Dreams of Stardom (Hollywood SI)

As I walked down the red carpet, the flashes from different cameras almost blinded me. I was wearing a white coat over a black shirt, black pants, and a black tie with a white checkered pattern on it. The only piece of a different color was my pocket square, which was maroon. Overall, I loved my getup because it was a little unique from what everyone else was wearing. Just as at Cannes, I had received sponsorship from many luxury brands but had settled on Gucci this time. My hair was spiked up perfectly, keeping my look stylish enough for a kid.

A grin was etched on my face as I made my way through reporters when one woman thrust a mic in my direction, “Troy! What do you think of your chances to win tonight?”

“Very slim,” I answered bluntly.

“But [Billy Elliot] is the most nominated film tonight!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, and we are extremely lucky to have that honor,” I bowed my head a little. “But I stand no chance in front of Tom Hanks. The man gave his life’s best performance in [Cast Away]. It would be a travesty if he doesn’t win tonight.”

That was my honest opinion. Tom Hanks in [Cast Away] was so much better than Russell Crowe in [Gladiator] that it was painful to know that Hanks would not win his third Best Actor Oscar this year. The man single-handedly carried the film, stranded on an island, and not for a single moment did it feel boring. He underwent a massive body transformation as well. It’s just that the odds were stacked against him because of his two back-to-back Oscar wins in ‘93 and ‘94.

“Do you feel sad that [Harry Potter] was not nominated tonight despite earning so well?” another reporter asked, trying to stir up some controversy.

“[Harry Potter] doesn’t need awards,” I said confidently. “It has received the best award possible already: people’s love. What more could we want? An indie film like [Billy Elliot], on the other hand, is made on a very small budget. Our marketing efforts are also very limited compared to [Harry Potter], so award recognitions like tonight’s come a long way to help us promote our film. To people at home, if you are seeing this, go watch my film [Billy Elliot]. I guarantee that you’ll love it.”

The reporters around me started chuckling at my shameless plug-in between the interviews. Then again, I was a kid, so they couldn’t expect too much from me.

“I think that is enough of your interview, Troy,” Dad called out from behind me. “Shall we go on in?”

“Steve!” Someone presented a mic to Dad, who looked surprised at being recognized. “Do you think you will win the award tonight?”

“I don’t know,” Dad regained his composure before saying smoothly. “I hope so. Who doesn’t like winning?” He didn’t wait for a follow-up question, rather placed a hand on my back and guided me inside.

“You need to learn when to cut them loose,” he chided me when we were away from the cameras and mics. “You indulge them too much.”

“I was promoting my film,” I defended myself. “I have a stake in it after all.”

Dad laughed at that. “How can I forget that? I’ll have to commend you on this, your business senses are too sharp. The reason I agreed with your outrageous request of making two simultaneous musicals in London and New York is because you saw something in [Harry Potter] and [Billy Elliot] that none of us could. So even if it is highly likely you will make a loss, I am willing to bet on your vision because we as a family have earned much more from the first [Harry Potter] film than you could lose in this musical.”

That was true. Dad’s earnings from the film had exceeded $100 million. And that was excluding the home sales, TV broadcast rights, and merchandise profits, which he would receive for eternity. Not to mention streaming platform fees later on. That one purchase of £125,000 back in 1997 was probably the best investment ever made by anyone, as it would easily make our family a billion before the decade was over. And it was all thanks to me and my insightful knowledge.

Without wasting much time, we took our seats in the Beverly Hilton Hotel’s main party hall. I noticed that this time our seats were much better than the last time when we were chucked into the TV section at the very end. The film section was upfront, to begin with, and even then, the table we were assigned was in the front and center.

“This seems like they are pandering to us,” Mum noted idly as she rejoined us at our table.

She didn’t like getting clicked on the red carpet, so she usually took the side entrance to the hotel when Dad was there to take care of me. Some of the non-celebs take that entrance to avoid the media frenzy. Then again, not many, because Los Angeles is the breeding ground of narcissists. People here are so vain, they would do anything for fame. Since they already have more than enough money to do whatever they want with it.

I saw that change firsthand from my first Golden Globes two years ago to now. At that time, nobody paid me any mind, but now, everyone wants my attention.

More of the A-listers have shaken my hand than I can recall: Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Mel Gibson, Sandra Bullock, Renee Zellweger, Julia Roberts, and so many more. Then there were also countless ‘extras,’ as I like to call them. People who weren’t exactly well-known or celebrities themselves but wanted to be seen cozying up to them, like CEOs of up-and-coming companies or people with old family money who could fly in their private jets to LA specifically to attend this show.

Now that I think about it, we can afford a private jet of our own now. Something to think about later.

