Chapter 266: The Huabiao Film Award Winner and the Shock in the Industry
August 26th, Beijing Exhibition Hall Theater.

The 12th China Film Huabiao Awards was held here grandly.

The Huabiao Awards was jointly founded by many top propaganda organizations. It is a government award for mainland films. The first session was held in 1994, and after 2005, it was changed to a biennial award.

Its value is not particularly high, but it is definitely higher than those second-rate awards. It is known as the three major film awards in mainland China together with the Hundred Flowers Awards and the Golden Rooster Awards.

Although the Huabiao Awards do not seem to have as much influence as the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards, as long as you want to make a living in the mainland entertainment industry, you should know that the Huabiao Award is the one you should pay the most attention to.

It will become very clear if you look at the founding organizations of the Huabiao Award.

So this year's Huabiao Awards, as usual, attracted many big stars to show their support, with a total of over 300 people, including superstars and top names.

Liu Zhou was nominated for the Outstanding Actor Award for his role in the movie "Red Cliff".

However, even if there are no nominations this time, Liu Zhou must come to show his support. After all, some of the founding units of the Huabiao Awards have just extended a helping hand to the project of "The Martian".

Moreover, Liu Zhou had to give face to the Huabiao Award.

The red carpet of the Huabiao Awards that day was truly star-studded, and its level of luxury could be said to be second only to the red carpet lineup of this year's Academy Awards in recent years.

But this year's Academy Awards has special significance after all, while the Huabiao Awards is just an ordinary Huabiao Awards.

On the red carpet, actresses are competing with each other for beauty.

The older generation's Gong Li, Chen Hong, Zhang Manyu, and Liu Jialing, and the Mesozoic era's four leading ladies except Zeng Li, all came. The new generation's four young actresses including Liu Tianxian also made their first appearance at the Huabiao Awards.

In addition, other famous female stars were equally unwilling to be outdone, making the reporters' hands cramp from pressing the shutter buttons.

Then two international superstars, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, appeared on the stage one after another and killed countless films in seconds.

Even Stephen Chow, who rarely shows up in public, came to show his support this time.

Lao Yimou, Liu Zhou, Chen Shishi and Feng Kuzi, four major directors from mainland China, came together. Xu Ke, Wong Kar-wai and Wu Baige, three of the most outstanding directors in Hong Kong, also gathered on the red carpet.

But the red carpet is not the most lively part. When you come to the reception room, away from the cameras of reporters, that’s when it gets really lively.

The male stars are fine, but the female stars look like they are really in a fight.

The four little beauties may not have enough skills. Although they may be trying their best to conceal their expressions, their emotions can still be seen on their faces.

Except for Liu Yifei who was relatively aloof, the other three seemed to be having trouble getting along, but Liu Yifei was just sitting there alone.

The best looking group was the Four Dans and Two Bings. Everyone was talking and laughing, but the atmosphere around them was frighteningly low.

Among them, Mr. Zhou and Li Bingbing were fighting over the position of the top female star in Huayi.

Zhou Gongzi and Zhang Ziyi are competing for the top spot among the four major actresses, and with the media's instigation, they are also secretly confronting each other.

As for Boss Zhao, he was the most popular in the beginning, but now his popularity has declined because of his own behavior. However, he is not an easy person to deal with, and he did not show any weakness when facing several people.

The only one who was really smiling happily might be Fan Xiaopang. Now she is no less famous, influential or commercially valuable than anyone else.

You have to know that when attending public events in the past, Fan Xiaopang was always a head shorter than the people in front of her. People like Boss Zhao and Zhang Ziyi looked down on her.

But now, with the support of Golden Harvest, Fan Xiaopang is doing very well, and judging from the future, he is still the best one.

Although it was very lively, Liu Zhou took a look and then looked away.

Every time they are in public, where reporters can’t take pictures, aren’t the female stars always very lively with each other?
It is not uncommon for them to get angry and start quarreling on the spot.

Liu Zhou had already gotten rid of vulgar tastes and was no longer interested in these excitements.

"Mr. Liu, I heard that you and Mr. Han are preparing another big project?" Zhang Weiping asked with a smile.

"Mr. Zhang, who told you this?"

"There are no secrets in this circle, right?"

"That's right!" Liu Zhou nodded in acknowledgement.

As Zhang Weiping said, there are almost no secrets in the circle. Liu Zhou and Han Shanping kept the project of "The Martian" quite secretive before it was finally finalized.

But the two of them were busy some time ago, which must have caught the attention of some people.

