Dear Brian,
Congratulations are in order! You may not realize it yet, but being nominated for an Oscar is a tremendous accomplishment. It's something many people work their whole lives toward and never achieve. You should be proud! I just wanted to say - Best Supporting Actor nominee to Best Supporting Actor nominee - that there's stiff competition this year, and that even if you don't win, you must promise me you will keep acting. Heck, I've never won and I'm 73! You're only 12 years old; you've time aplenty. And a kernel of advice, when you truly commit to the Craft, awards cease to matter. So have fun tonight! - Dean
- P.S. Don't tell my agent, but I'm rooting for you!
Dear Brian,
It's your friend Dean here. How exciting to be nominated in the best actor category! And coming off last year's big win! I'm so pleased to be sharing nominations a second year in a row. As I imagine you're discovering, 13 is a rough age, and I would be remiss if I didn't warn you that things change. Childhood is full of miracles; things seem to aways go your way. Teenhood? Not so, I'm afraid. There are setbacks. This transition is frightening, but I would hate to see things like that stop you! If I let little setbacks stop me then I would have never made it this far. The Spirit of Acting – she is a capricious and passionate lover! So onwards and upwards, no matter the outcome. - Dean
Dear Brian,
My boy! Mr. 2 for 2! You've done it again! Do you know how few people have ever been nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor in the same year? Bravo! You certainly have Best Actor. I admit I was surprised that you, at only 14, were chosen as our generation's Eli Whitney. I would have guessed they might have gone, I don't know, older. But, as always, you were exquisite. Now for Best Supporting, I'm afraid politics might come into play. You see, as I am retiring from acting, it is likely the voters give me a consolation – A “bon voyage” present, if you will. I wish weren't so. How coddled I feel! But alas, they assume it must mean a great deal to me. Pish! They must not know what we know about awards. - Dean
Dear Brian,
Hope to see you tonight at the ceremony. I assure you the night is more tolerable once you are of the age to drink – assuming you will be back. We just never know! Did you hear I am to be given an Honorary Oscar this year? I think it is a fitting end, don't you? - Do keep in touch, Dean
P.S. Where does a 16-year-old learn Antebellum dress so well to be nominated for costume design?
Brian,
I've been felled by guilt since my last letter. I realized only after I sent it that I was throwing my Honorary Oscar in your face when, in all likelihood, you'll never receive an Honorary Oscar. So callous of me! The price of one's accomplishments inflating the head. I brim with remorse. I hope you'll remember, though, that awards don't matter. - Please forgive me, Dean