“Don’t forget my personal favorite, Elise Klassan.”
“I think you mean Elise Klassan-Winslow!” said Brian Fieldcrest, winking at his co-host.
Juliana giggled, nodding at the camera. “That’s right! The entire nation swooned over the story of Hollywood starlet, Elise, falling instantly in love with millionaire Preston Winslow while on location in Philadelphia shooting The Philly Story last summer. And that whirlwind wedding after they’d only known each other for a couple of weeks? Talk about romantic! Be still my beating heart, Brian!”
“Wasn’t she a beautiful bride? And Juliana, we’re already hearing quite a buzz about The Philly Story. But sadly for Elise’s fans, it seems like she and Preston have made New York their home, and from what we understand, Elise is concentrating on her Broadway career for the foreseeable future.”
“Don’t forget, Brian, Elise actually got her start on Broadway, co-starring with Maggie Gyllenhaal in Ethan Frome three years ago. Now starring in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Orpheum, she’s back on top! That girl’s got theater in her blood.”
“It appears so! Now Juliana, have you been hearing those delicious rumors about Elise and Preston starting a family? Her dress tonight sure was roomy, and I have to say…that would be one adorable baby!”
“Give her a break!” said Juliana, chuckling at her co-host. “That was a gorgeous Missoni maxi dress, and one of my top fashion picks of the night. She pulled it off like a charm. Was there a bump under there? Only Elise and Preston know for sure, but I have to agree: Baby Winslow will be a cutie pie. No question about it!”
“Juliana, let’s go back inside the Haywood Auditorium now where Charlize Theron is about to present the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture…”
The camera panned from the glittering ceiling of the auditorium to the stage where Charlize Theron, dressed in a sparkling, silver-sequined gown, had already greeted the audience, and was introducing the names of the Best Actress nominees.
“…Elise Klassan-Winslow in The Awakening, Kiera Knightly in Mansfield Park, Miranda Richardson in Julbilio, Sigourney Weaver in What Happened in Krakow, and Amy Adams in Once Upon a September.” The camera panned to each of the actresses in turn, splitting the TV screen with their smiling, expectant faces. “And the Oscar for Best Actress goes to… Amy Adams in Once Upon a September!”
The music trumpeted as the camera remained on each of the other four nominees for an extra moment before zooming in exclusively on Elise Klassan-Winslow, who stared up at her husband’s enamored face, her eyes adoring and her lips tilted up sweetly.
As Miss Adams made her ascent to the stage, the cameras lingered on Elise, watching as her handsome young husband, Preston Winslow, of the Philadelphia Winslows, beamed down at his wife, cupped her cheeks reverently and kissed her. Really kissed her, to the delight of every viewer at home. And when Elise finally drew away from him, her eyes sparkled with happiness like she hadn’t just lost the Oscar for Best Actress, but had already won the greatest prize in the world.
THE END