The Oscar nomination voting was over, and the committee was tallying the final results.
Ten days from now, the list would drop.
In the meantime, entertainment papers were buzzing with predictions about this year's Oscar nods. As for the blockbuster theory? That was niche stuff—entertainment sections mostly gave it a quick mention, nothing deep.
But on February 6th, something big hit the stands. The Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly—they all ran a full-page photo!
There was Dunn Walker, decked out in a red doctoral robe and black cap, holding a big certificate in each hand, posing with a friendly smile alongside an older man and woman.
The Los Angeles News ran a whole feature on it—
"Recently, renowned Hollywood director Dunn Walker was awarded honorary doctorates in 'Film Studies' from USC's School of Cinematic Arts and 'American Literature' from the School of Dramatic Arts. With this, he becomes the first 'alumnus' in USC history to snag two honorary doctorates."
"USC boasts the nation's most prestigious film school, producing legends like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Robert Zemeckis, Ron Howard, and David Wolper. Now, Hollywood's own Dunn Walker has joined this elite family!"
"Reports say Dunn Walker is donating $120 million to USC to build a cutting-edge new teaching facility to advance high-tech film innovation. USC's board and film school have expressed deep gratitude for this."
"If the donation goes through, Dunn Walker will outpace Steven Spielberg, becoming the second-highest donor in USC history, just behind George Lucas…"
In the U.S. and Europe, especially at private universities, schools often hand out honorary titles to big-name contributors to boost their rep and clout.
Take Bill Gates—he dropped out of Harvard young, missing his bachelor's. But after making it big? Honorary Harvard doctorate.
Back in the '40s, Dr. Hu racked up honors like nobody's business—top schools fought to shower him with degrees, giving him serious "world's top Chinese figure" vibes.
Dunn's honors didn't shake academia much—they're just honorary, after all—but for his personal cred? Huge boost. And a double whammy—literature and film!
That night, Dunn got home and strutted his stuff for the girls, then called Natalie, grinning ear to ear. "Hey, Bachelor Portman, you're on the line with Dr. Walker now."
"Show-off!" Natalie shot back with a laugh.
Dunn chuckled. "So, how's the song practice going?"
"Pretty good. My roommate's even singing it now."
"Nice! Come back when you've got a sec—we'll record it."
Natalie hesitated. "That soon?"
Dunn said, "Spider-Man 2's in promo mode now. Getting the song done is a big hype move. Plus, the Oscar nomination luncheon's in two weeks."
"What?" Natalie's voice spiked with excitement. "You mean… I got a nod?"
Dunn laughed. "What, you don't trust me?"
"Oh my God, honey, I love you! Love you! Love you to death!" Natalie squealed, over the moon. An Oscar Best Actress nod—one of the top five actresses in the world!
Dunn smirked. "Words are cheap—you've gotta show me."
Natalie giggled. "How?"
"Maybe…" Dunn dropped his voice, "when you're back, you grab Scarlett, and the three of us get real cozy."
"Pfft! I knew your head was in the gutter!"
…
February 13th rolled around, and the 74th Oscar nominations dropped!
As predicted, A Beautiful Mind cleaned up—eight nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Score.
But all eyes were on Juno!
Dunn had blasted the Golden Globes for shady backroom deals and unfair judging. He didn't name names, but everyone knew he was pissed for his girlfriend, Natalie Portman.
The Globes doubled down, claiming Natalie's acting didn't cut it for a Best Actress in a Drama nod—said their process was fair, no funny business.
Now, every U.S. entertainment outlet was glued to the Oscar reveal.
Did Natalie Portman have the chops or not?
The answer…
Monster's Ball - Halle Berry
Moulin Rouge! - Nicole Kidman
Bridget Jones's Diary - Renée Zellweger
In the Bedroom - Sissy Spacek
Juno - Natalie Portman!
She actually made the cut!
Cue the media turning their guns on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, screaming foul play at the Globes.
The Oscars—the gold standard—gave Natalie a nod. What's your excuse now, HFPA?
Best Actress at the Oscars: five slots, Natalie's in one.
Best Actress at the Globes: split into Drama and Comedy/Musical—ten slots total, and Natalie's nowhere.
No shenanigans there? Yeah, right.
The HFPA scrambled, holding a press conference—denying everything, spinning excuses. Every award's got its own standards, they said. The Globes' votes come straight from the judges, no rigging…
…
HFPA president Lorenzo Soria was on the phone with Kirk Douglas, fuming. "You promised me! You promised! This mess has trashed the Golden Globes' image beyond repair!"
Kirk, cool as ever, shrugged it off. "What's the big deal? It's just a nomination. No need to lose it."
"Just a nomination? Easy for you to say!" Lorenzo was about to blow a gasket, realizing too late what a clown this old-timer was. "The Globes are done! Done! And it's all because of you! You!"
Kirk's tone went icy. "Watch your mouth! I'm just a retired Hollywood guy—no foreign press badge, no vote."
"You—!" Lorenzo's rage hit nuclear levels at Kirk's gall.
Kirk stayed calm. "Look, it's done. Stop whining like a kid and deal with it. I saw your presser—solid spin. Movies are art, right? People like what they like. The Oscars dig that girl's performance; the Globes don't. Simple as that."
Lorenzo growled, "But we've pissed off Dunn Walker! That guy's a lunatic!"
Kirk smirked. "What, the Globes' decades of clout can't handle one crazy kid? Where's your spine, old man?"
Lorenzo nearly choked on his anger. "Crazy kid? Fine—if the Globes tank, I'll tell the press you pulled the strings. The Globes were just your weapon!"
Kirk's face darkened. "You threatening me?"
"No threat—just securing the Globes' fallback." Lorenzo wasn't backing down.
Kirk's voice turned cold. "You think that'll save your cred? Listen up—if the Globes want to survive, you go hard against Dunn Walker. Admit to any dirt, and you're finished!"
Lorenzo was too mad to speak.
Kirk smiled faintly. "Like I said, it's just a nod. You've got a million excuses. As long as that girl doesn't win, the Globes' foundation's safe."
"You sure? What's your guarantee?"
"My life's on it!" Kirk declared, righteous as hell.
He was dead certain this time.
No matter how good Natalie was, she couldn't shift the mainstream tide.