Chapter 8 – The World Wants to See Gustavo on the Oscar Stage
The repercussion of the interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was immediate.
As soon as the episode aired, social media exploded.
On Twitter, Gustavo and Fernanda were among the most talked about topics in the world.
#GustavoSallesOnFire
#NandaAndGustavoAreIcons
#GiveThemTheOscar
The comments were unanimous: the world had fallen in love with them.
"Gustavo Salles is charismatic, talented and still flies planes and skydives? This guy is a character from an action movie!" — Variety
"Fernanda Torres is a legend, and Gustavo Salles is the future. The Oscars need these two on stage." — The Hollywood Reporter
"Jimmy Kimmel has never laughed so much with foreign guests. Gustavo and Fernanda showed that Brazilians shine anywhere." — New York Times
At the ABC studios, the show's crew analyzed the audience numbers. The episode broke records, becoming one of the most watched of the year.
Jimmy Kimmel, in his dressing room, laughed as he read the comments.
"This kid has a future," he said to one of the producers. "He could have his own talk show."
In Brazil, the commotion was even greater.
Jornal Nacional aired excerpts of the interview, highlighting Gustavo's charismatic manner and Fernanda's elegance.
Fantástico dedicated a special report, showing how the interview was a hit with Americans.
Brazil was obsessed.
On the internet, videos of Gustavo speaking fluent English went viral. Brazilians commented:
"For God's sake, this guy speaks English better than me, who's lived in the U.S. for 10 years!"
"Not only does he speak perfect English, he also has a native accent. WHAT IS THIS?"
"If he doesn't win the Oscar, we'll invade Hollywood."
But Brazil wasn't the only one excited.
A survey conducted by the Hollywood Reporter revealed that Gustavo Salles was among the public's favorites to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
And what's more: the bets started to rise.
The website Gold Derby, which specializes in award predictions, placed Gustavo as one of the possible winners.
It was surreal.
Meanwhile, Gustavo and Fernanda were at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, sitting on the balcony of their suites, drinking coffee and watching the city below.
Gustavo's phone wouldn't stop vibrating. Messages from friends, relatives, journalists. Invitations for more interviews, for events, for exclusive parties.
He sighed, looking at Fernanda.
"I blinked and my life turned into this madness."
She smiled, crossing her legs.
"Welcome to the world of the greats."
He laughed, shaking his head.
— But it's weird. Like… Tom Cruise commented on me. De Niro said I'm talented. Jimmy Kimmel wants to call me again. This isn't normal.
Fernanda took a sip of coffee.
— You still see yourself as that kid who just wanted a small role in the movies. But now you're Gustavo Salles, nominated for an Oscar.
He was silent for a moment.
— Do you think I have a chance of winning?
She looked at him seriously.
— I think you've already won. No matter what happens at the Oscars, you've already won.
Gustavo smiled, feeling the weight of that truth.
He never wanted fame. He never wanted to be a phenomenon.
He just wanted to act.
And now the world wanted to see him shine on the Oscar stage.
Chapter 9 – Dinner Among the Stars
The restaurant was sophisticated, but not overly formal. One of those classic Los Angeles places frequented by stars, producers and film directors who wanted a quiet meal away from the spotlight.
Gustavo, Fernanda, Selton and Walter were gathered at a table near the window, enjoying a night of rest.
The city was shining outside, but inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was cozy, illuminated by soft lights and candles on the tables. The aroma of fresh pasta and expensive wines hung in the air.
Selton took a sip of wine and smiled.
"I think this is the first time in months that we've been sitting together without cameras in our faces."
Fernanda laughed.
"Enjoy it, because tomorrow there are more interviews."
Walter, who was usually more reserved, watched everything with a slight smile. He was proud. The film he directed not only conquered the world, but also strengthened bonds. They were not just work colleagues; they were a family now.
Gustavo, who was absentmindedly fiddling with his cutlery, was still processing all the madness of the last few months.
He looked at Walter. "Do you think we'll win?"
The older brother took a sip of wine before answering. "It doesn't matter if we win or not. We've already made history."
Gustavo nodded. He knew Walter was right, but… it would be amazing to hold that Oscar in his hands.
While they were talking, Gustavo noticed a movement on the other side of the restaurant. At the table next to the bar, three movie icons were sitting:
"Leonardo DiCaprio."
"Meryl Streep."
"Brad Pitt."
Gustavo swallowed hard.
Selton noticed his gaze and turned around casually. "Well… it looks like we came to the right restaurant."
Fernanda laughed. "They said this place is full of stars."
But then something unexpected happened. Leonardo DiCaprio stood up and started walking towards them.
Gustavo's eyes widened. — …Is he coming here?
Fernanda was also surprised. — It seems so.
When Leo reached the table, he smiled and extended his hand to Walter first.
— Walter Salles, it's an honor to finally meet you. Your work is incredible.
Walter shook his hand calmly. — The honor is mine, Leo.
DiCaprio then turned to Selton and Fernanda. — I admire you both so much. "I'm Still Here" was one of the most powerful films I've seen this year.
Fernanda smiled. — Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.
But then, Leo turned to Gustavo. — And you… — He smiled. — You impressed me.
Gustavo froze for a second. Leonardo DiCaprio was talking to him. The actor continued.
— When I was your age, I was trying to find my place in Hollywood. And now, you're already nominated for an Oscar. That's huge.
Gustavo managed a nervous laugh.
— Thank you... That's surreal.
Leo patted him lightly on the shoulder.
— If you keep going this way, you'll go far.
Selton, watching everything, whispered to Fernanda:
— If Gustavo faints, we'll pretend it's normal, right?
She laughed softly.
Before they could recover from the shock, Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep also approached.
Brad smiled at Selton.
— You were incredible in the movie. I'm your fan.
Selton almost choked on his wine.
— Wow... I never expected to hear that.
Meanwhile, Meryl Streep looked directly at Fernanda Torres.
— I saw your work and I have to say... you were extraordinary.
Fernanda, who was usually calm in any situation, was speechless.
— My God… this coming from you…
Meryl smiled, holding her hands.
— If there is any justice in this world, you will walk away with that Oscar.
Fernanda was moved.
Gustavo watched everything, still trying to believe that it was real.
And then, Meryl looked at him.
— And you, young man…
Gustavo held his breath.
— I saw what you did in that movie. Your talent is rare.
He felt a chill down his spine.
Meryl Streep, the most awarded actress in history, was praising him.
— You have a special glow. Protect that.
Gustavo nodded, still in shock.
— I… I will. Thank you.
Brad Pitt smiled and put a hand on his shoulder.
— Good luck at the Oscars, kid. You deserve to be there.
And then, as if it were just a normal night, the three said goodbye and went back to their table.
The silence at Gustavo's table lasted a few seconds.
It was Selton who broke the moment.
— CAN I SCREAM NOW?!
Everyone burst out laughing, finally letting go of the tension.
Gustavo ran his hand over his face, laughing.
—What just happened?!
Fernanda was still shocked.
—Meryl Streep said I was extraordinary. I can die in peace now.
Selton laughed.
—And Leo? Calling Gustavo a rare talent? That was historic.
Walter, who had been quieter watching everything, finally spoke.
—I always knew this movie was special. But tonight proved that it really touched the heart of Hollywood.
Gustavo took a deep breath, looking at his friends and his brother, and then to the illuminated restaurant.
That night, he realized something.
He was no longer just a revelation.
He had become part of world cinema.
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