Episode 472 Announcement (2)



On April 1st, Kang Woo-jin was on the vast set. The set complex inside Hollywood's Universal Movies was as formidable in scale as expected from one of the Big Five studios.

Indeed, the phrase "super-large film company" naturally came to mind.

The John Persona production team was currently using a massive set that realistically recreated the city centers of various countries—Vietnam, Russia, Spain, and more. Since the film's storyline included multiple international locations, the set needed to reflect that. Of course, actual location shoots were scheduled for the latter half of the film, but for now, most of the scenes were being shot on Hollywood sets.

At this moment, Kang Woo-jin was on a set designed to replicate a major Russian city.

'Wow, sir, that action scene was intense.'

The scene just filmed had been physically demanding, so a swarm of makeup artists surrounded Woo-jin, touching up his appearance. As this was happening—

"Eat first, then keep going!!"

Donuts and coffee were handed out as snacks to the crew, which included a large number of international staff members. The entire team eagerly chewed on their donuts, clearly hungry from the long hours of filming.

Kang Woo-jin, however, didn't feel particularly hungry.

'Why don't I just drink coffee?'

He quietly drank his coffee with a serious poker face. It wasn't an intentional act—rather, the strong demeanor he had maintained for years was simply manifesting itself subconsciously. As a result, the foreign staff, who were enjoying their donuts and coffee and seeing Kang Woo-jin for the first time through this project, were busy whispering about him.

"Isn't it amazing? Woo-jin has been doing that intense action over and over again, and I've never seen him out of breath."

"That's right. It's still early in filming, but there are already so many action scenes, and the intensity is high—yet he looks completely fine, right?"

"I heard from the stunt coordinator team that Woo-jin Kang used to be in the special forces."

"Oh, Ethan Smith said that, right? I heard that too."

"That explains why the CQC in Beneficial Evil was so realistic."

"Looking at how both Beneficial Evil and our John Persona feature such cold, precise action, I'd say his time in the special forces must have been intense."

As these rumors spread, directors Danny Landis and Joseph Felton approached Kang Woo-jin, who was still silently sipping his coffee. Along with them were Megan Stone and the big-nosed Ethan Smith. Director Danny, holding a donut in one hand, smiled as he started the conversation.

"The official Academy Award nominations will be announced in two days. What time did they say it was?"

The answer came from Joseph Felton himself.

"At 8 PM. It will be broadcast live not only on the Academy's official channels but also on YouTube and various TV networks. It's the same every year."

"Hmm. Who's in charge of announcing the nominees?"

"There's no official word yet, but it'll likely be some of last year's winners."

Director Danny, nodding slowly, then turned his attention to Kang Woo-jin, who was quietly sipping his coffee.

"Where do you plan to watch the announcement?"

Woo-jin, his expression indifferent, answered in a low voice.

"I guess I'll watch it at home."

"After filming?"

"Yes, director."

For reference, Woo-jin's schedule on nomination day included only a morning shoot. Since it was a significant day, the John Persona production team had been considerate. Director Danny adjusted his round glasses and chuckled.

"How are you feeling? Nervous? The results are just two days away."

'Of course', but how was he supposed to answer that? Woo-jin already had his response prepared internally, but outwardly, he kept his composure.

"Not really. I did my best, and I'll accept whatever outcome comes."

It was a measured response—partly to prepare for the possibility of not being nominated. After all, he would be working with these people for months to come, and he needed to be ready with an explanation. However, Joseph Felton misread Woo-jin's calm demeanor entirely.

"... You sound confident that you'll be nominated. You don't seem to be considering failure at all."

'Wait, what?'

Kang Woo-jin felt a little frustrated. But he was already used to this kind of misunderstanding, so he handled it smoothly.

"Of course, it would be nice to be nominated."

At this moment, big-nosed Ethan Smith, who had worked with Woo-jin on Beneficial Evil: Part 1, joined in, adding to the growing tension.

"Hahaha! Four years into his career, and he's already a strong contender for the Oscar for Best Actor? I can't believe I'm witnessing something this crazy firsthand."

Megan Stone, her short brown hair neatly styled, took the baton next.

"The speed at which he conquered Cannes and the Emmys was already unprecedented in Hollywood. If he makes it to the Academy Awards, this record will be impossible to break for decades."

Their conversation had already become a hot topic among many Hollywood insiders. Kang Woo-jin was widely mentioned as a strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Actor. If officially nominated, he would have gone from Cannes to the Emmys and now to the Oscars in a single breath.

Soon, Hollywood heavyweight Danny Landis placed a hand on Woo-jin's shoulder, his smile deep and knowing.

"Woo-jin, right now, you're probably the most talked-about person in the world."

