I was watching the Oscars at batman’s lair this morning and as always I got caught up in the magic that is ‘bikin filem’. I am reminded of my lifelong dream of walking down the aisle, passing Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg on my right and Jodie Foster and Susan Sarandon on my left, the skirt of my black evening dress swishing as I make my way to the stage. The crowd cheering madly even though this was their first time hearing my name over the PA system with the orchestra playing that sweet song of victory as I make my way up the steps and straight into the arms of Pierce Brosnan who is presenting the award. The Oscar girl hands me the actor, and as Marlon Brando pointed out about a million years ago, it is heavier than it looks. As I cradle the naked golden actor in my hands, I gently look up to receive a peck on the cheek from Mr Brosnan and with stars still in my eyes and my head up in the clouds, I turn to face the audience, the camera and the rest of the world. “I would like to thank God for charting this path as my destiny and for putting me in this spot tonight. I would like to thank my family for putting up with my far-fetched dream. Thank you also to those who never faltered in their belief that I will make it here one day; Fareez, Adnin, Nawar. Without their love and support, this would not have been possible. And a big thank you to my husband and children for always having faith in me and for spurring me ahead on all those times that I was ready to throw in the towel and just get a job at Mcdonalds. Thank you to everyone involved in the making of this movie, without your hardwork this night would have remained a mere distant illusion. And of course thank you to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for this nomination and win. Once upon a time I made a decision to get into the movie line and I dared to dream big. This, ladies and gentlemen is the payoff. Indeed there is no business like show business. I am here now and mark my words, I am here to stay. This is only the beginning.” As the orchestra drowned out the claps and cheers, and as the microphone was silenced, I graciously accepted Pierce’s arm, and walked off the stage with Mr Remington Steele, my head still very much up in the clouds.
A long, long time ago I somehow knew that my life would head in the general direction of the entertainment line. Having grown up watching lots of movies, it was only natural that I would eventually make a career in it. Magic is made at the movies and I have always wanted to play an active role in creating that magic. Walt built Disneyland because he wanted a happy place where people could go to and just be happy. The Wright Brothers wanted to fly. Edison wanted to see in the dark and Washington wanted a free America. Throughout the years, the world has seen a lot of dreamers. Like the song, they all laughed at Christopher Columbus when he said the world was round and they all laughed when Edison recorded sound. Somehow amidst the noise of mockery and disbelief, you will yourself to close your eyes and deafen your ears as you drown out the sound of their laughter and listen instead to the sound of your heart beating the drums of your dream into reality.
Of course I am nowhere near the Kodak Theatre just yet, but I intend to get there. How I do it, I haven’t the faintest idea, but I’ve got my dreams in my hand and a wishing star in my pocket. And as God is my witness, I will keep at it if it’s the last thing I do.
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