Oscar 2023: Which Korean Movie Got Nominated?

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 46 views

The Oscars, those golden statues that everyone in the film industry dreams about! And hey, when a Korean movie gets a nod, it's a massive deal. So, let's dive into the Korean movie nominated for an Oscar in 2023. What film was it, and why did it capture the Academy's attention?

The Nominee: Decision to Leave

The movie that had everyone talking was Park Chan-wook's Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심). This film is a mesmerizing blend of romance and suspense, a neo-noir that keeps you guessing until the very end. Decision to Leave truly stands out with its superb directing, stellar acting, and a plot that’s anything but predictable. It tells the story of a detective investigating a man's mysterious death in the mountains, only to become entangled with the man's enigmatic widow. The film stars Park Hae-il as the detective and Tang Wei as the widow, and their performances are nothing short of captivating.

Why Decision to Leave?

Park Chan-wook is no stranger to critical acclaim. His previous works, like Oldboy and The Handmaiden, have already cemented his place as one of the most innovative and stylish directors in contemporary cinema. Decision to Leave continues this trend, showcasing his signature visual flair and intricate storytelling. The film is a masterclass in suspense, using subtle clues and emotional undercurrents to build tension. But it’s not just a thriller; at its core, it's a complex love story. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their relationship is filled with unspoken desires and hidden truths. This complexity is what makes the film so compelling and what likely caught the eye of the Academy. The nomination of Decision to Leave is a testament to the increasing global recognition of Korean cinema. Over the past few decades, Korean films have been steadily gaining international acclaim, with directors like Bong Joon-ho, Lee Chang-dong, and Kim Ki-duk leading the charge. These filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of genre and storytelling, creating films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Decision to Leave fits perfectly into this tradition, showcasing the sophistication and artistry of Korean cinema.

Nominations and Categories

So, where did Decision to Leave get its Oscar recognition? While it didn't make the final cut for Best International Feature Film, the buzz around the movie was undeniable. It was South Korea's official submission, and though it faced tough competition, the film garnered significant attention and praise throughout the awards season.

Best International Feature Film

The Best International Feature Film category is always a hot one, showcasing the best films from around the globe. While Decision to Leave didn't secure a nomination in this category, its submission alone was a major achievement. To even be considered, a film has to be selected by its country as the best representation of its cinema that year. The selection process is rigorous, and only a handful of films make it to the final shortlist. The fact that Decision to Leave was chosen as South Korea's entry speaks volumes about its quality and impact. The film's themes of love, loss, and deception resonate universally, transcending cultural boundaries. Its technical brilliance, from the cinematography to the sound design, is also undeniable. These elements combined to make it a strong contender in the international arena. Although it ultimately didn't receive a nomination, the film's journey through the awards season helped to raise its profile and introduce it to a wider audience. This increased visibility is invaluable for Korean cinema, paving the way for more films to be recognized and appreciated on the global stage.

Other Korean Films at the Oscars

Of course, we can't talk about Korean movies at the Oscars without mentioning Parasite! In 2020, Bong Joon-ho's masterpiece Parasite (기생충) made history by winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. It was a groundbreaking moment for Korean cinema and a huge win for international films in general.

Parasite's Impact

Parasite's success was more than just a win for Korean cinema; it was a cultural phenomenon. The film's sharp social commentary, combined with its thrilling plot and impeccable execution, resonated with audiences around the world. It sparked conversations about class inequality, ambition, and the human condition. The film's themes are universal, but its unique Korean perspective gave it a fresh and compelling voice. Parasite's victory at the Oscars opened doors for other international films, proving that language and cultural barriers can be overcome with great storytelling. It also raised the profile of Korean cinema, inspiring more people to explore the country's rich and diverse filmography. The film's impact continues to be felt today, with more Korean films and filmmakers gaining recognition on the global stage. It's a testament to the power of cinema to transcend boundaries and connect people from different cultures.

More Notable Korean Films

Beyond Parasite, other Korean films have also garnered attention at the Oscars. In 2021, Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, received six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. While it didn't win in those major categories, Youn Yuh-jung took home the award for Best Supporting Actress, marking another significant milestone for Korean cinema.

The Growing Influence of Korean Cinema

Korean cinema's rise to prominence on the international stage is no accident. It's the result of decades of hard work, creativity, and a willingness to push boundaries. Korean filmmakers have consistently delivered films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, tackling complex social issues with intelligence and sensitivity. They've also embraced innovation, experimenting with different genres and styles to create films that are uniquely Korean. The Korean film industry has also benefited from strong government support, which has helped to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. This support has allowed filmmakers to take risks and pursue their artistic visions, without being constrained by commercial pressures. The combination of talent, innovation, and support has made Korean cinema a force to be reckoned with. As more Korean films gain international recognition, the industry's influence will only continue to grow. We can expect to see more collaborations between Korean and international filmmakers, as well as more Korean stories being told on the global stage.

What's Next for Korean Films?

So, what does the future hold for Korean films? With the success of movies like Parasite and the continued recognition of directors like Park Chan-wook, the sky's the limit! We can expect to see more Korean films competing for top awards at international film festivals and more collaborations between Korean and international filmmakers. The Korean film industry is vibrant and dynamic, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. It's an exciting time for Korean cinema, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.

Continued Innovation

Korean filmmakers are known for their willingness to experiment and innovate, and this trend is likely to continue. We can expect to see more films that blend genres, challenge conventions, and push the boundaries of storytelling. Korean filmmakers are also embracing new technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, to create immersive and interactive cinematic experiences. This willingness to innovate will help to keep Korean cinema at the forefront of the industry, attracting new audiences and inspiring filmmakers around the world.

Global Collaborations

As Korean cinema gains more international recognition, we can expect to see more collaborations between Korean and international filmmakers. These collaborations will bring together diverse talents and perspectives, resulting in films that are both culturally rich and universally appealing. They will also help to expand the reach of Korean cinema, introducing it to new audiences and markets. These collaborations are a win-win for both Korean and international filmmakers, allowing them to learn from each other and create films that are truly global in scope.