'Parasite' cast receives standing ovation at SAG gala

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Five members of the Parasite cast received a two-minute standing ovation.

Song Kang-ho, Park So-dam, Choi Woo-sik, Lee Sun-kyun and Lee Jung-eun were surprised to receive a two-minute standing ovation when they took the stage to introduce their movie, the movie, Parasite, at the 2020 SAG Awards Sunday night.

The reception from their peers was a harbinger for things to come later in the evening when the Parasite cast won the best ensemble in a movie award, making history as the first non-English film to win that accolade.

The win by the South Korean film was the only award given to actors of color at the star-studded Sunday night ceremonies. Despite the warm, spontaneous reception of the movie's cast, none of the film's actors received individual nominations.

The prestigious SAG award was given to the 10-member cast of the dark comedy, including Chang Hyae-jin, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Jung Hyeon-jun, Jung Ziso, Lee Jung-eun, Lee Sun-kyun, Park Myung-hoon, Park So-dam and Song Kang-ho.

"Although the title is Parasite, I think the story is about co-existence, and how we can all live together," Song said through a translator. "But to be honored with a Best Ensemble award, it occurs to me that maybe we haven’t created such a bad movie. I am so honored to receive this award in front of such amazing actors that I admire, I will never forget this beautiful night, thank you so much.” 

Choi Woo-shik, who plays Ki-woo, the poor family's son, said he hoped that this meant more recognition for foreign language films going forward. “Other than us, there are so many legends out there in foreign countries. I really truly hope that after this moment, maybe next year, we can see more foreign-language films and Asian films,” according to Deadline.

Parasite director Bong Joon-ho acted like a proud father as he taped the standing ovation from his table. 

Later, backstage, Bong was asked if the SAG award would increase the chances of winning an Academy Award.

“It is true that the momentum is building, and we are a part of the awards race, but I think today was truly important as these actors were acknowledged by fellow peers and that’s the greatest joy of this night. With regard to the Oscars, no one can predict what will happen,” he said through a translator.