Veteran Korean film star Yuh-Jung Youn downplayed her talent and more than five decades as a successful actor in explaining her Oscar win Sunday evening.
“Me, myself, I don’t believe in competition, and especially in our field, because we are comparing different movies, different worlds,” Youn told reporters in a virtual press room following her win for supporting actress. “I’m just lucky tonight, just luckier than the other nominees … and maybe, who knows, it’s American hospitality for the Korean actor.”
Youn, 73, took home the golden statuette for her role as a feisty grandmother who moves from South Korea to Arkansas to help care for her grandchildren in “Minari.”
She said it’s “about time” for a more diverse set of stories to be told.
“I think it’s very nice to understand each other … and we should embrace each other,” Youn said, explaining that she doesn’t like to see people labeled.
“People are characterized like Black, white, yellow, brown … if we put color together, make it … prettier … even (a) rainbow has seven colors … so color doesn’t matter, gender doesn’t matter,” Youn said. “I don’t like to divide like this … we are equal human beings (who) have the same warm heart. … It’s an opportunity for us, sharing the story together.”