So, around this same time last year, I entered a contest. It was the first of its kind, and there was no way I was going to pass up that opportunity. It was by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences a.k.a. The Oscars. In order to be eligible to win this contest, you had to make a 30 second video explaining how you plan to contribute to the future of film. And now here's the best part; the winners get to actually attend the Oscars and hand out the statuettes to the Oscar winners at the ceremony. I was very excited when I first heard about it, and in classic Marilei fashion, I waited last minute to make my video.
My wonderful husband helped me make my video after I came up with a script. I submitted my video ONE DAY before it was due. I felt so good about it. My script was simple but funny and creative, and I was very happy with that. I truly felt like I had a good chance.
(Here's my entry from last year. Just in case you wanted to see it.)
The day they were supposed to announce the winners, The Oscars Facebook page said they would need one more week in order to decide the winners. ONE WEEK. Do you understand the torture?? I was a mess for one whole week. I kept thinking of how I would react if I actually won. But since I am being completely honest, I thought more about how I would feel if I lost.
Once the week was up, I checked their Facebook page about every 15 minutes from the early morning hours. I don't even think I slept at all. I gave up early in the evening though. Later on in the night, I sat down at my husband's computer and logged in. I didn't even have to go to their page, because their post about the winners was the first thing that popped up in my newsfeed. I sighed and clicked on the link that took you to the list of winners.
My name wasn't there. I instantly put my head down on the computer desk and started to sob. I haven't cried that hard in a good long while. I just kept on crying thinking how this was my one chance to attend the Oscars. But I didn't win, and I just felt absolutely horrible. Going to the Oscars has been a dream of mine for so long, and I just couldn't believe I didn't get picked. I was devastated. I called my husband, Julio, and as soon as he heard me crying, I think he already knew what I was calling him about. He consoled me and calmed me down, and my mind shifted back to reality once my little son woke up from his nap.
We watched the Oscars like we do every year, and I was genuinely happy for all the winners, but still dreamed of being able to be on that stage with them. Lucky bastards.
Well, my friends, Team Oscar is doing it again this year. I saw the info for it early in December in 2013, and I instantly knew I would be entering. Again.
And guess what? I waited last minute to submit my video. AGAIN. The contest submission is today (Sunday) and I submitted my video late Saturday. The contest rules are the same except now your video can be up to 60 seconds long.
The winners will be announced January 31st. What am I supposed to do until then??
I guess I could occupy my free time when my kids are asleep at night with some reading, or writing some... oh who am I kidding?? I am going to go crazy!
You have no idea how bad I want this! I truly feel like I want this more than anyone else. There are hundreds of entries already, and I have seen some of them, and the ones that I have seen are great. But I just feel like (as I'm sure they all feel) that I deserve it more than anyone else.
I already know how it feels to lose to this one of a kind, amazing opportunity. But I could NOT pass this up again. Can you imagine if I won? The films and actors that will more than likely be nominated are AMAZING!!! If I could stand up on that stage and see that beautiful view.... *sigh* it would make me so unbelievably happy. There is no denying that.
To whoever is reading is, then I will tell you one thing. One of my biggest goals in life is to win an Academy Award. There are several categories I would love to win in, but the top 2 are for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. And I have the rest of my life to try and achieve this, but this chance is an amazing thing happening.
The Academy has no idea who I am. They have no clue that my husband and I live in the basement of his parents house with our two little kids. They have NO IDEA the kind of struggles that I have dealt with these last few years. And by winning this, it would add a huge light in this tunnel that I climbing out of with my family by my side. It would be amazing, and I will be anxiously awaiting for the list of winners.
(Here's my entry video for this year)
Please wish me luck and send me good vibes!
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