Chapter 53
Contains spoilersOverview
In 1988, Celia wins Supporting Actress for Lady Macbeth, while Evelyn, feeling the effects of ageism and dwindling roles, skips the Oscars after fighting with Max. Evelyn’s letter to Celia sparks a vulnerable exchange of apologies and reevaluation, but Celia declines a reunion upon learning Max is not a beard, stalling reconciliation.
Summary
In 1988, Celia St. James plays Lady Macbeth in a film and, shrewdly submitting for Supporting Actress, wins the Oscar. Evelyn Hugo, now fifty and confronting ageism as her roles dry up, refuses to attend the ceremony after an argument with her husband, Max Girard. She chooses to spend the day in New York with her daughter, Connor, and Harry Cameron instead.
Evelyn and Connor turn chores into a game, make dinner, and then sit with Harry to watch the broadcast. Celia appears radiant and, upon winning, quips, “And to anyone tempted to kiss the TV tonight, please don’t chip your tooth.” The moment moves Evelyn to tears. Harry encourages Evelyn to call Celia, but Evelyn chooses to write a congratulatory letter.
A week later, Celia replies. The two begin a candid exchange of letters, each admitting faults and reframing their shared history. Evelyn owns her selfishness and shortsightedness; Celia counters that she was insecure and unfair, acknowledging that Evelyn’s secrecy protected them and that their happiest moments were orchestrated by Evelyn. Celia further concedes that Three A.M. is bold and important, and she praises Evelyn’s talent.
Buoyed by this thaw, Evelyn asks if former lovers can be friends and requests to meet. Celia pointedly asks whether Max is like Harry or Rex—a beard. Evelyn admits he is not. The news “breaks” Celia, who says she cannot bear to see Evelyn under those circumstances. Evelyn calls repeatedly, but Celia does not return her calls, leaving the tentative reconnection suspended.
Who Appears
- Evelyn Hugo
Narrator; aging actress who skips the Oscars, fights with Max, watches Celia win, then initiates heartfelt letters seeking reconciliation and accountability.
- Celia St. James
Award-winning actress; strategically submits supporting, wins, trades letters with Evelyn, apologizes, praises Three A.M., and declines meeting upon learning Max isn’t a beard.
- Harry Cameron
Producer and Evelyn’s closest companion; watches the ceremony, comforts Evelyn, and urges her to call Celia.
- Connor Cameron
Evelyn’s young daughter; spends the day with her mother, watches the Oscars, notices Evelyn’s tears.
- Max Girard
Evelyn’s husband and director; argues about her attendance, goes to the Oscars alone, symbolizing tension in their marriage.