Chapter 194 – The Peony Award Reassessment

Chapter 194 - The Peony Award Reassessment

For only peonies possess true national beauty; the Peony Award was initially conceived to honor the most emblematic 'national treasures' in the entertainment industry. It was a prestigious award, akin to the soaring clouds of Feiyun Awards that inspired newcomers, but it had been corrupted beyond recognition.

Now that an internal investigation was launched, the organizers of the Peony Award were in a panic. Accustomed to their arrogance and impunity, they had grown increasingly audacious and blatant in their actions. They couldn't withstand scrutiny, let alone find time to conspire and cover up their tracks. The investigators moved swiftly, uncovering evidence effortlessly without any need for complex procedures. As a result, the entire network of conflicting interests within the Peony Award was exposed.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the Peony Award's business of selling awards had infiltrated the entire entertainment industry, sparing no famous veteran actors. Major production and talent agencies secretly held stakes, solidifying this profit-driven model as early as seven or eight years ago. Unless one was already part of the inner circle, they would have to invest heavily and curry favor to have a chance at winning. Offend any part of this machinery, and they could ensure your permanent exclusion from the awards.

There was once a highly talented male actor whose performance was universally acclaimed by audiences. However, he never received any awards. The judges always claimed that his acting was superficial, formulaic, or lacked innovation, as he seemed unable to escape his own persona, making it mere portrayal rather than actual acting.

Public opinion was manipulated to belittle the actor's abilities, portraying the denial of awards as a just and impartial decision, thereby enhancing the award's credibility.

In reality, the actor hadn't paid bribes, sucked up to them, or established any beneficial ties with the organizers.

Frustrated, the actor left for overseas. Everyone assumed he wouldn't adapt, questioning how an Asian could succeed in Europe or America where cliques were prevalent.

Whether or not he had learned from his pain, the actor eventually decided to blend in and conform to the overseas scene. He won the most influential film award abroad, Best Actor.

This achievement slapped the faces of those who had criticized his acting skills back home.

And yet, the Peony Award had no intention of altering its stance. At most, they might acknowledge that the male actor had improved after going abroad, but when it came to his performances in domestic TV dramas, they criticized his acting skills.

Even after he returned and starred in two productions, the Peony Award still refused to acknowledge him, claiming that his performance didn't resonate with local audiences, and that he was too heavily influenced by his overseas experience.

Having seized control over all evaluations of acting prowess, as an audience member, what could you do even if you adored an actor? After listening to the opinions of experts and scholars, you'd find their assessments seemed valid.

Each actor's performance was rooted in their own insights and understanding. No matter how they portrayed a role, they merged with it, becoming one with the character. Yet, you insisted that actors must entirely detach themselves from their own emotions and actions while embodying a role.

This was an overly meticulous standard, tailored for specific individuals. Those who won awards fit comfortably within this framework when evaluated using these criteria.

After Tang Fei portrayed two roles with starkly contrasting characteristics, making it difficult to see any commonalities between them, the Peony Awards could no longer persuade the audience with their usual tactics. Consequently, they resorted to playing tricks during the registration process.

A series of corrupt practices were uncovered, prompting an investigation that reached back seven years into the Peony Awards. All questionable awards bestowed within that period were recalled. In no time, the list of revoked honors dominated headlines across media platforms. The public keenly discussed the revelations, distinguishing between those who had manipulated the awards, those who genuinely deserved them, and those who had been unjustly excluded.

Under Yao Hui's management, the artists have the highest number of roles retrieved on the recall list, sweeping from supporting actresses and actors to leading ladies and men, nearly capturing them all.

As Yao Hui's leading figure, Song Li has consistently marketed herself as the forefront of the new generation's acting talents. However, with the recent review of Peony Awards, it's startling to find that Song Li has had three of her awards reclaimed.

Outstanding Newcomer, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Leading Actress.

The acting controversy wasn't significant; in fact, it was passable, and Song Li, who had a chance of winning awards on her own merit, found herself discredited by Yao Hui's operational tactics, leading everyone to question whether she truly possessed any acting prowess.

Indeed, the industry is abuzz with gossip.

Tang Fei's fortune is truly formidable. Ever since Yao Hui crossed her, it seems that no matter what happens to her, Yao Hui inevitably gets drawn into the aftermath.

Yao Hui leveraged the Golden Deer and Golden Sunflower awards from Treasure Island and Fragrant Harbor for mutual benefit. Now, with the integrity of both awards being questioned, artists who have received them find it difficult to boast about their achievements.

{Tang Fei is like a walking bug, appearing wherever she goes.}

"A refreshing departure, indeed. It has spared our company a substantial budget for award-related public relations this year."

"Yes, it's peaceful this year without all the usual hustle and bustle."

After the Peony Award reclaimed its awards, it was further marred by the exposure of internal trading recordings, leading to a considerable number of individuals facing legal action. In an effort to restore its integrity, the Peony Award decided to reissue the prizes after conducting a thorough review.

Particularly this year, emphasis was placed on Tang Fei's nomination and win, highlighting the impeccable fairness of the process.

Regarding the retrial and reallocation of the Peony Award, Tang Fei, while on the set of the production for "Dragon Tales," responded in an interview, "I will not participate in the Peony Award selection, nor will I do so in the future. The quality of my acting is for the audience to judge; their affection is the greatest affirmation for me. As for the retroactively awarded prize, I will not accept it—it does not constitute honor in my eyes."

Interviewer: "Tang Fei, does your unyielding confidence stem from the support of Time Culture?"

"Owing to the support of my company, I must extend my gratitude to my boss. Personally, I don't attach great importance to awards. I act not for the sake of winning accolades. To me, the inception of awards and the existence of judges have turned the industry into an exclusive inner circle celebration, much like how Time Culture hosts its Time Cup to acknowledge outstanding talents within the company."

The Peony Award might nominally honor the entire nation, but in reality, it was on par with the internal galas of a few production companies and talent agencies. I didn't have an issue with that; such is the nature of the entertainment industry, seen from a global perspective. What bothered me was that they couldn't even uphold fairness within their own circle."

Tang Fei uttered "thank you, boss" with a smile that sweetened on her face.

"You mentioned earlier that you don't act for the sake of awards. So, what drives you?"

"I act for my passion and for those who love me. I adore acting, being immersed in the multitude of characters from various stories, and I derive joy from the affection that the audience showers upon the roles I portray."

The audience's affection is the greatest affirmation for me. My own enjoyment is the strongest driving force behind my acting. I'm delighted when awards acknowledge my work, and if they don't, I'm not discouraged. But I despise being threatened by them."

"Threaten you?"

"Yes, after I was registered for the Peony Award, several so-called consulting firms associated with it approached us, threatening that we had to join their associations and attend their events to be eligible for any prizes. If we didn't, there would be none."

Very well, as we are nearing the end of our interview, Tang Fei, do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share?

"I'd like to suggest that we discuss 'The Heaven and Earth of Dragon and Phoenix' more. I don't have much to talk about regarding the Peony Award, but I have plenty to share on 'The Heaven and Earth of Dragon and Phoenix.'"

"Haha, great! Then I'll come back for another interview when it airs."

"Deal."

"Deal it is."