SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korean social media erupted in celebration on Monday after the dark comedy “Parasite” became the first non-English language movie to win the Best Picture award, already having netted three other Oscars in a historic first for the country.
Director Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” vaulted over what he once called the “one-inch tall barrier of subtitles” to capture international attention like no previous South Korean movie.
Bong’s win for Best Original Screenplay was the first Oscar for South Korea’s large film industry.
But as the night continued, the film also came out on top of increasingly prestigious categories, including International Feature Film award, Best Director for Bong, and the top award, Best Picture.
“I’m ready to drink tonight,” Bong joked, after thanking the cast and staff during his acceptance speech for the International Feature Film award.
Executive producer Kwak Sin-ae said she was “speechless” after the film won Best Picture.
“Parasite” had also snagged nominations for best production design and best film editing, and had already collected several other international film awards.
A satirical take on the vast gap between the rich and poor in South Korea, the movie came as South Korea grapples with the divide between “dirt spoons” – those born to low-income families who have all but given up on social mobility –