Meanwhile,

A large conference room filled with people. The atmosphere was incredibly serious.

And for good reason.

This group was responsible for preparing every detail of the world's most prestigious awards ceremony, under the scrutiny of a global audience. They were the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), just two days away from officially announcing the nominees.

In front of dozens of attendees, a tablet lay on the table.

On its screen were the results and evaluations from approximately 10,000 Academy members worldwide. In other words, it contained the official assessments of the year's most outstanding films and performances. Though the public announcement was still two days away, the final list of nominees had already been confirmed and printed.

Then—

Several people scanning the tablet let out exclamations, as if in disbelief.

"Wow... I never expected results like this."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Amazing."

Among them, an elderly woman who appeared to be in her 60s was displayed on the screen. She smiled, as if finding something particularly interesting, as she looked at the five confirmed nominees for the Best Actor Award.

"This year's Academy Awards will go down in history in many ways."

With only two days left until the official nomination announcement for the Academy Awards—the dream stage for filmmakers worldwide—the excitement was building as media outlets across Hollywood and other countries flooded the news with similar articles.

『LA TIME / Two days before the official announcement of the Academy Award nominations—this year's Oscars are hotter than ever!』

On April 1st and 2nd, the media frenzy only intensified.

『BBX / Experts predict Oscar-nominated films and actors: "If Perriot and Kang Woo-jin are nominated, it's proof that the Academy Awards are evolving."』

By this point, excitement in Korea had reached a fever pitch. And for good reason.

『[Star Talk] Can the miracle of the Emmy Awards continue to the Academy Awards? The entire nation is cheering!』

『"Watch the Academy Award nomination announcement live—no excuses!" Thanks to Kang Woo-jin, the Oscars have captured the hearts of Koreans.』

After all, Kang Woo-jin had a real chance of becoming the first Korean—or rather, the first Asian—actor to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Normally, the Academy Award nomination announcement would come and go with little attention from the general public, but this time, with Kang Woo-jin in the spotlight, interest from both the media and the public skyrocketed.

Japan, where Woo-jin had already made waves, was no different, and across Asia, the anticipation was particularly intense.

just like that, two days melted away---

On the bright morning of April 3rd, Kang Woo-jin, in LA, tried to steady his pounding heart.

"Action!"

Filming for John Persona started early in the morning, and all scenes wrapped up by 2 PM. As Woo-jin left the set, numerous staff members, including directors Danny Landis and Joseph Felton, poured out their support. Outwardly, Kang Woo-jin remained composed, but inside, his nerves multiplied.

'Wow, I'm honestly way more nervous than at the Emmy Awards!'

The Emmy Awards were massive—often referred to as the Academy Awards of television. However, in terms of global recognition and influence, the Academy Awards reigned supreme. Even before becoming an actor, Kang Woo-jin had known about the Oscars, so it was only natural for his tension to skyrocket.

"What is it about the Academy Awards? It's making me feel like I'm stepping into a dungeon for the first time."

Just stepping into that arena—even as a nominee—would be a massive achievement for Woo-jin at this stage in his career.

Later, around 4 PM, a crowd gathered at Kang Woo-jin's house in LA.

The host, Kang Woo-jin, was dressed casually in a comfortable gray hoodie. Joining him were employees from BW Entertainment's overseas branch, including Choi Seong-geon and his team. But there was also a blonde woman sitting beside Woo-jin.

Who else could it be? It was Miley Cara.

There was no way she would miss the moment when her boyfriend might achieve the Academy Award miracle. In fact, she had been adjusting her schedule for the past week just to be there for this moment.

Now, more than twenty people had gathered at Woo-jin's house.

Looking around at the scene unfolding in his own living room, the usually cynical Kang Woo-jin muttered to himself.

'I think I'm even more nervous now that everyone's gathered. Okay, calm down.'

The living room had turned into a full-fledged party venue, but Woo-jin was too busy controlling his emotions.

Soon, people started gathering in front of the large TV, ensuring the broadcast connection was set up. The table was loaded with snacks and canned beer.

The lively conversations and laughter made time pass quickly.

Before they knew it, the clock struck 7 PM.

In other words, only one hour remained until the official Academy Award nominations were announced.

Of course, that hour passed in the blink of an eye.

Before they knew it, the large TV screen, connected to the live broadcast, displayed an expansive stage—empty except for two chairs. This was the Dolby Theatre, the iconic venue where the Academy Awards took place every year. Behind the chairs stood a towering golden trophy—the legendary Academy Award statuette. A massive monitor beside it was ready to display the nominees.

—*Tak*.

A distinguished older man and a vibrant woman appeared on stage from an unseen entrance. They were both Hollywood elites—one a renowned director, the other an acclaimed actor, and both previous Academy Award winners. As the two presenters stepped forward with cue cards in hand, the energy in Woo-jin's living room spiked.

