Korean star Youn Yuh-jung won best supporting actress for her role in the movie “Minari” at the 27th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards held on April 4 (April 5 in the Philippines).
Youn Yuh-jung bagged the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, beating Maria Bakalova of “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” Glenn Close of “Hillbilly Elegy,” Olivia Colman of “The Father” and Helena Zengel of “News of the World.” She is the first Korean star to win an individual acting prize at the SAG Awards.
“I don't know how to describe my feelings, I'm being recognized by Westerners. Oh, it is very, very honored. Especially by my actor fellow, choose me as a supporting actress. I don't know. Am I saying right? My English is not good? I’m very pleased and happy. And thanks to SAG-AFTRA. I’m sorry, everything is not familiar. Thank you so much. Thank you, Olivia, and Glenn Close, Maria , and everybody. Thank you,” said Youn Yuh-jung, 73, who accepted the award online.
“Minari” tells the story of a family of Korean immigrants who relocate to Arkansas in the 1980s. Youn Yuh-jung plays the role of Soon-ja who travels to the US from South Korea to take care of her grandchildren.
At the 2021 SAG Awards, “Minari” was also nominated for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture while Steven Yeun was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture.
Last month, Youn Yuh-jung was announced as a nominee for best supporting actress for “Minari” at the 93rd Academy Awards that will be held on April 25 in Los Angeles, becoming the first Korean actor to receive an Oscar nomination.
Including Youn Yuh-jung's nomination, “Minari” is vying in six categories at the Oscars. The film is also nominated for best picture, best director and best original screenplay for Lee Isaac Chung, best actor for Steven Yeun and best original score.