(5th LD) 'Parasite' wins best foreign film at Golden Globes

(ATTN: UPDATES with minister's message in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- Bong Joon-ho's black comedy "Parasite" was named best foreign language film at the U.S. Golden Globe Awards on Monday (Korean time).

In a ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, "Parasite" won the honor, outclassing "The Farewell" by Lulu Wang, "Pain and Glory" by Pedro Almodovar, "Les Miserables" by Ladj Ly and "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" by Celine Sciamma.

It is the first time that a Korean-made film has won a prize at the accolades given by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

It was also nominated for best screenplay and best director at the Golden Globe Awards but failed to win either.

Sam Mendes of "1917" took best director, and Quentin Tarantino of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" earned best screenplay.

"Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many amazing films," Bong said through an interpreter when accepting the trophy. "Just being nominated along with fellow amazing international filmmakers was a huge honor. I think we use only one language: the cinema."

Meanwhile, "1917" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" earned the Golden Globes' best motion picture for drama and musical or comedy, respectively.

Joaquin Phoenix won best actor for his performance in "Joker" and Renee Zellweger was awarded best actress for "Judy," while the honors of best supporting actor and actress went to Brad Pitt for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and Laura Dern for "Marriage Story," respectively.

Awkwafina, born to a Chinese-American father and a South Korean mother, was named best actress in a comedy or musical film for her role in "The Farewell," directed by Lulu Wang. She became the first woman of Asian descent to win the award.

The top prize winner of this year's Cannes Film Festival is a family satire that depicts the entrenched social class system through the lives of two families, one rich and one poor, with Bong's humor and suspense.

Its international success has been unprecedented as a Korean film, and it received a number of prizes from U.S. film critics associations. Also, it is eyeing a trophy at the upcoming Academy Awards.

"Parasite" was shortlisted for best international feature film at the upcoming Academy Awards. It was also included on the 15-film shortlist in the original song category for "A Glass of Soju."

The final five nominees for the awards will be announced on Jan. 13, and the award-giving ceremony is slated for Feb. 9.

Since its U.S. release in October, moreover, the film has grossed over US$23 million in the United States, becoming the most popular subtitled film of the year.

Culture Minister Park Yang-woo sent a message to Bong in celebration of the Golden Globe victory.

"Winning the latest award is very meaningful as it is a feat achieved in the U.S., the biggest cinema market in the world," Park was quoted as saying in the message released by the ministry.

"It's another great feat, following the winning of the Palme d'Or, that overcame cultural and language barriers to promote the originality and artistry of Korean cinema worldwide," he said.

brk@yna.co.kr
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