"Brad Pitt, Where Were You During Filming?" Youn Yuh-jung's Witty Acceptance Speech [2021 Academy Awards]

▲Actors Youn Yuh-jung (left) and Han Ye-ri are posing at the photo zone at Union Station in Los Angeles (LA), USA, on the 25th (local time) during the 93rd Academy Awards. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] (To Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, who presented the Best Supporting Actress award) Brad Pitt, I have always wanted to meet you, and I am delighted to finally do so. Where were you when we were filming the movie? It is truly an honor to meet you.

As you know, I am from Korea. My name is Youn Yeo-jeong. Many people call me "Yeo" or "Jeong." My name is Yeo-jeong, not Yo-jeong or Ya-jeong. But even if you mispronounced it, I will forgive you today. (Audience laughs)

Living in Asia, I have watched many Western TV programs. I used to only watch TV, but now I am here in person, and I cannot believe it. Let me compose myself a little. Thank you.

I sincerely thank the Academy officials. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. And thanks to the Minari family. Steven Yeun, director Lee Isaac Chung, Han Ye-ri, Noel, we all became family while filming the movie. Above all, without director Lee Isaac Chung, I would not even be standing here. Thank you.

The director was our captain and also my director. So I am very grateful. There are so many people to thank, but honestly, I do not believe in competition. How could I compete with a great actor like Glenn Close? I have seen Glenn’s excellent acting many times. All five of us played different roles in the movie. In our society, there really is no competition. We have all essentially won. I just happened to be a bit luckier to be standing here.

Also, Americans seem to be very welcoming to Korean actors. I am here, and in any case, I am very thankful. Thanks to my two sons as well. They always urge me to go to work. So thank you. All of this is thanks to their nagging. Mom worked hard and got an award.

Director Kim Ki-young was my first director. Thank you. We made my first film together, and if he were alive, he would be happy. Once again, thank you to everyone.