The award ceremony began, and as expected, it was as boring as ever. Although it was nice to know who won for which film or TV show, in the end, it was inconsequential. [The West Wing] and [Sex and the City] were major winners in the TV department, bagging the top awards, while in the movies, it was more evenly spread out with awards going to [Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon], [O Brother, Where Art Thou?], [Traffic], [Gladiator], and [Almost Famous]. It was a big letdown that [Billy Elliot] had lost in four of the six categories it had been nominated for.

And then came the category I was nominated in. Hilary Swank, last year’s Best Actress winner, came on stage.

“I’m here to present the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Drama,” she read off of a teleprompter. “Here are the nominees: Tom Hanks: [Cast Away]; Javier Bardem: [Before Night Falls]; Russell Crowe: [Gladiator]; Troy Armitage: [Billy Elliot]; Geoffrey Rush: [Quills].”

When my name was called, the camera zoomed onto my face, to which I waved enthusiastically.

“And the award goes to,” Hilary Swank opened the envelope in her hands and looked straight into the crowd. “Troy Armitage, [Billy Elliot].”

“What!?” I exclaimed in shock. This was not supposed to happen. Why would the Golden Globes give an award like that to me when Tom Hanks, the more deserving actor, was sitting right there?

Before I could be any more shocked at my selection, Dad and Mom hugged me, bringing me out of my stupor, which made me realize that this was a televised ceremony. Not to mention, it’s live. So I forced a huge grin on my face as I ran up the stage a few moments later, where Hilary Swank hugged me and handed me the Golden Globe trophy.

“I was not expecting this at all,” I began my speech. “This is like a last-minute pop quiz your teacher springs on you.” The crowd laughed at my joke. “Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. I don’t know who you people are, but every winner seems to thank you, so you must be someone important.” More laughter. “Having said that, I don’t think I was the Best Actor of this lot. Mr. Hanks, Mr. Bardem, Mr. Crowe, and Mr. Rush, all of you were far superior to me, and maybe someday I can be good enough to actually deserve this award.” While I could end it at this point, I wanted to promote my film as well, so I spoke more. “[Billy Elliot] is a film we made because we want to tell people that it is okay to have dreams that are different from the norm, and all it takes is a little acceptance from your family to have a big happy ending. Thank you.”

I didn’t want to bore everyone by spouting a list of names, so I kept the speech short. Moreover, I didn’t prepare anything because I was not expecting this award at all.

The rest of the circus was as usual; I was paraded around for the media to ask questions, a time I used to generously promote [Billy Elliot]. I was backstage when they announced the big winners of the night: [Gladiator] for Drama, and [Almost Famous] for Musical/Comedy.

And just like that, the night was over. After winning an Oscar of all things, the prestige of these other awards just fades away. As was usual with these award shows, I, along with my parents, were invited to a bunch of parties, but we avoided them in favor of going home to rest. Or more like Mum and I went home, and Dad went to a few parties for socializing. It was something he couldn’t ignore being the producer of [Harry Potter], and a nominee for the night as well.

To be honest, I was happy at being excluded from the parties. For a kid, they are very boring. Everyone is there to drink, fuck, make connections, or all three of them. I couldn’t do the first two, and the third one was a little difficult when people treat you as a kid. So I’d rather have my beauty sleep, and then have a few interview sessions over the next few days to promote [Billy Elliot] before getting the fuck out of America. I have to attend an early morning news session as well, so it is better to get rest as soon as possible.

(Break)

Benji was watching TV and was more than happy to know that his favorite actor, Troy Armitage, had just won a big award like the Golden Globes. He hadn’t seen the film [Billy Elliot], but hearing Troy’s speech about acceptance and dreams had Benji intrigued.

So the next morning, he went to his parents and asked earnestly, “I want to go see [Billy Elliot].”

“Who’s that?” His dad lowered his newspaper and asked in confusion. “A friend of yours?”

“No, Dad,” Benji groaned. “It’s a movie. It has Troy Armitage in it. He’s Harry Potter.”

“Oh,” Dad made a noise of understanding. “That boy. Yeah, he was good in [The Sixth Sense]. Okay, let me see.” Dad turned the pages of the newspaper rapidly before coming to the review section. “Oh yeah, here it is. Four stars? They say that this film is very good.”

“Yes,” Benji agreed. “He just won a Golden Globe yesterday for it. I want to see it.”

His father continued reading through the review section until he reached the last line, which gave the film a rating of ‘R’. He turned to Benji with an apologetic look, “Sorry, son, it is rated R. Not for kids.”

Benji frowned and wanted to argue badly when his mom finally spoke up, “Is this the boy you are talking about?” She was pointing towards the TV, which was on mute.

On the news were a couple of morning news anchors talking with Troy Armitage. Immediately, Benji perked up and nodded, “Yes. Please turn up the volume, Mom.”

Which she did.

“Congratulations on the Golden Globe win, Troy,” the female reporter was saying.

“Thank you, Susan,” Troy smiled back.

