Youn Yuh-Jung of 'Minari' Is the First Asian Actress To Win an Oscar in Over 60 Years
And the first-ever Korean actress to be nominated for the award.
Taking place in-person this year at multiple locations in Los Angeles, the 93rd Academy Awards has marked a historical moment for Asian creatives. Minari‘s Youn Yuh-jung has won “Best Supporting Actress,” becoming the first Asian actress to win an Oscar in over 60 years, and the second in history.
The first and last time an Asian actress took home an award from the ceremony was back in 1957. With this title, Youn is now the first-ever Korean actress to win the award. “Mr. Brad Pitt, finally, nice to meet you. Where were you while we were filming? I’m so honored to meet you,” she began her speech. “I cannot believe I’m here… Thank you to the Academy members who have voted for me. I wouldn’t be here tonight if it weren’t for Lee Isaac Chung,” she continued.
For those unfamiliar with Youn, the actress’s career spans over five decades, having starred in some of the most iconic and classic Korean titles such as the 2010 movie The Housemaid and 2016 K-drama Dear My Friends. The star is also set to act in Apple TV+‘s film adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel Pachinko.
Minari, nominated for six Oscar titles this year, follows the story of an immigrant family who moves to Arkansas in pursuit of the American dream.
For more updates on the 93rd Academy Awards, make sure to follow our coverage here.
