Chapter 30 – The Night of the Oscars
February 22, 2015 – Hollywood's Biggest Night
The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was packed with stars. The 2015 Oscars night brought together the biggest names in the film industry, celebrating the films that marked the year.
And among the guests was Jacob Stewart, the actor who, in just one year, had become one of the most talked-about figures in Hollywood.
He wasn't nominated, but his presence was an event in itself.
In the limousine on the way to the event, Jacob adjusted his impeccable Giorgio Armani suit, a bespoke model with a classic cut, and took a deep breath.
Beside him, Richard Calloway, his agent, looked at him with a smile.
"Ready to be the center of attention?"
Jacob laughed.
"That seems inevitable, doesn't it?"
Richard handed him a glass of champagne.
"Enjoy the moment." You may not be competing this year, but next year… who knows?
Jacob smiled, knowing that tonight was just the beginning of something much bigger.
The Red Carpet
As soon as Jacob stepped out of the limousine, the flashes began to go off.
— JACOB, OVER HERE!
— JOHN WICK!
— YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED OF THE NIGHT!
Photographers and journalists fought to get his attention, while fans screamed his name.
He walked down the red carpet with his intense and mysterious presence, stopping for a few interviews.
The E! News reporter approached him with a smile.
— Jacob Stewart! The man of the moment! How does it feel to be attending your first Oscars?
Jacob adjusted the lapel of his suit and smiled.
— It's surreal. I grew up watching this awards show, and now I'm here. I'm still getting used to it.
— John Wick was one of the biggest hits of the year, and now we know you'll be in 007: Spectre and the lead in The Revenant. How are you handling this meteoric rise?
Jacob laughed.
— With lots of training, coffee, and a few sleepless nights.
The reporter laughed.
— And what about the after-party? They say the post-Oscar parties are legendary. Will you be there?
Jacob winked.
— Absolutely. But only if they promise not to photograph what happens there.
The journalists laughed, and Jacob continued down the red carpet, greeting other actors.
That's when he felt a gentle touch on his arm.
He turned and saw Scarlett Johansson, wearing an emerald green dress that accentuated her magnetic presence.
— Jacob Stewart… You're officially in Hollywood now.
Jacob smiled.
— You think so? I thought I needed an Oscar first.
Scarlett crossed her arms and analyzed him.
"If you keep going at this pace, you'll have one soon."
They both laughed and posed for some photos together, further fueling the rumors about Jacob Stewart and his connections with the most desirable women in Hollywood.
Inside the Dolby Theatre, Jacob was led to his seat in the VIP area, where he was surrounded by the biggest names in the industry.
During the awards ceremony, he watched the emotional speeches, the awards being presented, and felt the energy of the moment.
Richard, beside him, leaned in and whispered:
"Next year, I want to see you up on that stage."
Jacob smiled, knowing that this was his new goal.
When The Revenant was mentioned among the most anticipated upcoming films, he felt the audience's eyes turning to him.
He knew they were waiting to see what he would do next.
After the ceremony, Jacob went straight to the Vanity Fair Oscar after-party, one of the most exclusive events of the night.
The luxurious ballroom was filled with actors, directors, models, and celebrities from all over the world.
Jacob grabbed a double whiskey at the bar and began to circulate through the event.
That's when he saw Leonardo DiCaprio, who approached with a smile.
"So, you're going to take my role in The Revenant?"
Jacob laughed.
"Looks like it. Hope you don't mind."
Leo picked up a glass of champagne and toasted with him.
"As long as you do justice to the role, I'm fine. Alejandro Iñárritu is a genius. You're in good hands."
Jacob nodded.
"Thank you, Leo. That means a lot coming from you."
That's when Margot Robbie appeared, hugging Jacob from behind.
"Here's the most talked-about man of the night!"
Jacob smiled and hugged her back.
"Margot, I thought you were at the other party."
She took a sip of her drink and winked.
"I decided to come here. I wanted to see you in action."
Before Jacob could answer, Rihanna approached, holding a drink.
"Jacob Stewart… I think you need to dance with me."
Margot laughed.
"I think he'll need several dances tonight."
Jacob laughed and took Rihanna's hand.
"So, let's get started."
As the music swelled and the party intensified, Jacob realized something important.
He wasn't just a guest that night.
He was already part of the Hollywood elite.
And this was just the first of many unforgettable nights.
