Korean Director Lee Chang-Dong Appointed as Jury President of Asian Film Awards 2021

The legendary South Korean filmmaker will be presiding over this year’s Asian Film Awards jury to decide who will take home the 16 coveted prizes

The Asian Film Awards Academy announced that legendary South Korean director, Lee Chang-dong will be this year’s jury president. Lee was the lifetime award recipient at the 13th Asian Film Awards and the Best Director award. Lee has been at the forefront of advancing Korean cinema onto the world stage, receiving multiple awards at international film festivals.

Shared exclusively to Tatler, director Lee said, “Last year, the ceremony had to be held online because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but I am happy that this year we are able to hold the ceremony in Busan in a hybrid format, both online and on-site. I would like to extend my congratulations on this event.”

Lee boasts a stunning portfolio of movies including his latest, 2018’s Burning which stars Oscar-nominated actor Steven Yeun, Asian Film Awards Best Actor nominee Yoo Ah-in and Baeksang Arts Awards Film Best Actress, Jeon Jong-seo.

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Burning was also shortlisted for the Academy Award’s Best International Feature Film category—the first Korean film to make it to the shortlist. The movie also won the Fipresci award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Director Lee also worked on other notable films such as Secret Sunshine which starred Cannes Film Festival 2007 Best Actress, Jeon Do-yeon, Oasis which won the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival and Poetry which clinched the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. The master director has also been nominated for the Golden Lion and the Palme d’Or.

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 23: Winner of the award for Best Screenplay Director Chang-dong Lee attends the Palme d'Or Award Ceremony Photo Call held at the Palais des Festivals during the 63rd Annual International Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2010 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Toni Anne Barson/WireImage)

Above Winner of the award for Best Screenplay Director Chang-dong Lee attends the Palme d'Or Award Ceremony Photo Call held at the Palais des Festivals during the 63rd Annual International Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2010 in Cannes, France. (Photo: Toni Anne Barson/WireImage)

The Lee-led jury will be choosing the winners of 16 awards from 36 nominated films including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Actor and Best Newcomer.

Asked what his impressions are for this year’s nominees as the jury president, director Lee shared, “Asian cinema has been growing dramatically every year with many brilliant and outstanding works. The nominations this year show great creativity. Together with the other judges, I will enjoy watching these films, advocate and support them.”

The Asian Film Awards was inaugurated in 2007 to celebrate excellence in Asian cinema through the annual presentation of awards to talents and films that make up the dynamic industries in Asia. The ceremony will be held alongside the Busan International Film Festival on October 8 in a hybrid form, combining on-site attendance in Busan and online participation.

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lee chang-dong asian film awards jury president burning film awards

Tatler Asia

Korean Director Lee Chang-Dong Appointed as Jury President of Asian Film Awards 2021