South Korean cinema scooped two major prizes at Cannes for the first time in the country’s history. Song Kang Ho won the best actor award for his film, Broker, while Park Chan Wook picked up the best director award for Decision to Leave, following Painted Fire director Im Kwon Taek‘s footsteps.
In his acceptance speech, Park Chan Wook said, “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have kept our borders closed and lived under the same fear. Fans didn’t visit movie theatres, but it made us realize the true value of cinema. As we have hope and power to overcome this pandemic, I believe that we cineastes have the power to keep theatres open and keep our industry alive.”
Song Kang Ho expressed his joy by stating: “I would like to first thank the great artist, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and I also want to share my most sincere gratitude with Kang Dong Won, IU, Lee Joo Young, and Bae Doona.” He added, “I came here with my family and they are right there on the second floor. This will be the biggest gift for us to take home. I dedicate the honor and privilege that is given to me today to my family and to countless Korean movie fans.”
Meanwhile, Broker won the Ecumenical Jury Award for Best Film. The Ecumenical jury selects its best film from the Cannes competition that “best touches the spiritual dimension of our existence.”
Source: CJ ENM
