"Past Lives" Recognized in Best Picture and Original Screenplay Categories at the 96th Academy Awards

Courtesy of CJENM

Celine Song, the Korean Canadian director and playwright, has achieved a notable feat with her directorial debut, "Past Lives," receiving nominations in two categories at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards. The film is acknowledged for Best Picture and Original Screenplay, marking a significant moment in Song's career. 

▲ Courtesy of CJENMThe 96th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are set to take place on March 10. All eyes are on whether "Past Lives" can replicate the success of Lee Isaac Chung's acclaimed family drama "Minari," which garnered six nominations in 2021, with lead actor Youn Yuh-jung winning the award for Best Supporting Actress.

Expressing her gratitude, Song conveyed, "Thank you so much to the Academy for this tremendous recognition — it’s such an unbelievable honor. I am overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. And for my first film ... crazy," in a statement delivered by local distributor CJENM.

"Past Lives" explores the story of Hae-sung (Teo Yoo) and Nora (Greta Lee), childhood friends separated when Nora's family immigrates to the US. Reunited after 24 years, they confront choices, destiny, and love during a fateful week.

Other contenders in the Best Picture category include "American Fiction," "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," "Poor Things," "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Maestro," "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Holdovers." "Anatomy of a Fall," "The Holdovers," "May December," and "Maestro" are also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Following five nods at the 81st Golden Globes, "Past Lives" has garnered three nominations at the 2024 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, scheduled for February 18. Teo Yoo, making his Hollywood debut in the film, is nominated for Leading Actor.

Additionally, Korean American director Peter Sohn secured a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 96th Academy Awards for his film "Elemental." The movie, a "self-portrait" by Sohn, tells the love story between two opposing elements, Fire element Ember and Water element Wade, exploring themes of family sacrifice. "Elemental" was the most-viewed foreign film in Korea in 2023, attracting 5.58 million moviegoers after its release in June.

Sayart 

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