The Oscar

Frankie begins his climb by working as a spieler for his stripper girlfriend Laurel. The gig is a rough start that tests his hunger for fame and his willingness to hustle others. It marks the first step on a path that will lead him to Hollywood and stardom.

Frankie relocates to New York City, and his relationship with Laurel ends as he begins dating Kay Bergdahl, a rising fashion designer. This move and the shift in love interest push him toward new opportunities and big-city ambition. The change sets the stage for a chance to break into the film world.

Kay Bergdahl's presence leads to a chance meeting with talent scout Sophie Cantaro in New York. Sophie sees Frankie’s potential and arranges for him to be signed with agent Kappy Kapstetter, bringing him toward Hollywood stardom. This meeting marks the transition from club gigs to a real film career.

Sophie arranges for Frankie to be signed with agent Kappy Kapstetter and moves him to Hollywood. The deal promises fast-tracked access to major roles and a glamorous life. The stage is set for a steely ascent that will test his morals.

Frankie rises quickly in Hollywood, using charm and calculated aggression to win roles and favor. He climbs the ladder while others watch, impressed and wary of his ruthlessness. The ascent cements a persona that will spell trouble later.

His ascent is accompanied by increasing ruthlessness; he hurts others to get ahead and flaunts wealth by buying expensive homes and cars. He even insults studio chief Regan, fueling resentment around him. The combination of vanity and cruelty foreshadows a dramatic fall.

In an impulsive move, Frankie convinces Kay to marry him in Tijuana, giving his ascent a personal seal. The marriage makes him feel secure while Kay remains wary. The arrangement also deepens his power trip as he uses her status to polish his image.

Frankie's personal and professional life deteriorates as his public image stalls and audiences lose faith in him. His films bomb, his reputation suffers, and he becomes box-office poison. The fall isolates him from colleagues and friends.

At his lowest point, Frankie unexpectedly receives an Oscar nomination. Kappy believes the nomination stems from his portrayal of a 'man without morals,' essentially mirroring himself. The prospect of winning reignites his appetite for victory regardless of ethics.

To nail the win, Frankie secretly enlists crooked private investigator Barney Yale to leak information aimed at swaying Academy voters. The tactic reveals how far he will go to secure the statue, threatening others in his orbit. The campaign's malign underbelly begins to unravel under pressure.

Hymie Kelly confronts Frankie, revealing the truth behind Laurel's marriage and death. He explains that Laurel died after an abortion, pregnant with Frankie’s child, exposing the personal cost of Frankie's ambition. The confrontation intensifies the moral stakes of the Oscar bid.

Barney Yale escalates his blackmail, threatening to reveal Frankie’s misdeeds if he doesn't cooperate. Desperate, Frankie seeks help from Yale's ex-wife to keep the scheme from being exposed. The web of deception tightens around him as the awards approach.

The Academy Awards moment arrives as presenter Merle Oberon announces the winner. She first hesitates on 'Frank' and finally reveals 'Sinatra,' stunning Frankie and leaving him to clap feebly and collapse in his seat. The audience, once wronged by him, revels in his comeuppance.