Chapter 7:
Hollywood's Golden Boy

"Good Will Hunting" was the surprise hit of 1997.  Released Christmas Day, the film was still successful and high in box office reports in May of 1998.  It has become the highest grossing film in Miramax history.  It has been nominated for countless awards which include the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the most prominent of them all; the Oscar. It's stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck even nabbed one of those golden statues for "Best Original Screenplay" and Matt a nomination for Best Actor.

With Oscar in tow, Matt Damon has become larger than life.  Months before the award shows even started the circuit Matt was enormously popular.  Just the hype from the underdog movie of the year alone made Matt Damon a household name. Now he's hot property in Hollywood.

Every director from old friend, Kevin Smith, to legendary Steven Spielberg wanted Matt in their movies.  Both, however, were smart enough to see his talent and cast him before all the hysteria. Now Miramax has done everything possible to make Matt and Ben official posterboys for their production company.  A multi-year deal they have.  Dozens of movies and screenplays in the works for Matt.  

What more could Hollywood's Golden Boy ask for?