A film's success is often gauged by its box office performance and the awards it receives, with a film that achieves both being considered a classic.
However, for individuals in the film industry, such as actors, directors, screenwriters, and other crew members, winning an award carries more weight than a high box office score when it comes to achieving success, market stability, reputation, and respect.
This is why award shows are significant, not only for gaining recognition but also for showcasing one's achievements to the world.
The Golden Globe Awards and the Oscars are the most popular award shows in the US, and they are more than just award shows - they are a benchmark of excellence in the film industry.
For actors, directors, and crew members, winning an award is not just a matter of personal pride, but also a career-defining moment, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and passion for their craft.
On July 28, the Golden Globe nominations were announced, with E.T. leading the pack with eight nominations, including Best Film and Best Director.
Richard received two nominations for his work on E.T., for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, as well as a nod for New Superstar of the Year.
At the time, Richard was busy filming A Christmas Story and was on set on the third day of production when the Golden Globe ceremony took place.
Despite being engrossed in the production of the film, Richard understood the significance of this moment and decided to take a brief hiatus from the set to attend the ceremony. It was his debut nomination, a milestone in his burgeoning career, and an opportunity to bask in the recognition of his peers.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globe ceremony, Richard found himself surrounded by Hollywood's elite, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation reaching a fever pitch as the envelopes were opened and winners were announced.
To Richard's delight and pride, E.T. emerged as a frontrunner, clinching four prestigious awards, including the coveted titles of Best Film and Best Director.
The room erupted in applause and cheers, celebrating the film's groundbreaking storytelling and cinematic achievements. While Richard did not secure an award that night, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride knowing that the project he had poured his heart and soul into was receiving the accolades it rightfully deserved.
Ric rejoined the set to resume shooting two days after the award ceremony.
During the last days of the shooting, the OSCARS nomination came out.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the industry, particularly with the unexpected success of the beloved film "E.T." The film had secured an unprecedented ten nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture.
A feat that had not only captured the attention of the media but had also captivated the hearts of the general public.
Richard found himself at the center of a whirlwind of excitement, having secured two nominations for his role in E.T. - Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay - a rare double nomination for someone so young. This achievement was just one of many records he broke, earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Today finally all the dubbing work for is finished.
As the Oscars drew near, Richard found himself swept up in a frenetic schedule of events and appearances in Hollywood. In addition to dubbing sessions for his film, his days were filled with parties attended by Academy voters, media interviews, and meetings with influential industry professionals.
After leaving the studio, Richard and Ari headed straight to the Armani Store, where they were joined by Richard's mother. Their mission for the day was to find the perfect suit for Richard to wear to the upcoming Oscar Awards. As a growing child, Richard's wardrobe needs were constantly evolving, and his mother was eager to find a stylish and well-fitting outfit for the special occasion.
As a celebrity, it's common practice to not wear a party dress more than twice, regardless of whether it's a male or female star. The life of a public figure is often a costly one, with expenses adding up quickly.
As the hour hand of the clock ticked forward, the sky darkened, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion erupted into a frenzy of shouts from fans and reporters, camera flashes illuminating the red carpet as stars made their way inside for the 55th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
"Wow, just look at the number of people here!" Hanna exclaimed, gazing out at the sea of faces outside the car.
Richard, also taking in the scene, replied, "Well, it's one of the few times a year all the stars gather in one place, so having this many people is quite common.
As Richard stepped out of the car and onto the red carpet, he couldn't help but think about how far he had come in such a short time.
It was his first time attending the Oscars, and the excitement was palpable.
Taking a deep breath, he made his way onto the carpet, his black suit perfectly tailored to accentuate his sharp features. While he did attract some attention, the response was relatively mild compared to the other stars in attendance.
Despite the massive success of E.T., Richard was still relatively unknown in the Hollywood circle or in public perception.
Hand in hand with his mother, he walked into the theater and made his way to the crew, greeting esteemed members like Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall individually.
He took a seat, quietly waiting for the award ceremony to begin. Despite being a nominee, he wasn't overly optimistic about winning the Golden Man.
He knew the judges had high standards and that it was a long shot for someone with limited experience to receive the prize.
Moreover, he wondered if receiving an Oscar at such a young age would ultimately be a blessing or a curse. His thoughts were interrupted by the melodious sound that filled the stage, signaling the start of the show.
The host greeted the audience and teased the celebrities, and the awards ceremony began.
The second award to be presented was for Best Supporting Actor Male.
Susan Sarandon took the stage to announce the nominees for Best Supporting Actor.
When Richard's name was called, his face appeared on the screen with a bright, sunny smile.
However, his smile quickly turned to disappointment as the winner was announced: "And the Best Supporting Actor is... Louis Gossett Jr."
Richard's face fell, and Hanna quickly took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Don't worry, you'll get it next time," she consoled him.
Richard smiled weakly and replied, "Thanks, Mom."
Steven, seated nearby, patted Richard's shoulder and added, "Don't be sad, kid. You've got plenty of time."
Richard nodded, feeling a little better, and thanked Steven for his words of encouragement.
The technical awards were presented next, with E.T. taking home four wins.
The ceremony continued with the announcements of Best Supporting Actress, Best Actress, and Best Actor, followed by Best Editing, which went to E.T.
Then, Philip Dunne took the stage to present the award for Best Original Screenplay, and subsequently, Best Adapted Screenplay.
As he finished reading the nominees' names, he opened the envelope and was taken aback for a moment. The audience's curiosity was piqued by his surprised expression, while the nominees, including Richard, grew tense.
Dunne's laughter broke the silence, "It looks like history is about to be made."
The audience was confused, but some astute observers quickly grasped the significance and turned their attention to a particular side of the room.
Even Richard's heart skipped a beat as Dunne announced, "The Best Adapted Screenplay award goes to E.T., Richard Jackson."