'Minari' Youn Yuh-jung, Even the 'Pretentious' British Acknowledge Her (Comprehensive)

British Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress "Especially Grateful for This Award"
Increased Possibility of Winning the US Oscar "I Have No Idea What Will Happen"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Youn Yuh-jung from the film 'Minari' has also won the British Academy Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) announced Youn Yuh-jung as the winner of the Best Supporting Actress award at the 74th British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the 11th (local time). This is the first time an Asian actor has received this award. With her performance in 'Minari,' she secured her thirty-seventh trophy, bringing her closer to winning the American Oscar.

In her acceptance speech delivered via video, Youn greeted with a moved expression, saying, "Hello, Britain. I am Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung." She said, "I don't know how to express this. I am honored to be nominated," then corrected herself with a smile, "No, now I am the winner," eliciting laughter from the audience.

Youn expressed condolences on the passing of Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, and said, "This award is especially meaningful to me." She added, "Every award has its significance, but it is a great honor that the British, who often act refined, have recognized me as a good actress. I thank those who voted for me," receiving applause and cheers.

This speech sparked a strong reaction even outside the ceremony. The BBC reported that Youn spoke in 'broken English' and referred to the British as 'people who act refined.' The Independent noted that viewers enjoyed this remark. Edgar Wright, director of 'Baby Driver' (2017), said, "With that one line, she won the entire awards season."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In a subsequent interview with Variety, when asked if her comment came from personal experience, Youn replied, "Yes." She said, "I have visited Britain several times and had a fellowship at Cambridge University as an actress ten years ago. I felt that everyone was acting refined. But it was not meant negatively." She added, "Britain has a long history and pride. As an Asian woman, I felt they were acting refined. That was my honest feeling."

When asked about expectations for her performance at the Academy Awards on the 25th, Youn said, "Please don't ask because I don't know what will happen." However, Variety speculated that having won both the Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) and the British Academy Film Award, her chances of winning the Oscar have increased. Since the BAFTA awards cover both British and American films, it is considered a good indicator of the direction of the American Academy Awards.

'Minari' was nominated in six categories including Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress and Actor, Best Original Music, and Best Casting, but unfortunately won only one category. Best Picture went to 'Nomadland,' and its Chinese-born director Chloe Zhao won Best Director. The film also won Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Cinematography (Joshua James Richards), achieving four awards in total. Best Actor went to Anthony Hopkins for 'The Father,' and Best Supporting Actor to Daniel Kaluuya for 'Judas and the Black Messiah.'