Starbright (57 page)

“Beth!” Alistair Graves, her
Sparkling Meadow
director, approached. His wife accompanied him.

“Hello, Alistair. Ingrid.” Beth put an appropriate distance between her and Aidan, hoping her frustration over their interruption didn’t show.

“We’ve come to walk you to your seat, since we’re sitting together.”

Beth glanced at Aidan, a frown tugging at her lips. His expression mirrored hers.

“I guess I’ll see you later.” Aidan’s manner was cordial, as though they were costars and nothing more.

Beth smiled. “Good luck tonight.”

His grin lit his eyes with a brilliant sparkle. “You, too. Not that you need it.”

As Aidan walked across the room and ascended the staircase, Beth’s heart strained. She couldn’t wait until they were alone together tonight.

The auditorium was as luxurious as the reception room—an Art Deco masterpiece with cathedral architecture fit for a royal palace. A single podium sat stage right and a gold-colored curtain hung across the back. Cameras and spotlights were set up throughout the theater because NBC was broadcasting the ceremony. It was only the second time the Academy Awards would telecast live on television.

Rows of red velvet chairs sat on the main floor for the nominees and other important members of the industry. There was extra seating for the public in the mezzanine and grand balconies. According to Nathan, the venue seated almost three thousand people.

An usher escorted Beth, Alistair, and his wife to their seats. On the way, Beth waved at Connie, Matthew, Nathan, and Olivia in the fourth row. Given Nathan’s important position at the studio and Connie’s celebrity, the Academy gave them prime seats.

As Beth took her seat in the front row, a throng of security guards entered the closest private box to the stage. Moments later, Mr. Mertz and his wife made their appearance amongst polite applause.

Beth passed the time until the start of the ceremony by talking to Alistair and Ingrid while glancing every so often at Aidan. He sat in his seat at the far left of her row, conversing with
Spike Rollins
’ director, Preston Adams. Costar Richard Rooney sat on Aidan’s other side with his parents.

By the time Will strolled down the aisle, waving to the crowd like he was a politician instead of a movie star, the auditorium was almost at full capacity.

“Have no fear, darling. Your handsome prince has arrived.” Will sat next to Beth and stared up at the podium, most likely envisioning himself accepting the award for Best Actor.

The lights dimmed and the curtain lifted, revealing two giant Oscar statues separated by a theater screen, and two five-step staircases leading backstage. Exuberant live music from the orchestra filled the venue, and the last of the guests scrambled to their seats.

Applause erupted throughout the theater as host Donald O’Connor emerged from backstage, wearing a sophisticated tuxedo, top hat, and an enthusiastic grin. A camera rolled past Beth to capture his introduction.

Mr. O’Connor gestured to the crowd, working the theater like the seasoned entertainer he was. “Welcome, everyone, to the Twenty-Sixth Annual Academy Awards ceremony, broadcasting to you lovely folks at home on NBC from the RKO Pantages Theater in Hollywood, California. My name is Donald O’Connor, and I will be your emcee this evening. Without further ado, Ms. Esther Williams will announce the nominees and winner in the Best Film Editing category.”

As Ms. Williams stepped up to the podium amongst music from the orchestra, Beth looked at Aidan. Bathed in the bright lights of the theater, he met her gaze with a soft smile. Their silent exchange lasted throughout William Lyon’s acceptance speech for his editing work on
From Here to Eternity,
until the musical number that followed.

The performance of “The Moon is Blue”
by Mitzi Gaynor, Donald O’Connor, and Margaret Whiting, from the motion picture of the same name, was very entertaining. It also distracted Beth from thinking about the next category, of which Shirley Booth was the presenter.

Ms. Booth walked across the stage to the podium, carrying the white envelope that held the name of the Best Actor of 1953. Cameramen positioned their cameras next to each of the nominees, ready to film close-ups when his name was announced. Beth was surprised Aidan looked so calm. She could barely contain her nervousness.

“Good evening, everyone,” Ms. Booth began. Polite applause scattered throughout the theater and the orchestra stopped playing. “I am here to present the Best Actor in a motion picture for the year 1953. The nominees are William Holden for his performance in
Stalag 17
, Marlon Brando for
Julius Caesar
,
Richard Burton for
The Robe
,
William Everett for
Sparkling Meadow…”

Will pointed to the camera in front of him and winked.

