Chapter 10 – Between Laughter and Memories
The morning in Los Angeles was bright and sunny, with that golden light that made the city look like something out of a movie. On the balcony of the Four Seasons Hotel, Gustavo and Fernanda were sitting, having breakfast.
It was a rare moment of rest amidst the madness of the awards season. But, unlike other days, that morning had a special glow.
Because, the night before, they had dined with Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep.
Gustavo was holding a cup of coffee in his hands, but he was still laughing as he looked at Fernanda.
"Tell me you slept, because I couldn't."
Fernanda adjusted her sunglasses and sighed.
"I spent the night replaying in my head Meryl Streep holding my hand and telling me I was extraordinary."
Gustavo laughed out loud, shaking his head.
"Do you have any idea that was real?" Because I still can't believe it.
She smiled, taking a piece of croissant.
"If someone had told me a year ago that I would be in Los Angeles, nominated for an Oscar, having dinner at a restaurant and receiving praise from Meryl Streep, I would have laughed in their face."
"And Leonardo DiCaprio," Gustavo added, his eyes widening.
"And Brad Pitt."
"And Jimmy Kimmel saying I'm the new Tom Cruise."
The two burst out laughing, drawing glances from the nearby tables.
Brazil was in love with their friendship.
The Brazilian press kept reporting on Gustavo and Fernanda's charisma together.
Fantástico ran a special report with excerpts from the interview with Jimmy Kimmel and details of the iconic dinner.
"Gustavo Salles and Fernanda Torres are the most charismatic duo at the 2025 Oscars!" — O Globo.
"If Brazil doesn't win the Oscar, at least we'll have Gustavo and Nanda making history in Hollywood!" — Folha de S.Paulo.
Twitter was filled with memes and passionate comments:
"I want a friend like Gustavo Salles, who would laugh with me remembering Meryl Streep praising me."
"If Gustavo and Nanda don't win the Oscar, at least they've won the sympathy of the entire world!"
"Imagine going out to dinner and out of nowhere Leo DiCaprio shows up to compliment you. Did that REALLY happen?!"
Gustavo looked at Fernanda and smiled.
"I think people like us together."
She laughed.
"Of course they do! You're the young prodigy that everyone wants to protect, and I'm the veteran who pretends to have patience with you."
"Are you pretending?"
"Are you pretending?"
The two burst out laughing again.
The truth was that, regardless of the Oscar, they had already achieved something much greater.
The affection of Brazil.
And of the world.
Chapter 11 – A Dinner Among Legends
The night of February 25, 2025 was one of those that seemed unreal. The ballroom at The Beverly Hills Hotel was impeccable, lit by crystal chandeliers and decorated in shades of gold and navy blue. It was the official dinner for the Oscar nominees, a private event where the biggest names in cinema gathered away from the cameras to celebrate their nominations.
Gustavo and Fernanda were there.
The table was long, surrounded by stars who, until a few months ago, seemed to belong to another universe. And now, they were there, talking, laughing, toasting together.
Gustavo adjusted the collar of his jacket as he looked around, trying to take it all in. Sitting a few seats away from him was Timothée Chalamet, wearing a stylish suit, talking to Sebastian Stan, who was gesturing excitedly. Ariana Grande was saying something to Zoe Saldana, who was laughing. Demi Moore was next to Mikey Madison, both focused on the wine that had just been served.
It was surreal.
Fernanda, next to Gustavo, noticed his expression and laughed.
"You're still waiting for someone to take you out of here and say it was a mistake, right?"
He let out a muffled laugh.
"Totally."
"Relax, Gustavo. You deserve to be here as much as any of them."
He took a deep breath and nodded.
The conversation flowed naturally. Hollywood might seem like a distant place, but there, at that dinner, everything seemed light, without barriers.
Timothée Chalamet leaned toward Gustavo.
"Man, I watched I'm Still Here last week. You did really well."
Gustavo, who was still getting used to Hollywood stars praising his work, laughed a little awkwardly.
"Thanks, man. That means a lot coming from you." Timothée smiled.
— I've played intense young characters before, and I know how challenging it is. But you brought something very authentic. It's rare to see someone so young with so much presence on screen.
Sebastian Stan, who was listening to the conversation, agreed.
— Exactly. And the craziest thing is that this was your first film. What was it like to go straight into the cinema with such a heavy drama?
Gustavo thought for a moment before answering.
— It was intense. But I had an incredible cast guiding me, and Walter, my brother, was essential. He threw me straight into the fire, and I think that's what made me grow up so quickly.
Demi Moore, who was paying attention, smiled.
— So the secret is to be thrown into the fire? I'll use that with the young actors I work with.
The table laughed.
Mikey Madison leaned toward Fernanda.
— You were absurd in the film. Your performance destroyed me.
Fernanda smiled.
— Is that good or bad?
— Good! You made me cry a lot.
Ariana Grande, who was listening to the conversation, laughed.
— I cried too! At the end of the movie, my boyfriend looked at me and asked: "Why are you sobbing?", and all I could do was point at the screen.
Gustavo and Fernanda laughed.
— Well, then mission accomplished, right? — Fernanda said, raising her wine glass.
— Totally. — Zoe Saldana agreed, raising hers too.
As the night went on, Gustavo became more relaxed. He was naturally funny and charismatic, and soon the whole table was laughing at his stories.
— Okay, Gustavo — Sebastian Stan said, leaning on the table. — Besides acting, you fly helicopters, planes, jet skis, skydive and shoot at shooting ranges. What don't you do?
The whole table was curious.
Gustavo laughed, taking a piece of bread.
— Dude, I can't cook. I make a decent coffee and that's it.
Ariana Grande faked a dramatic look.
— Wow, and here I thought you were perfect.
The table burst into laughter.
Demi Moore raised her eyebrow, joking.
— Wait, do you really fly helicopters?
Fernanda rolled her eyes, amused.
— Unfortunately, yes. I've seen videos.
Gustavo laughed.
— I mean... If the Oscars don't work out, I can become your private pilot.
Timothée Chalamet slapped the table, laughing.
— Deal!
As dinner began to end, Gustavo looked around.
He was there, among legends, and he felt like he was part of it.
Meryl Streep walked past them on her way out and patted Fernanda on the shoulder.
— See you at the Oscars.
Fernanda smiled, excited.
Gustavo felt a shiver as he realized the weight of what was happening.
Hollywood loved them.
They belonged to that world now.
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