FreeNovelChapter 164
Natalie had already agreed with the director that she wouldn't partake in the red carpet frenzy or the interview
circuit, opting to head straight to the makeup room to slip into her evening gown and enter the venue instead.
When she arrived, the film festival's opening act was underway, and the auditorium was
shrouded in darkness.
After a little struggle. Natalie managed to locate where the direct
and the leading actor sat. The director passed her a note and whispered, “Before the show began, I've chatted
with the organizers. They gavea heads-up that, thanks to you, we've snagged the ‘Rising Star’ award,”
Natalie's eyebrows lifted slightly. Though expected, it was nonetheless a pleasant surprise.
The director continued. “They said you're the most outstanding young talent in recent years. The judges based
their decision on your exceptional performance, so much so that you outshone Cory, hence the extraordinary
award.”
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Natalie had heard more than once from her mentors that she was bright and gifted, always the standout in
whatever she undertook. But at twenty-two, t being recognized as a leading actress and sharing in the film's
accolades felt somewhat surreal, which was like a dream.
She watched the award ceremony unfold quietly, listening as the presenter recited the list of nominees for Best
Actress.
The leading actor, Cory, sitting beside her, suddenly spoke up, “Natalie, If you weren't so young and our film
wasn't so niche, the Best Actress trophy could have been yours tonight.”
Natalie turned to Cory with a smile and humbly replied, “How could that be? We're only here because of your
fame.”
As she spoke, she caught sight of two familiar figures rising from their seats behind her.
Clad in her finest, Gracia stood up, preparing to ascend the stage. Meanwhile, Brian was heading backstage with
brisk steps.
“The Best Actress is Gracia Wright,” announced the presenter, revealing the final verdict.
“Do all the beauties from your homeland look alike?” Cory turned and glanced at Gracia, unable to resist asking,
“Though you are a bit more ravishing.”
Natalie stared at Gracia and Brian's retreating figure at the backstage entrance, her mind struggling to catch up.
Who would have thought she’d encounter Brian and Gracia there? And Gracia was known more for her television
work than her films. How had she cto attend the film festival, let alone win Best Actress?
Natalie paused, pulled out her phone, and revisited the news article she hadn't finished earlier.
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Chapter 164
She read it thoroughly and discovered that Gracia had starred in a domestic film last year, a portmanteau movie
divided into five segments, each segment featuring a different lead.
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But of the cast, only Gracia and another male actor had cto the festival.
Whispers began to circulate among the crowd, questioning the legitimacy of the Best Actress award and the
possibility of behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
“Why did she get Best Actress when the film had five leads?”
“Yeah, the movie was quite innovative, but from the trailer, her performance didn’t strikeas the best.”
“On what grounds did the judges make their decision?”
Surrounded by murmurs of doubt and amidst the applause, Natalie could hear the skepticism directed at Gracia.
She watched Gracia on stage without a word. The Howard family’s blatant favoritism toward Gracia was no
secret to anyone.
As Gracia accepted her award and stepped down, she heard the quiet questioning from the audience, too. Her
face remained expressionless as she scanned the crowd. She was indifferent to their doubts. Claiming the prize
was a feat in itself.
And in her mind, her acting skills were unassailable. She was worth it, and there was no question about it.
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