Lee Byung-hun nominated for Best Actor at Gotham Awards
Poster for "No Other Choice" / Courtesy of CJ ENM
Actor Lee Byung-hun has been nominated for Best Actor at the Gotham Awards — regarded as a precursor to the Academy Awards — for his performance in “No Other Choice.”
The film tells the story of Man-soo, a man who seemingly has everything until he is suddenly laid off. Determined to protect his wife, two children and hard-earned home, he desperately battles to find employment.
Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film marks the acclaimed director’s first feature in three years since “Decision to Leave,” and has drawn attention since its release.
“No Other Choice” has been nominated in three categories at the 35th Gotham Awards — Best International Feature, Best Screenplay and Best Actor.
The film previously earned a nine-minute standing ovation at its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and was also featured at the Toronto and New York film festivals, amplifying its global momentum ahead of Oscars season.
Meanwhile, Lee recently received the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit at the 2025 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul on Oct. 23.
“I’ve received awards at film festivals before, but being honored with a medal feels quite different,” Lee said in his acceptance speech. “I take it as a reminder to work harder so that Korean culture can shine even brighter on the world stage.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.