see the audience's reaction if I started doing stupid things in front of them." Tom forced a laugh out of his mouth.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes started their relationship in 2005, and they are still going strong. Their relationship ended in divorce in 2012.
"Yeah, right... You sure you're not on drugs or something?"
Tom narrowed his eyes, grinning as he sat down.
"You know I don't touch that stuff. Just high on love… and maybe a little too much espresso that day."
Kazir burst out laughing.
"Espresso, huh? Perhaps you shouldn't drink this coffee on the table. I don't want you to go crazy and jump around while we play golf."
Kazir ordered tea, while Tom ordered coffee. Their beverages were on the table.
"Alright, alright, I admit it. That whole moment was insane. I got carried away. But hey, people still talk about it. Maybe it worked out in the end." Tom shook his head, chuckling.
"Yeah, it worked so well. I bet parody movies will parody that scene. I'm not going to be surprised if Scary Movie parodied it in the next sequel."
Spoiler alert: Scary Movie 4 parodied the scene where Tom Cruise had an interview with Oprah and it was crazy.
"Legacy, baby," Tom smirked.