Arthur Smith's Hollywood Odyssey

At the end of February, with the announcement of the Oscar nominations, the atmosphere in Hollywood had become even more heated.

Every day, there were receptions, parties, and movie promotions!

Winona Ryder, who had just finished shooting Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, returned to attend the Independent Spirit Awards. At that time, Hollywood had not yet established critic's choice awards, Screen Actors Guild awards, and other Oscar indicators.

As a ceremony for independent filmmakers in Hollywood, the Independent Spirit Awards was a grand event for independent films apart from the seven major studios!

At the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, Arthur accompanied Winona Ryder to the Independent Spirit Awards. Compared to the Golden Globes and the Oscars, the star power at the Independent Spirit Awards was much dimmer.

After all, Hollywood at that time did not pay much attention to independent films. It would take another two or three years, especially with the advent of DVDs, before the importance of independent films rose sharply.

Winona Ryder was nominated for Best Actress for Heathers. She wore a low-cut black gown, looking exceptionally beautiful.

"On one side is the Pacific Ocean night view, and on the other side are Hollywood's beautiful people," Arthur smiled and turned to Winona, saying, "Go ahead, you're nominated. Interviews and photos are all waiting for you. I'll go inside and rest for a while. After all, no reporters want to interview a nobody like me!"

Of course, Winona Ryder at that time was just someone with a bit of fame and did not have much media attention.

After all, Edward Scissorhands had not been released yet, and Winona Ryder's boyfriend was not yet the idol Johnny Depp made famous by 21 Jump Street.

"Okay, I'll come find you soon," Winona Ryder nodded. Arthur then helped her take off the black coat draped over her shoulders.

"Do I look beautiful, Arthur?" Winona Ryder asked after kissing Arthur.

Arthur nodded, "Tonight, no woman here can compare to you!"

After Winona Ryder went for the photos, Arthur took her coat and went out to the terrace to admire the view of the Pacific Ocean.

"Isn't it beautiful here?" A sudden voice startled Arthur.

He turned around to see a tall, fair-skinned Nicole Kidman. "It's you, Nicole. You're also attending the Independent Spirit Awards?"

"The Australian film I starred in last year, Dead Calm, was also released in the U.S.," Nicole Kidman smiled. "Arthur, I'm not exactly a newcomer. I've done several films in Australia since my first appearance in 1983. I've been involved in a project every year since then!"

Arthur glanced at Nicole, "You specifically mentioned Dead Calm. Is it what brought you to Hollywood?"

Nicole Kidman nodded, "What foreign actor doesn't want to come to Hollywood?"

"Yeah, who doesn't want to come to Hollywood?" Arthur nodded as well, "However, many people don't get the chance to blend into Hollywood. Luckily, you're not one of those people; you've got what it takes. Congratulations!"

Tom Cruise had divorced, and Nicole Kidman might soon become official.

"It should be this summer, right?" Arthur asked casually.

"Arthur, what do you..." Nicole Kidman was momentarily confused but quickly understood Arthur's meaning.

It seemed they had encountered each other once before at Craig's in West Hollywood, where Tom Cruise was also present.

"Arthur, you're overthinking it. Tom Cruise and I are just co-stars," Nicole Kidman said calmly. Although she had gotten together with Tom Cruise before his divorce, they couldn't publicly acknowledge their relationship.

"With Days of Thunder releasing this summer, Tom Cruise will be in love with the Australian tall beauty in the movie," Arthur quickly figured out the key. "It will at least make the promotion of Days of Thunder more heated, right?"

Arthur smiled, "Nicole, maybe the next time I see you, you'll be Mrs. Cruise!"

Nicole Kidman looked at Arthur in surprise, "Arthur, you're very smart. But I thought we were friends, after all, you were the first man I met when I came to Hollywood. Tom just got divorced. Some information can't be published."

Arthur rolled his eyes and shook his head, "Do you think I would say these things to the media just to gain attention? Also, what do you mean by 'the first man I met'? That can be easily misunderstood. We met during an audition at Paramount. I'm a small fry now; I wouldn't dare offend Tom Cruise. Maybe I'll need your help to know him better in the future!"

Considering they had only met at the restaurant once, how could someone with Tom Cruise's popularity remember Arthur?

Nicole Kidman seemed to relax a bit after hearing this. She was indeed worried that Arthur Smith might use Tom Cruise to gain publicity.

After all, she didn't know anyone when she first came to Hollywood and happened to meet Arthur Smith during an audition, and later encountered him while dating Tom Cruise.

Regardless, Tom Cruise was now a national idol, and it would not look good if news of him dating other women while he was still married got out.

Nicole Kidman thought for a moment, "Do you want me to introduce you to Tom Cruise or help you seize some opportunities?"

Arthur smiled, "Seems like I still need to get used to Hollywood. The entertainment industry does require relentless effort to climb up!"

Arthur knew Nicole Kidman was still worried he might talk indiscreetly. But with Tom Cruise's current status, who would believe a nobody like Arthur?

Besides, would Arthur risk angering Tom Cruise, who was at the peak of his career?

Arthur put Winona Ryder's coat on his shoulder, "Don't worry, Nicole. I know you're smart, and I'm also a smart person. Even if you become Mrs. Cruise, you won't be able to help me much. In Hollywood, you get what you pay for."

Arthur looked at Nicole Kidman, "You should understand what I mean. A Hollywood megastar marrying a new Australian actress. In the future, there will only be Mrs. Cruise and not Nicole Kidman. The Hollywood press can be quite harsh!"

Nicole Kidman was well aware of what she would gain and lose by marrying Tom Cruise. What she wanted now was fame.

Nicole Kidman shook her head, "Tonight, you're not being a gentleman, Arthur. Hollywood is ruthless, and I was just lucky to find a sturdy tree to lean on!"

"So, I'm blessing you," Arthur said with a smile.

Nicole Kidman nodded, "I'm grateful you're telling me the truth. At least you don't seem jealous. Why should one of the two newcomers who auditioned for Days of Thunder get the lead role and meet a Hollywood star while the other failed the audition?"

Arthur didn't comment, "If it were another Arthur Smith, he might be jealous of you."

Nicole Kidman smiled, "Is that your girlfriend's coat?" she pointed to the black coat on Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur nodded, "She's nominated for Best Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards!"

"That's great," Nicole Kidman smiled and looked at Arthur, "But I think you're a flirtatious and charming man."

"Nice guys finish last, especially with beautiful women," Arthur winked.

"How about I invite you two to dinner later?" Nicole Kidman offered.

"Sure, that sounds great!"

Nicole Kidman nodded, "I hope that in the future, your friend will always be Nicole Kidman and not just Mrs. Cruise. Otherwise, I worry nobody will even remember my name..."

*****

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