NEWS: South Korean is First Asian Actor to Receive Top Honour at Acclaimed Film Festival1 min read
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South Korean actor Song Kang-ho has been chosen to receive the Excellence Award at this year’s Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, the organisers said on Thursday (May 16).
52 year-old-Song, one of Korea’s most prolific actors, is the first Asian to win the prestigious international award.
Launched in 2004, the Swiss film fest’s special award goes to actors or actresses whose work and talent have contributed to enriching the industry.
Internationally acclaimed sliver-screen stars like Susan Sarandon, John Malkovich, Edward Norton, Ethan Hawke, Juliette Binoche and Bill Pullman are amongst the past laureates.
“The Locarno Film Festival’s Excellence Award goes to actors who have followed significant, courageous paths,” Lili Hinstin, artistic director of the 72nd Locarno Film Festival said in the festival’s press release. “Thus far the recipients have all been American or European, but for me it was important to open up this prize to the Asian cinema.”
Photo credit: CNA Lifestyle