Now that the project has been officially finalized and will soon be reported for approval, it will be completely spread within the circle by then. There is no need to keep it secret at all.

"You and President Han seem to be acting mysterious this time. What big project are you working on?"

In fact, not only Zhang Weiping was curious, but many people in the circle were also curious.

In addition to Zhang Weiping, the Wang brothers, Yu Dong, Wang Changtian, Jiang Wen, Feng Kuzi, Chen Shishi, and some of the surrounding actors all wanted to know what Liu Zhou's new film was.

Although they did not look in Liu Zhou's direction, the sound of their conversation became quieter at the same time, and they pricked up their ears to listen to Liu Zhou's answer.

"It's a space science fiction movie, The Martian. The project preparations will begin in two days."

"Space science fiction?"

Zhang Weiping couldn't help but shout out in surprise.

"Yes, it's space science fiction."

Liu Zhou's voice was clearly heard by the people around him. Not only Zhang Weiping, but other company bosses, directors, and actors were all shocked.

Sci-fi movies?

Can it be filmed in China?
These people may know more about the domestic film industry than Liu Zhou.

Science fiction has always been a popular theme.

Foreign science fiction films and domestic science fiction novels have a wide audience in the mainland.

Almost all male audiences between teenagers and those in their thirties and forties have a science fiction dream.

Everybody knows this, but nobody has captured it.

Older people can raise funds, but they don’t have the thinking ability and don’t understand.

Young directors and screenwriters do have the idea, but they have no money or connections.

As for the boss of the film and television company, he has no such idea.

Therefore, almost no one in the mainland mentions science fiction movies anymore.

There have been some science fiction films in mainland China before, but like "Source Code", they were all basically about some concepts.

But for space science fiction films, and titles like "The Martian", there is no doubt that they are set in space, and they cannot be filmed well based on science fiction concepts.

Is that really a hardcore science fiction blockbuster with big scenes?

If it were anyone else, they would definitely disagree, but for Liu Zhou, no one would not believe it!
Because Liu Zhou not only has no shortage of money, but also has experience in shooting hardcore science fiction movies, which fully meets all the conditions.

"Boss Han, is this a real science fiction movie?"

Yu Dongxian couldn't help but ask Han Shanping, and everyone looked at Han Shanping. Feeling those shocked eyes, Han Shanping was very satisfied with everyone's reaction.

This is the treatment that a blockbuster movie should have!

These professionals reacted in this way, not to mention ordinary audiences.

A serious science fiction blockbuster will definitely be a sensation when it is released, and it will be worth it for him to run around like a grandson during the recent period.

"You will know when the time comes." Han Shanping said with a smile, keeping it a secret.

But when everyone saw Han Shanping like this, how could they not know that this was true.

Now, everyone looked at Liu Zhou with not only shock but also a hint of admiration.

I didn’t expect Liu Zhouzhen to have the guts to make a science fiction blockbuster in China.

“Is The Martian a story that takes place on Mars? Can China’s special effects technology make a good science fiction movie?”

After being shocked, Zhang Weiping couldn't help but become curious about more information related to the movie.

"I won't talk about the specific content of the movie for now. And Mr. Zhang, don't underestimate the level of special effects technology in China, and don't think that science fiction movies are too difficult."

"Mr. Liu, how much is the investment for this project? Is there any chance for New Picture to participate?" Zhang Weiping asked seriously.

If someone else had said they wanted to make a science fiction blockbuster, Zhang Weiping would have ignored him, but as for Liu Zhou, just like Han Shanping, he also had great confidence in Liu Zhou.

Although I dare not say that this is a project that is sure to make money, there is a high probability that it can make money, and not only make money, but also gain fame.

So if there is an opportunity, Zhang Weiping would certainly like to get involved, and he directly expressed his desire to invest in public.

"The investment is tentatively set at 20 million US dollars, but we at Golden Harvest have already signed an investment agreement with China Film Group."

After hearing Liu Zhou's words, not only Zhang Weiping, but also the Wang brothers, Yu Dong, Wang Changtian and others showed disappointment.

"What a pity! You guys did such a good job of keeping it a secret that no news of it leaked out before."

“Haha, there’s nothing we can do. The movie ‘The Martian’ needs to be communicated with other relevant departments, so before the project is officially finalized, we can’t just go around making noises.

If the project doesn’t pass, won’t we be slapped in the face in the end?”

"With Mr. Liu and Mr. Han coming forward, there is no reason why the project will not be successful."

"Mr. Zhang, please stop praising me too much. By the way, how is the preparation for Director Zhang's Curse of the Golden Flower going?"