“Aidan Evans for
Spike Rollins…”

The applause grew noticeably louder, the only nominee thus far who rivaled Marlon Brando’s reception.

“Montgomery Clift for
From Here to Eternity
, and Burt Lancaster in
From Here to Eternity
.”

A young man emerged from backstage and placed the award statue on the podium. A suspenseful silence filled the theater as Ms. Booth opened the seal on the envelope.

“And the winner is…”

Will fastened his suit jacket and stood.

“Aidan Evans for his performance in
Spike Rollins
!”

Beth clapped loudly and blinked back tears as Will slumped down in his seat like his legs had given out. The orchestra played a sprightly tune and cameramen rushed from the other nominees toward Aidan to film him.

Aidan rose to his feet amongst thunderous applause, whistles, and pats on the back from his costars and director. He took to the stairs two at a time on a composed journey to the podium. The orchestra ceased their tune and Ms. Booth stepped aside, allowing him sole access to the microphone.

Beth’s smile widened as Aidan picked up his award. The other men in the category gave tremendous performances, but her beau deserved the Best Actor distinction completely.

As the crowd hushed, Aidan focused on his
Spike Rollins
colleagues. “Preston, I wanna thank you for hauling me off the Broadway stage and flying me out to L.A. to help you bring your terrific vision for this film to life, especially since you received huge opposition for casting me.
Spike Rollins
wouldn’t be as great as it is if you weren’t at the helm, that’s for sure.”

Aidan’s expression turned somber. “When I came out here, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I’m not the Hollywood type, but…” He looked at Beth. She smiled at him through her tears. “I gotta say, it was the best move I ever made.”

Aidan left the stage with his award amongst louder applause and the orchestra’s swelling melody. Notably absent from his speech was the Academy and Mr. Mertz, which would have gotten him into a lot of trouble if he was a contract actor.

Mr. O’Connor approached the podium and announced the next presenter. When they cut to a commercial break, Will loosened his bowtie and ran his hand through his hair, messing up his shiny, Pomade-saturated coif. He stood and broadcasted to no one in particular that he was going to visit the bar. With a dejected shuffle, he ventured across the front row and disappeared up the aisle.

Throughout the next half hour, Beth glanced at Aidan’s empty chair often, wondering when he would return. In the meantime, Dean Martin sang “That’s Amore” from the film
The Caddy
. Walter Brennan presented the Best Supporting Actress Award to Donna Reed for her performance in
From Here to Eternity
, Michael Wilding and Elizabeth Taylor announced the Best Documentary Feature,
The Living Desert
, and Merle Oberon declared
The War of the Worlds
as the winner for Best Special Effects.

When Frank Sinatra won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Maggio in
From
Here to Eternity
, he received some good-natured ribbing from Matthew and Dean, which elicited big laughs from the audience. However, Beth was unable to join in. She was preoccupied by Aidan’s empty seat and the fact that her category was up next.

When Mr. Sinatra left the stage with presenter Mercedes McCambridge, Gary Cooper took their place. A young man brought out the Oscar statue, and Mr. Cooper prepared to read the nominees.

He tapped the envelope containing the name of the winner on the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, the award for Best Actress in a motion picture is what I’m here to present to you this evening.”

A cameraman moved in front of Beth. She placed her hands in her lap, wringing them out of view of the lens.

“And the nominees are, Audrey Hepburn for her performance in
Roman
Holiday
, Leslie Caron for
Lily
, Ava Gardner for
Mogambo
, Geraldine Page for
Hondo…”

Beth smiled fondly as she recalled her run-in with John Wayne in his
Hondo
costume on the day of her screen test.

“Maggie McNamara for
The Moon is Blue
.” Mr. Cooper paused to clear his throat.

At that moment, Aidan entered from a door off the main floor and walked across the front row, carrying his Oscar statue. The megawatt grin he flashed Beth when he took his seat enabled her to refocus on Mr. Cooper with considerably less nervousness.

