(LEAD) '12.12: The Day' Wins Best Picture at Blue Dragon Film Awards, Ties with 'Exhuma' for Four Awards

연합뉴스 / 2024-11-29 23:32:41

▲ This photo provided by Plus M Entertainment shows a scene from "12.12: The Day." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The historical blockbuster 12.12: The Day, centered on South Korea's pivotal 12.12 military coup, claimed the Best Picture award at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards held Wednesday at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul.

The film achieved a total of four awards, including Best Actor (Hwang Jung-min), Best Editing, and the Audience Choice Award for Most Viewed Film.

Director Kim Sung-soo, upon receiving the Best Picture honor, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I never anticipated such success for this film. It seems that audiences who love Korean cinema have shown us exceptional kindness. I humbly ask for your continued love and support for Korean films."

Hwang Jung-min, who portrayed Jeon Du-gwang, a character inspired by former President Chun Doo-hwan, received his third Blue Dragon Best Actor award. In his acceptance speech, he remarked, "Every actor working in Korea deserves this recognition. Despite the challenges our industry faces, Korean cinema will always remain vibrant and alive with us."

▲ This photo provided by Plus M Entertainment shows a scene from "12.12: The Day." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Another box-office hit, Exhuma by director Jang Jae-hyun, also won four awards, including Best Director, Best Actress (Kim Go-eun), Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography and Lighting.

Director Jang, who received his first Best Director award, shared, "I grew up dreaming and aspiring by watching films by Kim Sung-soo, Ryoo Seung-wan, Kim Tae-yong, and Lee Jong-pil. Standing among them as a nominee was already an honor, and receiving this award feels like a message to work even harder," he said, holding back tears.

Kim Go-eun, who won her first Best Actress trophy, reflected, "Acting has its tough moments, but the joy it brings outweighs it all. Each day, I feel more grateful for this profession and will continue striving to be the kind of actor I aspire to be." She was recognized for her role as Hwarim, a shaman involved in the reinterment of graves in Exhuma.

▲ A still from "Exhuma" is shown in this image provided by Showbox. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

In other notable wins, Jung Hae-in (Veteran 2) and Lee Sang-hee (Road to Utopia) claimed Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively. Best New Actor went to Noh Sang-hyun ( Love in the Big City), and Best New Actress was awarded to Park Joo-hyun (Drive).

Actor-director Jo Hyun-chul achieved double honors with his directorial debut You and Me, winning both Best New Director and Best Screenplay.

Han Ji-min, newly appointed as co-host alongside Lee Je-hoon, received praise for her smooth hosting, succeeding Kim Hye-soo, who had been a fixture of the Blue Dragon Awards since 1993.