Award

A lot happened in the next year or so. I gave lots of interviews, took part in various photo shoots, and met a lot of famous people. The most awkward experience of meeting someone that I had was definitely David Beckham, because, while being my childhood soccer idol, I was dating his son’s ex, who he had had a very messy breakup with. Then the nominees came in for the award Chloë had won in our first year together, and upon reading the lists, my heart did a triple summersault: our movie had been nominated for Best Picture, Chloë for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and I HAD BEEN NOMINATED for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. I looked up at Chloë, who was reading the same list across from me, and just as I did, her face lit up and she rushed over to kiss me. “It’s SO deserved, Dave! You were absolutely AMAZING in that movie, especially for your debut!” I nodded weakly. It felt very surreal - reading my name in an actual acting award nomination.

A few months later, I was back where I’d been two years before, except this time, I wasn’t just Chloë’s plus one. And my family was there this time, brimming with excitement. I was very nervous. Then Chloë turned to me and said the exact words I had said to her two years previously: “Look at me. It’s going to be great. Trust me.” And, just as my words had worked on her then, miraculously, I felt immediately calmer, as she laid her soft hand on mine.

My nomination was the very first up. I concentrated all my attention on listening to the presenter’s voice and Chloë’s hand on mine. “And the award goes to…Dave Richards!” – the presenter said. I thought I was about to faint. I stood up shakily, gave Chloë a celebratory kiss, and walked up awkwardly onto the stage.

“I feel very strange right now. Just two years ago I was a jobless set designer’s assistant, and now I’m here. It’s an incredible honor to be here with all of you, I feel extremely fortunate. I wish I could use my platform right now to bring attention to an important real-world issue, since we are so disconnected from that real world sometimes, but my mind is blank right now, I’m just in total disbelief.

I’d like to thank my family, for never losing belief in me. I’d like to thank every single team member that in some way contributed to this amazing movie I was lucky enough to play in. I’d like to thank Michael Bay, for being the best director I could have asked for on my acting debut. I’d like to thank my fellow actors for being nothing but supportive throughout. And most importantly, I want to thank Chloë – my inspiration, my light, the person without whom I literally would not be here. Thank you, Chloë. I love you.”

With that, I collected my award and went back to my seat. My mother was in tears, as was Chloë. “I’m so proud of you, Dave…” – said my mother slowly through her tears of joy. “Thanks mom” – I said, before adding - “I still can’t really believe it” – and looking down at the award in my hand. “I told you this was YOUR thing…” – said Chloë, - “I knew from the start how talented you were. You deserve every second in the spotlight, Dave. I’m so, so lucky to have you.” “I could say the exact same to you, love” – I said, and we concentrated on the awards again.

The rest of the night came in strange flashes to me, the brightest, of course, being Chloë winning the same award she’d won the first time we had sat in that room, and our movie winning Best Picture. Practically overflowing with gratitude and pride, I said goodbye to my family and headed to the after party, Chloë never leaving my side. This had already arguably been the best evening of my life, and it was only just getting started…