"Uh oh! It's starting!!"

"Wow, it's really the Academy Awards! Doesn't the nomination announcement itself feel different?!"

"Seriously??! It feels so premium!!"

"Woo-jin oppa's name has to be on one of those cue cards!!"

At this moment, almost every pair of eyes in the room—Choi Seong-geon's, Cara's, and the rest—locked onto Kang Woo-jin, standing stiffly in front of the TV. As usual, his expression was unreadable.

'Unshakable. Seriously, how can he be so calm about everything?!'

But they were wrong.

Kang Woo-jin's heart was pounding so violently it felt like it might burst. A faint nausea stirred in his stomach.

'This is crazy. Wait—huh?! My hands are sweaty???'

Meanwhile, on-screen, the two presenters spoke to millions of viewers worldwide.

—["Hello, we are honored to share the news everyone has been waiting for."]

—["Me too. I was standing here last year as an award recipient, and now I get to continue the tradition."]

With that, the actress holding the cue card officially began the announcement.

—["The nominees for Best Costume Design—a total of five—are..."]

The Academy Award nominations had begun.

As the list for Best Costume Design was read out, Kang Woo-jin swallowed hard, trying to stay composed. He wasn't alone in his nerves. Across town, executives and creatives gathered in a grand conference room at Columbia Studios—among them, David Foster, Director An Ga-Bok, and many others.

All of them sat in tense anticipation, eyes glued to the screen.

'Please. Please let Perriot be called.'

Then, it happened.

The actress on stage announced the final nominee for Best Costume Design.

—["The final nominee for Best Costume Design—Laura Colley for Perriot: Birth of a Villain."]

The room at Columbia Studios erupted.

The name Perriot: Birth of a Villain had been called. And it was only the beginning.

A woman with her hair tied back shot up from her seat.

"It's me!! They called my name!!"

Applause and cheers filled the conference room. Even if it was just the' Best Costume Design' category, the real victory was that the film had officially entered the Academy Awards. For Columbia Studios, this was their first win of the night.

Among the applause, director An Ga-Bok quietly thought to himself.

'A costume nomination was expected—it's Perriot, after all. The Joker-esque aesthetic was bound to catch attention. But... could there be more?'

Because Perriot wasn't just about costumes.

This was only the beginning.

Next, the 'Beauty and the Beast' team was just as thrilled that Perriot: Birth of a Villain had secured its first nomination. The same went for John Persona, which had temporarily halted filming, and the Guest production team. Across Hollywood, the prayers of some of the industry's biggest names—and hundreds of crew members—filled the air.

And in Korea, those prayers echoed just as strongly.

Due to the time difference, the live announcement of the Academy Award nominations was happening in the early afternoon. Everywhere—on buses, in subway stations, taxis, cafés, restaurants, and convenience stores—countless people were glued to their phones and laptops, watching the broadcast in real-time.

Among them were Kang Woo-cheol, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah, anxiously huddled in front of their TV.

"Please, please!! Just this once!!!"

"Dad! You're scaring me!!"

"...God, Buddha, my teacher, my boss... even aliens. I don't care who. Please let Woo-jin's name be called."

"Uh, Mom? Some of those aren't gods?? Never mind! Ahhh, I'm so nervous!"

Korea's top celebrities—including Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Jin Jae-jun, and Hwarin—were no different. From their own spaces, they all watched the nomination ceremony unfold live, their eyes fixed on their phone screens.

Tension hung thick in the air.

Back in LA, the live presenters moved on to the next category.

—["Next up is Best Actress! An incredible lineup of nominees awaits."]

As expected, they began listing Hollywood's most recognizable actresses.

At this moment, Kang Woo-jin in LA was laser-focused on the TV screen. So was Miley Cara.

The entire room—Seong-geon Choi, the BW Entertainment team, and over 20 others—fell into complete silence. Hands clasped together, breath held, all eyes locked onto the screen.

Then—

—["And now, for Best Actor! Wow, what an impressive group of nominees this year."]

The actress presenting the category smiled, shuffling the cue card in her hands. Then she started calling out the names.

—["There are five nominees in total! Congratulations to all of them in advance. Let's get started."]

—["David Ross."]

—["Ryan Chapin."]

—["Thomas Boseman."]

—["James Reznor."]

Four names in. All in English.

Then, suddenly—*huph.*

The presenter took a small pause.

Then, looking up from the cue card, she smiled and spoke again.

—["And... Kang Woo-jin."]

Silence.

For a brief second, time seemed to stop.

Kang Woo-jin barely registered his own voice as he muttered under his breath—so quiet it was almost imperceptible.

"...Holy sh*t. This is actually happening."