The screenwriters' strike once affected the holding of this year's Oscars ceremony. Many people even believed that the Oscars would inevitably be canceled. However, for seasoned industry insiders like Duke, it wasn't difficult to see that the strike could not possibly cause the Oscars to collapse.
Although the Producers Guild was exceptionally tough on the Writers Guild, in the end, they would definitely have to make concessions.
The Academy had prepared for both scenarios. They were also worried that the Oscars might come to a halt because of the writers' strike, and if the strike continued by then, the Academy would launch an emergency gala.
The Oscars are the face of Hollywood and even the entire North American film industry. The Academy would never let an accident happen.
They sent representatives to intervene in the negotiations, urging both parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
The Washington authorities also made efforts. With the fragile economic situation across the United States, it absolutely could not endure a prolonged strike. If something unexpected happened in Hollywood, not only would the entertainment industry a pillar industry be in trouble, but it might even worsen the turmoil on Wall Street.
For any industry to operate normally, both labor and capital must abide by mutually recognized fair "rules of the game." With an annual output value of tens of billions of dollars in the entertainment industry, giving screenwriters a share of the pie seemed perfectly just and natural.
But capital is inherently profit-driven. Touching the cake of business groups is undoubtedly like cutting flesh from the capitalists.
The main point of contention was that the production side demanded that a portion of the compensation be paid only after recovering the cost of movies and TV programs; while the screenwriters demanded improved treatment for writers in movies, TV series, and reality shows, and that production companies must pay screenwriters a share of DVD revenues—up to 2%. In addition, they wanted the revenue share from online streaming and downloads to increase from zero to 4.5%.
These terms were absolutely unacceptable to the producers and the Producers Guild.
Ten days before the Oscars ceremony, after a tug-of-war involving efforts from all parties, the Producers Guild and the Writers Guild finally reached a preliminary agreement. Hollywood's major production companies made certain concessions. The Writers Guild and the Producers Guild signed a three-year provisional contract.
The contract not only increased writers' basic pay but also secured for them a 0.6% share of DVD sales and a 2.3% share of online streaming revenues. This applied not only to future works, but also allowed writers to draw a certain percentage from past works.
Subsequently, the Writers Guild held a member vote. With an overwhelming 3,775 votes in favor, they unanimously agreed to end this long-drawn-out tug-of-war strike.
The Writers Guild also sent an email to every member, calling on everyone to resume work immediately.
"The strike is over. Tomorrow, the writers will return to their positions. Everything will return to normal."
At the press conference, Writers Guild president Patrick Verrone stated, "Striking is never what we wanted. We were merely fighting for a fair share of income from new media productions. Now, the results we've achieved are enough for us to gain a foothold in this digital era."
The producers gave up some benefits. Although the Writers Guild did not get all their initial demands, the outcome of the negotiations was enough to satisfy most people.
"This is the best treatment we've had in 30 years," many writers said in interviews.
Although the writers finally managed to get a share of the DVD and online revenues, calling it the "best treatment" sounded more like a long exhale after a grueling battle.
This three-year provisional contract was, at best, a psychological bottom line. The Producers Guild's strong position would not change because of the strike.
It's foreseeable that achieving benefits through strikes would become a model in Hollywood. The strikes in 1988 and 2008, at least on the surface, helped the relatively weak writers gain part of what they needed.
Perhaps the next Hollywood-style strike isn't far off.
Labor-capital conflicts can never be completely resolved.
With the end of the writers' strike, the 80th Academy Awards ceremony was also able to proceed smoothly.
"It's actually raining…"
Stepping out of the car, Scarlett Johansson lifted the hem of her dark evening gown and carefully held onto Duke's arm as they walked on the wet ground. "It's really annoying."
Los Angeles is dry and rarely rains. No one expected it to actually rain on the day of the Oscars.
Fortunately, the organizing committee was well prepared and had set up white canopies to protect the stars walking the red carpet. And for Hollywood, which had just gone through the writers' strike, a bit of wind and rain really didn't count for much.
Under the guidance of staff, Duke entered the large tent set up in the waiting area. Due to Heath Ledger, all members of The Dark Knight crew attending the Oscars wore dark suits.
On Duke's side, even Scarlett Johansson wore a black evening gown.
Although they arrived a bit late and many had already stepped onto the red carpet ahead, there were still many people waiting inside the tent. Duke greeted some of them, then walked over to a familiar face.