"It has been confirmed that the premiere will be on September 25th, and the promotion will be fully launched in two days. You have also invested in this movie, so you must attend the premiere."

"No problem. I'll be there for both business and personal reasons."

"OK!"

Soon after, the two stopped talking as the Huabiao Awards ceremony was about to begin.

At this time, the news that Liu Zhou was going to shoot a science fiction blockbuster had spread throughout the venue.

Others, like Zhang Weiping, Yu Dong and others, were also shocked at first, but then their eyes turned toward Liu Zhou with enthusiasm again.

They don't care much about investment or anything like that, they care more about the role.

As the first domestically produced science fiction blockbuster, it will surely attract much attention.

If you can play a role in it, no matter how big or small, you will definitely get a lot of exposure.

Among them, the Four Dans and Two Bings are even more ambitious. They are aiming for the role of the heroine. If the award ceremony had not already begun, they would have gone to Liu Zhou to have a discussion.

Therefore, several popular mainland actresses didn't pay much attention to the award ceremony and glanced at Liu Zhou from time to time.

I was thinking about how I could play or even star in Liu Zhou's sci-fi blockbuster.

As for whether the movie will flop?
They are not worried at all, as the Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster "Edge of Tomorrow" directed by him has just been released with a box office of 2.76 million.

Perhaps among these people, only Fan Xiaopang is the calmest.

As an artist of Golden Harvest, and a leading artist at that, Fan Xiaopang had known the news for a long time. She even read the script of "The Martian" after Golden Harvest and China Film signed the investment contract.

Originally, she was also very much looking forward to acting in the film, but later she found out that the film was almost entirely a one-man show for the male lead, and the female characters had almost no role.

This made her a little disappointed, but she had already adjusted her mentality in the past few days. Looking at Zhang Ziyi and others who were full of expectations and eager to try, Fan Xiaopang felt very happy.

When they find out that there is no role suitable for them in "The Martian" at all, the expressions on their faces will definitely be interesting.

Thinking of this, Fan Xiaopang's mouth curled up slightly, and then he turned his attention to the stage, where the last few awards had already been presented.

The Outstanding Screenplay Award was given to three films, namely "The Clouds and Water", "On Taihang Mountain" and "My Long March".

Then the Outstanding Actress award was presented to Li Bingbing from "The Legend of Mi Yue" and Ding Jiali from "The Alley".

As for the outstanding male actors, there were three winners: Fu Dalong in "Tengu", Chen Kun in "Yun Shui Yao" and Liu Zhou in "Red Cliff".

That’s right, Liu Zhou actually won the Huabiao Best Actor Award.

When Liu Zhou heard his name, he was still a little confused.

He never thought that his casual play could actually win him the Best Actor Award. Even though it was only the Huabiao Award, and one of the three yolk eggs, but after all, isn't he still a Best Actor?

No matter what, this was also recognition of himself by the organizing committee. After being surprised, Liu Zhou went on stage with Fu Dalong and Chen Kun with a smile on his face.

Liu Zhou did not prepare any acceptance speech and could only express his gratitude in a very formal manner, but he received the warmest applause from the audience.

Returning to the stage and looking at the trophy in his hand, he thought this might be his only Best Actor trophy, and it was quite memorable.

Afterwards, the Outstanding Director Award was presented to Yin Li for "The Legend of Zu" and Gao Qunshu for "Tokyo Trial".

Finally, there were ten films winning the Outstanding Feature Film Award.

Watching the award presenter reading out the list of winners, Liu Zhou's mouth twitched involuntarily. Perhaps only the Huabiao Awards has this feature.

The reason why the Huabiao Award is not as influential as the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards is not because it is a government award.

Although the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards also have various problems and often divide the cake, at least they don't do wholesale like the Huabiao Awards.

That means the founding organization behind the Huabiao Award is really awesome, otherwise not many people would be willing to come.

After the Huabiao Awards ended, there were not many related reports. The popularity of this award is far less than that of the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards.

The most talked-about news was that Liu Zhou won the Huabiao Best Actor Award.

However, compared to the news about the Huabiao Awards, the media that heard the news were more interested in the news that Liu Zhou was going to shoot a science fiction blockbuster.

The media reporters wanted to interview Liu Zhou, but they couldn't get to him at all, so they could only block him in front of Golden Harvest and China Film Corporation.

As the news spread more and more widely, Liu Zhou became annoyed by the reporters blocking his door every day, so after discussing with Han Shanping, he decided to hold a press conference to officially announce the news.

(End of this chapter)