novelburst
Chapter 468
Chapter 468
Chapter 468: Encroachment (4)
Translator: NovelBin
As the anticipation around the Oscars intensified, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) began the formal process for the highly coveted awards. With the official list of eligible entries distributed to the Academy’s thousands of members worldwide, the countdown to Hollywood’s biggest night was underway. This year, the focus was especially on *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, produced by Columbia Studios and headlined by Kang Woo-jin.
Despite *Piero* being one of the most talked-about entries, the industry was buzzing with caution about whether Woo-jin’s groundbreaking performance would withstand the competition. The year had been packed with heavyweights—veteran actors, acclaimed directors, and Hollywood’s top-tier talents. Conversations swirled in studios and on film sets alike:
"This year’s Oscar contenders have some serious clout. It’s not just about popularity but about timeless performances. Will they recognize a rising star like Woo-jin?”
“Right, *Piero* is groundbreaking, but it’s going up against some iconic Hollywood names.”
As for Woo-jin, he stayed outwardly stoic, though the Academy’s official entry of *Piero* into consideration for the Oscars sparked his nerves. Internally, he felt a tinge of pride and excitement, knowing his work was under review by some of the most respected critics in the world.
That same day, Woo-jin attended a significant meeting at Columbia Studios, where the studio executives, Director Ahn Ga-bok, key cast members, and producers gathered to discuss their recent success. Nora Foster, the film’s producer, expressed her satisfaction with the early release:
"Given the response so far, I’d say our early release of *Piero* has been a complete success," she said, showing the positive reviews that flooded in from fans and critics alike.
With the Oscars on the horizon, Columbia Studios aimed to build on the current momentum. Turning to Woo-jin, one executive couldn’t help but ask, "Kang Woo-jin, you seem unusually focused. Worried about how the Academy might rate your performance?"
Woo-jin, keeping up his usual calm facade, replied coolly, “Not at all. I’m just taking it all in.”
“Well, with the impact you’ve had, I’d say you have nothing to worry about,” the executive responded with a chuckle, admiring Woo-jin’s composure. “You managed to win over the critics who came to criticize you. That’s no small feat.”
The meeting concluded with Nora Foster confirming that *Piero* would have its worldwide release starting May 30, with Korea set for May 31.
By February 24, the early screenings concluded, leaving behind an unprecedented wave of popularity for *Piero* and Woo-jin’s portrayal of Joker, both in Hollywood and across social media globally.
On February 26, Woo-jin arrived at a grand hall in a luxury hotel in Los Angeles, dressed in a sharp navy blazer and black coat. This was the much-awaited cast introduction event for *Beauty and the Beast*, organized by World Disney Pictures. Director Bill Roettner and lead actress Miley Cara were seated beside Woo-jin as they fielded questions from an audience packed with over 200 international journalists.
"To remain true to the spirit of the original, we adapted *Beauty and the Beast* with a careful balance of tradition and modernity,” Director Roettner explained.
When it came Woo-jin’s turn to speak, he kept his comments brief, mentioning the challenges of filming in the Beast’s costume. However, the atmosphere shifted the moment journalists were allowed to ask questions directly. Practically all 200 reporters raised their hands, several standing in excitement.
Woo-jin selected a male journalist from the middle row, who didn’t hesitate to bring up the rumors swirling around Woo-jin and Miley’s off-screen relationship.
“Kang Woo-jin! Are the Beast and Belle’s love confined to the film, or is there more to it in reality? Your relationship with Miley remains unclear—can you confirm if you’re actually dating?”
Woo-jin turned toward Miley, catching her gaze for a brief moment. With the hall in tense silence, Woo-jin answered calmly, “No, we’re dating.”
Miley’s blue eyes widened in surprise as the room erupted with camera flashes and murmurs.