Acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook added another milestone to his celebrated career this week after receiving France’s highest cultural distinction during the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
As reported by Korea Times, The auteur behind Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave was awarded the Commandeur in the Order of Arts and Letters by French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard in Cannes, making him the first Korean film director to receive the prestigious honor. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the arts and culture worldwide.
Park, who is also serving as jury president at this year’s festival, reflected on the deep influence French cinema and philosophy have had on his filmmaking journey. He said he was especially moved to see his own work now inspiring a younger generation of French filmmakers in return.
The director also revisited his long-standing relationship with Cannes, recalling how Oldboy winning the Grand Prix in 2004 became a defining turning point in his career. He later earned the Jury Prize for Thirst in 2009 and won Best Director for Decision to Leave in 2022.
Accepting the honor, Park shared one final creative ambition still left on his list: making a film in France with French actors.
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