Surprise as Korean film beats 1917 for top Oscar
FOR ALL the criticism which they had faced over nominations being dominated by white male actors and directors, this year’s Oscars nonetheless proved to throw up a major surprise.
South Korean film Parasite became the first non-English language movie to win the best picture Oscar, in a significant upset for British war film 1917.
The class satire by Bong Joonho also won best director, best original screenplay and best international feature, leaving Sir Sam Mendes empty-handed.
It was widely thought that the British filmmaker would win his second directing Oscar for the First World War epic, filmed to appear as one long take.
It would have come exactly 20 years after his win for American Beauty, but he was pipped to the Academy Award by director Bong, despite success at both the Baftas and the Golden Globes.
The South Korean filmmaker appeared stunned to win the directing prize, saying: “After winning best international feature, I thought I was done for the day and ready to relax.”
1917 did enjoy success in the cinematography category, where Roger Deakins won his second Oscar in three years. It was also celebrated for sound mixing and visual effects.
British hopefuls lost out in the acting categories, with success for Joaquin Phoenix, Renee Zellweger, Laura Dern and Brad Pitt, but Sir Elton John did triumph in the original song category. He won alongside his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin for their track (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again for biopic Rocketman. Pitt won his first acting Oscar for his supporting role in Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood, Phoenix won the leading actor prize for Joker and Zellweger was named best actress for her starring role in the Judy Garland biopic, Judy.