“Deborah Kerr for her performance in
From Here to Eternity,
and Elizabeth Sutton for her role in
Sparkling Meadow
.”

Upon announcement of her name, Beth looked at the camera. She gave a little wave, unsure of the protocol.

“And the winner is…”

She held her breath as Mr. Cooper tore the seal on the envelope. With a grin, he read the card he removed from inside and turned it around so the name was visible to the audience.

“Miss Elizabeth Sutton for
Sparkling Meadow
!”

Beth’s hand flew to her mouth. Cameras swooped in around her and the audience exploded into cheers.

Alistair gripped her forearm, shaking her gently. “Beth, you won! You won!”

As Alistair helped her stand and handed her purse to his wife for safekeeping, Beth’s legs shook so greatly she feared she would stumble on her way to the stage. Somehow, she made it to the podium without incident.

Mr. Cooper greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and presented her with the Oscar statue. It was much heavier than Beth expected. She placed it on the podium and faced the audience. She could only identify the people in first five rows because of the spotlights. Thankfully, that meant she could see Aidan. He stood in front of his chair, grinning and clapping.

As the audience continued to cheer, she took a moment to take it all in.

“Thank you,” she said into the microphone.

The applause faded and Aidan took his seat. If Beth looked at him the entire time, she wouldn’t make it through her speech. Instead, she focused on the darkness at the back of the theater.

“First, I would like to thank the Academy for this tremendous honor. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed my performance as Claire. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Mertz for signing me to Starlight Studios and casting me in the role.” She placed her hand over her racing heart. “To the phenomenal women who were nominated with me—I feel privileged to call you my peers. You are all remarkably talented and have my greatest respect.”

When Beth focused on her dearest friends, she couldn’t hold back her tears. “I would like to thank Olivia, Nathan, Connie, and Matthew for supporting me on my wonderful journey here tonight. I cherish our friendship and couldn’t imagine my life without you.”

Connie and Olivia waved, handkerchiefs in hand, their faces red from crying. Beth smiled in return, hoping her feeble words sufficiently highlighted how much they meant to her.

“To my mother and father, who are watching the ceremony at home in Clarkson, Oregon—thank you for believing in me and allowing me to find my own way.” Her voice broke. “I hope I’ve made you proud. I love you both very much.”

Beth wiped her gloved hands under her eyes as she considered whom to thank next. She didn’t want to miss anyone important.

“To my
Sparkling Meadow
director, Alistair Graves—you were very patient with me throughout filming and always so pleasant. I’m incredibly grateful for your guidance.” She smiled at him and then looked at her costar, who had returned from the bar. “I also want to thank William Everett for being so welcoming.

“Lastly…” Beth locked eyes with Aidan. He looked at her so lovingly she didn’t think she could get the words out.

“Hollywood is a town of miracles,” she said as tears poured down her cheeks. “I witness them every day in the motion pictures we create and the way they resonate so deeply with the audience, as well as in the special connections we make as we travel along our journey through this incredible industry. How else could a small town girl like me have achieved such success?

“As I stand before you tonight, I can say with utter certainty that I am one lucky girl, if not the luckiest, in the entire world. Thank you so very much.”

Applause and whistles ricocheted throughout the theater as the audience rose to their feet. With tears blurring her vision, Beth clutched her Oscar and smiled graciously. The bright spotlights warmed her face, but it was Aidan’s love, the support of her friends, and the respect of her colleagues that warmed her heart.

The orchestra commenced the departure music. Mr. Cooper placed a gentle grip on Beth’s elbow and guided her offstage. She was thankful for the assistance because she wasn’t sure where she was supposed to go next. She wasn’t even sure her feet still touched the ground.

The hustle and bustle backstage greatly contrasted the sophisticated show out front. The frantic faces of the crew made Beth’s onstage experience seem like the easiest job in the world.

Following Mr. Cooper’s congratulations, a ceremony coordinator approached her. “Miss Sutton, normally the winners speak to the press directly following their win, as well as after the ceremony, but the award for Best Picture is up next and we need you to be out on the floor in the event
Sparkling Meadow
wins. After all, you’re Mr. Mertz’s star, the main female draw of the film.”