"Got your acceptance speech ready?"
He was asking Leonardo DiCaprio. Leonardo shrugged. "I think my chances of winning are even smaller than yours for Best Director."
The two laughed. After all, they weren't new to this industry they had a pretty clear idea of their chances.
And Leonardo was nominated for The Departed. The film's recognized strong categories were Best Director and Best Picture. Just like with Heath Ledger, countless fans and media believed that it was time the Academy gave Martin Scorsese some recognition.
Also, Leonardo's main competitor was Daniel Day-Lewis an Academy favorite.
After chatting briefly with Leonardo, Duke turned his gaze forward. On the Oscar red carpet, the annual spectacle of stars vying for attention was in full swing.
Around the Kodak Theatre, open-air bleachers and the streets were packed with thousands of fans. Among the earliest to walk the red carpet were George Clooney, who had been nominated for Best Actor for Michael Clayton, as well as the new James Bond actor Daniel Craig and his girlfriend Rachel Weisz.
Renée Zellweger appeared in a backless evening gown, immediately drawing screams from fans. Cate Blanchett, wearing a large, dazzling necklace, slowly walked the red carpet. Harrison Ford, Penélope Cruz, and Hilary Swank were also among the stars stepping onto the red carpet and entering the Kodak Theatre.
At all major award ceremonies, male stars wear the same old all-black outfits nothing new, nothing exciting.
The task of drawing attention on the red carpet naturally falls on the shoulders of the female stars. Hollywood was shining brightly tonight, with a lineup of elegantly dressed actresses doing their utmost to showcase sensuality and nobility. Selling sex appeal was no longer limited to low-cut and backless dresses off-shoulder, high slits, sheer fabrics, even vintage styles every trick in the book was on display.
As with male stars, black has always been the go-to safe choice for actresses at award ceremonies. The calm aura exuded by black can be interpreted as mysterious, sexy, or noble it rarely goes wrong.
But at this year's Oscars, it seemed as though the female stars had made a pact to join the red camp. Many opted for bright, vibrant shades of red. Rising star Amy Adams, last year's Best Actress Helen Mirren, and vintage beauty Katherine Heigl whether seasoned actresses or youthful idols all had a fondness for blazing red, bringing a fiery passion to the traditionally classic and noble Oscars.
One only had to look at the constant flashing of magnesium lights to know just how strong their presence was.
"The Ledgers are here."
Hearing Scarlett's reminder, Duke pulled his gaze back and turned toward the entrance. Upon seeing Kim Ledger and her husband, he adjusted his suit slightly and walked over with Scarlett Johansson to greet them.
Although this country didn't necessarily abide by the saying "speak no ill of the dead," Duke knew that in this setting, it was appropriate to show respect to Heath Ledger's family.
"Hi, Kim."
Upon approaching, Duke hugged Kim Ledger and her husband in turn, then exchanged a few pleasantries.
He didn't say much more. Soon after, staff members came to notify him and Scarlett Johansson that it was time to walk the Oscar red carpet. Although he signed a few autographs for fans holding up posters for The Dark Knight and Transformers, Duke, as always, passed through the red carpet at a relatively brisk pace.
Once inside the Kodak Theatre, he and Scarlett headed directly for the front row. As a film with nine nominations, The Dark Knight's crew was seated very close to the stage. In addition, to promote the film, Warner Bros. had arranged for Andrew Garfield and Amber Heard to present the award for Best Animated Feature.
Duke was also one of the award presenters. He hadn't turned down the Academy's invitation because he had been asked to present Best Supporting Actor!
Such an unconventional invitation almost guaranteed that Heath Ledger would be winning that golden statue.
In some ways, this Oscar ceremony was similar to the one Duke attended when he won Best Director it lacked suspense.
Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture all had strong frontrunners before the ceremony, and it was unlikely that the Academy would spring any surprises.
After all, Heath Ledger, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Martin Scorsese were clearly ahead of the pack.
The stage lights came on, and after a brief montage of highlights, The Daily Show host Jon Stewart walked onstage and opened the show by referencing the recently concluded Hollywood writers' strike.
He joked, "The past two-plus months have been tough. The bitter writers' strike tore Hollywood apart. I'm just glad this battle is finally over."
The Oscars officially celebrated their 80th birthday. The 80th Academy Awards had begun.