“How does it feel to achieve so much at your age?” the male anchor asked. “When I was 12, I didn’t even know the relevance of awards, but not only do you have two Golden Globes, you also have an Oscar, an Emmy, and a BAFTA. What’s next on your list?”

Troy chuckled, “That’s kind of you, Liam. But we don’t make films for awards. At least I don’t. For that matter, I was pretty sure Tom Hanks was gonna win.”

“Let’s agree to disagree,” Susan argued. “I saw [Billy Elliot] just yesterday, and it was the best film of the year that I have watched. I couldn’t stop sobbing by the end of it. It’s that good. Especially your performance. It's a masterclass of acting.”

“Thank you, Susan,” Troy kept a hand on his chest. “It means a lot.”

“I haven’t seen the film yet,” Liam said. “But I plan to. I have heard that it is a very British film. Do you think it will be suitable for American tastes?”

“Well, Susan, aren't you American?” Troy grinned at the female reporter, who laughed at his quip. Troy continued, “It is a human film. If you are a human who has ever had a dream that you couldn’t fulfill, then this film is for you. In fact, I’m a little mad at your MPAA for giving this film an R-rating.”

“Come on,” Susan argued. “It has a lot of curse words.”

“Yes,” Troy agreed. “But most kids hear those ‘curse words’ at home or in their school. Tell me you heard your first f-word after you turned 17, and I’ll take back my statement.”

Susan couldn’t argue with that, so she asked, “What would you suggest to our viewers who are parents as well?”

Troy turned directly to the camera, as if addressing Benji and his family directly, “Ask your kids what the f-word is. If they are old enough to know the word, they are old enough to watch this film. We didn’t include it in the movie because of the shock factor, but this is how the miners, whom this film is based on, speak. I guarantee you, you will love this film if you like the underdog story.”

“Like [Rocky]?” Liam asked.

“Yes, exactly like [Rocky],” Troy grinned. “But there is no punching here, just a lot of dancing.”

“Can’t wait to see it,” Liam said before turning to the camera. “Troy Armitage everyone. [Billy Elliot] is in a cinema near you.”

The show then cut to a commercial.

Benji turned to his dad and before anyone could say anything, Benji shouted, “Fuck! That’s what the f-word is.”

He was expecting some sort of rebuke from his parents, but he didn’t expect them to burst out in laughter.

“Oh my God!” His mother doubled over in laughter. “That was so funny.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Benji crossed his arms over his chest and pouted. “So can we go see the film?”

“Alright son,” his father finally agreed with his request. “Since you seem to know the word, we’ll take you. But if we hear you repeat that word to anyone, you’ll be grounded for life.”

“I promise, I won't,” Benji said, looking innocent.

Dad nodded in satisfaction, “Alright then, get ready.”

Seeing as it was Saturday, and his parents were also free from their work, the family of three went over to their nearest movie theater, only to see a line forming outside. It wasn’t a very long one but definitely would take some time for their turn at the counter. From hearing the people around them talk, most of them were there for [Billy Elliot].

Thankfully, they weren’t sold out by the time their number came, and Benji’s dad got them three tickets. They bought a big tub of popcorn and soda and went inside the hall.

As soon as the movie started playing, Benji was entranced. The dancing in the film was so cool that even he wanted to learn ballet. Just before the climax, when Billy announces to his family that he got into the ballet school, Benji whooped with delight, along with most of the viewers in the hall. That was the best feeling he had had in a movie theater. Even better than [Harry Potter].

He looked at his mother on the right, who was crying at the scene. His dad wasn’t faring any better. He didn’t get the crying part, but at least Benji was satisfied that his parents liked the film as well.

“That was a very good film,” Mom commented when it had ended and they exited the theater. “I want to see it again.”

“Yeah, me too,” Dad agreed.

“It’s a shame that you wouldn’t have even let me come if Troy hadn’t given that interview this morning,” Benji retorted.

“Come on son,” Dad patted his back lightly. “At least be happy that you watched your first R-rated film with us and not in some sleazy theater.”

“Don’t give him ideas,” Mom chided before turning to her son. “If you want to watch any more of this type of film, you will tell me and I’ll decide, okay?”

Before Benji could reply to that, a man with a microphone and a camera guy behind him came up to them, “Hello. Care to share which film you guys watched just now?”

“[Billy Elliot]!” Benji said excitedly. “It was so good! Tell them, Dad.”

“Yes,” Dad cleared his throat. “It is a very good family film.”

“Would you recommend it to your friends and family?” the reporter asked.

“Oh definitely,” Mom spoke up this time. “I’m telling all my friends to watch this film with their families. It’s a must-watch.”

“Thank you for your time,” the man smiled at the family before moving to the next people coming out of the theater.

_______________

AN: I know how it looks. No, Troy is not winning every award out there all the time. I included this win only for promotion of Billy Elliot, and I hope I made it apparent with a fan's POV.