(OOC: That looks suspiciously a lot like Matt LeBlanc. Just saying)

OOC: because it is matt leBlanc. No one took him yet, so I did. He's my minister of commerce.

(OOC: dibs on Snape)

The cast of l'Ore d'Axe arrived on the red carpet. Led by Ruth Morricone in a simple red gown, and director Marco Grana, the delegation was allowed photographers and journalists to interact with them. Asked by the reporter for l'Unnone, a Kingsville newspaper, regarding their chances:

"We're hoping for the best," the director answered. "I've seen the other films in the festival, they're also good. This is a real competition."

"Being in the festival itself, representing Brutland and Norden, is a great honor," said Morricone. "This is also a good way in which people are exposed to the culture of other countries."

For Bricco Callegaro, who plays Morricone's on-screen son, "The entire experience has been awesome. I have met new friends and great people to work with."

When the guests and crowds settled in their seats, the guests were welcomed by the host, Ms. Carolina Puricella. Wearing a gorgeous frilly blue silk evening gown with yellow trim, and a pearl necklace, Ms. Puricella's wardrobe oddly resembled the Nord-Brutlandese flag, although it can also be interpreted as representing the flag of the North Pacific or the South Pacific. She was joined temporarily on stage by the dashing young Ceretanian actor Cesc Recasens Ortells, who helped her in welcoming the guests.

After going through the usual opening ceremonies, the audience were treated with the most memorable and representative snippets of the films, eliciting cheers from the audience. Juxtaposed together, the presentation flowed in a smooth manner and showcased the best of the films.

"And there you have it, the entries for the inaugural edition of the North-South Pacific Film Festival!" Puricella said at the end of the presentation. "I'm sure everyone's excited to know who the winners are, right Cesc?"

"That's right Carolina. But before we go to that, we would first like to call the head of the Organizing Committee for this year's film festival. This occasion would not be possible without their time and effort."

"To speak on behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to welcome Ms. Laura Cascarano-Mazza, head of the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Film Academy."

"Miss" Laura Cascarano-Mazza went onstage, with her beaming smile visible, obviously happy with the turnout for this year's contest. A youthful-looking blonde, one might have not believed that she is a fifty-something mother of four children. Starting as a pin-up model, she crossed over to acting. She faded from the limelight when she married and had children, but had now made a comeback, this time not in front of the camera, but behind it. Active in the Nord-brutlandese filmmaking scene, she runs a foundation supporting indie filmmakers.

Ms. Cascarano Mazza stood bhind the podium and scanned the audience. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she began. "First of all, I would like thank everyone for attending this ceremony. I would like to thank Cesc and Carolina for their compliments. But having an Organizing Committee is no good if you don't have one vital ingredient for a Film Festival."

She paused for a moment, leaving her audience wondering what it is.

"Of course, the vital ingredient will be the... Films. Today, we have seen the best films our regions have to offer. Every one of them is already a winner. As a filmmaker myself, the privilege of being able to show one's creations to a wider audience is an honor by itself. The awards that will be an additional honor to the filmmakers and actors and actresses; to use a metaphor, it will be an icing on the cake.

"In addition, we hope that this film festival would help in showcasing the diversity of our regions by facilitating cultural exchanges. In particular, we would like to thank the regional governments for their help and support. We hope that this Film Festival had succeeded in that goal. We look forward to more film festivals and cultural events in the future. Thank you very much, and I hope you enjoy the show."

Markus sat down at his seat, while eating the traditional popcorn and soda. He was in awe of the movies that he saw, though some of the languages these countries used are still foreign to Hammerstar, he was enjoying it nevertheless.

OOC: B&N, who are the winners?

(OOC: Sorry for being away, RL is a bit heavy atm. Announcements of awards will be made individually, to allow for people to react/post accepting their awards.)

Ms. Puricella, still joined onstage by Ms. Cascarano-Mazza, started the announcement of the winners. "The first award we are going to announce is for the Best Actress Award. This award is given in honor of an actress who had delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role among the films in this festival. Ms. Cascarano-Mazza has brought to us the decision of the jury."

Ms. Cascarano-Mazza then handed to Ms. Puricella a sealed envelope, who then attempted to open it cleanly, taking quite a moment. "I guess we need a letter opener here," she joked. "It seems that they don't want us to know who won." Finally, Ms. Puricella simply ripped the envelope open. "That's for a bit of excitement and anticipation then."

Ms. Puricella retrieved the contents of the envelope. "And the winner of the Best Actress Award goes to..."

She flipped open the folded piece of paper and read the content.

"... Isabella Georgie Kendrick for her role as Anna in Criminal Echo."

Luksa clapped his hands the most fervently, being incredibly proud of himself and for Isabella.

"I told you she'd make it!" he told Anaru Tane who was sitting right next to him.

*Isabella was frozen for a brief second, trying to process what she had just heard. She had won! She had actually won! It was her name being shown on the screen! She felt someone gently shake her, and she became aware of her surroundings once again. Her husband was there, smiling and applauding, along with the rest of those present.

She smiled too, and got up, walking all the way up to the stage. She made it to the centre of the stage and claimed her award, then she turned to face everyone.*

"I...I am lost for words! This is such an incredible honour, and I feel I owe this to all those who have stood at my side throughout the filmmaking process. This is for Luksa, our Director, Anaru, who played the Detective, to Charles, my husband, and to Jane and Steve, our children...Quite frankly there are so many people I would thank, but I'd be here all night if I did. You know who you are, and this award is for you.
Thank you to everyone, to Brutland and Norden for hosting this event, to Sovonor, for being my homeland, and to Sporaltryus and Awesomiasa, for being great partners in this filmmaking adventure. Thank you!"

*Isabella kept smiling and exited the stage, still unable to believe what had just happened. She was to ecstatic, hopeful that Anaru and Luksa would claim their awards too.*