Lee Byung-heon, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Hee-ae, Kang Haneul
Better late than never! The 56th annual Baeksang Arts Awards took place on June 5, following a month-long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in mind that the pandemic is far from over, the ceremony took place under social distancing measures, with attendees seated in chairs spaced apart from each other.
The Baeksang Awards are notable for their big tent approach to nominations, which means that shows and actors are recognized regardless of which broadcaster a drama aired on. Marking their third year as an emcee trio, Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum hosted once again (though this is now Suzy’s fifth consecutive year hosting).
A socially distanced ceremony
When the Camellia Blooms won the Daesang for TV, with Bong Joon-ho getting the film Daesang for Parasite. The cast of Camellia was on hand to celebrate their win, while Parasite’s producer, Kwak Shin-ae, accepted the Daesang in his stead (and let us know that Bong Joon-ho’s on an extended hiatus at the moment).
Kim Hee-ae was awarded the top acting nod for her role in A Couple’s World with Kang Haneul picking up best actor for his part in When the Camellia Blooms. Camellia was the biggest winner of the night in the TV section as they grabbed four awards in total. The underdog sports drama bested some stiff competition (When the Camellia Blooms, Crash Landing on You, Kingdom, and Hyena) and came out on top to scoop best drama.
Clockwise from l-r, Jung Yumi, Gong Hyo-jin, Jeon Do-yeon
In the film section, Lee Byung-heon won best actor for his work in the political thriller, The Man Standing Next. Jeon Do-yeon scooped best actress Birthday, where she portrayed a grieving mother who lost her child in the Sewol Ferry tragedy. It was pretty easy to predict big wins for Parasite, and they managed to win the most awards in the film section: the Daesang, best film, and best new actor (won by Park Myung-hoon).
My expectations are always low for the fashion at awards shows, but this year was especially disappointing. There were more misses and hits, with everyone fighting their own hotness with boring or strange fashion choices. Even Kim Hye-soo, whose sartorial tastes I normally love, confused me with her look this year. Her Hyena costar, Joo Ji-hoon, can usually be relied on for an interesting fashion statement, but this year he opted for understated bordering on boring (though I did like the concept hanbok-inspired suit jacket, it made him look a little barrel-esque). I do wonder if this was an intentional dressing down by some of the stars, given current events.
Your winners are…
56th Baeksang Award winners
WINNERS LIST:
FILM SECTION
Daesang: Bong Joon-ho (Parasite)
Best Picture: Parasite (Bong Joon-ho)
Director: Kim Bora (House of Hummingbird)
Top Excellence, Actor: Lee Byung-heon (The Man Standing Next)
Top Excellence, Actress: Jeon Do-yeon (Birthday)
Supporting Actor: Lee Kwang-soo (Inseparable Bros)
Supporting Actress: Kim Sae-byuk (House of Hummingbird)
New Actor: Park Myung-hoon (Parasite)
New Actress: Kang Mal-geum (Lucky Chan-sil)
New Director: Kim Do-young (Kim Ji-young: Born 1982)
Screenplay: Exit (Lee Sang-geun)
Art Award: The Man Standing Next (Kim Seo-hee, Makeup & Hairstyling)
TV SECTION
Daesang: When the Camellia Blooms
Best Drama: Stove League ( Jung Dong-yoon)
Variety Program: Mr. Trot
Educational Program: Giant Peng TV
Directing: Mo Wan-il (A Couple’s World)
Top Excellence, Actor: Kang Haneul (When the Camellia Blooms)
Top Excellence, Actress: Kim Hee-ae (A Couple’s World)
Supporting Actor: Oh Jung-se (When the Camellia Blooms)
Supporting Actress: Kim Sun-young (Crash Landing on You)
New Actor: Ahn Hyo-seop (Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim 2)
New Actress: Kim Da-mi (Itaewon Class)
Variety, Male Performer: Yoo Jae-suk (Hangout with Yoo)
Variety, Female Performer: Park Na-rae (I Live Alone)
Scriptwriting: Im Sang-choo (When the Camellia Blooms)
Technical Art Award: Kang Yeon-ok (Great Escape 3)
TikTok Popularity Award, Actor: Hyun Bin (Crash Landing on You)
TikTok Popularity Award, Actress: Sohn Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You)
Bazaar Icon Award: Seo Ji-hye
Gong Hyo-jin, Kang Haneul
Hyun Bin, Sohn Ye-jin
Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, Park Bo-gum
IU
Kim Hye-soo
Jo Yeo-jung
Namgoong Min
Lee Je-hoon
Joo Ji-hoon
Seo Ji-hye
Hyun Bin, Sohn Ye-jin