Chapter 31 – Jacob Stewart in the World of 007
March 2015 – A Race Against Time
Jacob Stewart never thought he would one day be part of one of the most iconic film franchises. But there he was, in London, on the set of "007: Spectre," ready to face James Bond himself.
March was a whirlwind. With John Wick still dominating the film world and The Revenant about to begin filming, Jacob had to shoot all his scenes for 007 in just a few weeks.
But that didn't mean the experience would be any less intense.
On the contrary.
First Day on Set – Meeting Daniel Craig
Jacob arrived at Pinewood Studios in England, where most James Bond films are shot. The weather was cold, but the adrenaline was high.
Upon entering the large production warehouse, he saw dozens of crew members adjusting cameras, lights, and action equipment.
Then he heard a firm voice behind him.
"You must be Stewart."
Jacob turned and saw Daniel Craig, wearing the iconic gray James Bond suit, walking towards him with a slight smile.
Jacob immediately extended his hand.
"It's an honor to meet you, Daniel."
Craig shook his hand firmly.
"I saw you in John Wick. Not bad, kid. You really know how to fight and shoot?"
Jacob smiled.
"Let's just say I take authenticity seriously."
Daniel laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"Great. Because today we're going to really kick ass."
The Filming – The Duel Between Bond and Jacob
Jacob would play an elite assassin, hired to eliminate James Bond. He wasn't one of the main villains in the film, but his fight with Bond would be one of the most memorable moments of the production.
The scene would take place on a moving train, something that had already become a classic in the franchise's films.
Director Sam Mendes approached to give instructions.
"Okay, this scene needs to be brutal. You two are trained assassins in peak physical condition. No overly choreographed moves. I want it to look like a real fight, where anyone could die at any moment."
Jacob and Daniel nodded.
One of the stunt coordinators approached and asked:
"Do you want to use stunt doubles for some parts?"
Before Jacob could answer, Daniel Craig smiled.
"He doesn't need stunt doubles. Neither do I. Let's do this for real."
Jacob laughed and crossed his arms.
"I like your style, Craig."
When the cameras started rolling, chaos took over the set.
The scene began with Jacob sitting in the train carriage, observing Bond from the other side.
— James Bond. — Jacob said, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand.
— And who exactly are you? — Bond asked, analyzing the mysterious assassin before him.
— Someone who received an offer he couldn't refuse.
Bond smiled slightly.
— Well… then let's see if you're worth the price.
Jacob dropped his glass and, in the blink of an eye, drew a Glock 17, firing at Bond, who threw himself backward, knocking over tables and chairs.
The shootout inside the train lasted only a few seconds before both ran out of ammunition.
Then, the real fight began.
Violent blows.
Glass shattering.
Furniture being destroyed.
Jacob threw Bond against a wall, but the secret agent retaliated with a direct punch to his face.
The fight continued through the train's corridors, the two exchanging brutal blows while the scenery trembled and shook with the speed of the vehicle.
At one point, Jacob grabbed a knife and tried to stab Bond, but he dodged and the blade lodged in the metal beside him.
The fight ended with Bond throwing Jacob off the moving train, leaving the assassin behind in the frozen desert.
Cut to the camera showing Jacob on the ground, wounded but still alive.
— Not this time, Bond…
When Sam Mendes yelled "CUT!", the set erupted in applause.
Daniel Craig approached Jacob and extended his hand.
— I have to admit… You almost killed me there.
Jacob laughed, still catching his breath.
— I was going to say the same.
Craig smiled.
— That was one of the best fight scenes we've ever done. You're going to leave your mark on 007.
Jacob shook his hand.
— And you remain the best Bond of all.
The two laughed, and the crew celebrated the completion of Jacob's scenes in the film.
Reflections at the Hotel – The Next Challenge
Back at the hotel that night, Jacob grabbed a glass of whiskey and sat on the balcony, gazing at the illuminated city.
He had just finished working on James Bond, one of the most legendary film franchises.
And now…
He was about to face the most difficult challenge of his career.
The Revenant.
Jacob picked up the film's script and leafed through the pages. He knew the filming would be brutal.
But that didn't scare him.
He wanted to be challenged.
He wanted to prove he could go beyond the action.
And when he picked up his phone to check his messages, he found one from Richard Calloway:
"Congratulations on 007. Now, get ready. You're about to enter hell with Alejandro Iñárritu."
Jacob smiled.
He could hardly wait.
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