2024 Blue Dragon Film Awards Highlights: Winners and Key Moments

The 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on November 29, 2024, at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, showcasing the best of Korean cinema. This year's awards continued the tradition of fair judging, highlighting exceptional talent and storytelling.

The prestigious Best Picture award went to 'Seoul's Spring,' a film that captures the pivotal nine hours of December 12, 1979, a day that changed the course of modern Korean history. Directed by Kim Sung-soo, who returned after a seven-year hiatus since 'Asura,' the film explores the dramatic clash between greed and conviction, good and evil, and has drawn an audience of over 13.12 million, creating a nationwide phenomenon.

Kim Sung-soo expressed his surprise at the film's success, stating, "I never expected this film to do so well. It seems that the audience has given our movie special love. I hope that they will continue to show interest and affection for Korean cinema in the future."

The Best Director award was presented to Jang Jae-hyun for 'Pamyo,' which garnered 11.91 million viewers. 'Pamyo' also won four awards, including Best Actress for Kim Go-eun, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction.

Jang shared his gratitude, recalling how he was inspired by other directors during his school days. He expressed his joy at receiving the award and thanked his cast, particularly praising Kim Go-eun, which brought her to tears.

The Best Actor and Best Actress awards were claimed by Hwang Jung-min for his role as the head of the Military Security Command in 'Seoul's Spring' and Kim Go-eun for her captivating performance as a shaman in 'Pamyo.' Hwang, a previous winner of multiple Best Actor awards, reflected on his journey and the support from his wife, while Kim reminisced about her early career and the joy she finds in acting.

The Best Supporting Actor award went to Jung Hae-in for 'Veteran 2,' and the Best Supporting Actress award was awarded to Lee Sang-hee for 'Rogiwan.' Both actors expressed their gratitude and respect for their colleagues.

The Best New Actor and Actress awards were given to Noh Sang-hyun for 'The Love Story of a Big City' and Park Joo-hyun for 'Driver,' respectively. Noh expressed his surprise and gratitude for the recognition.

This year's ceremony was marked by a blend of innovation and tradition, with Han Ji-min taking over the hosting duties from Kim Hye-soo, who had led the event for 30 years. Han shared her appreciation for being part of such a significant moment in Korean cinema.

Jung Woo-sung, who recently faced personal controversies, presented the Most Popular Film award, expressing his heartfelt thanks to the audience and addressing his recent challenges with sincerity.

Here are the winners of the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards:

▶ Best Picture: <서울의 봄> (Seoul's Spring)

▶ Best Director: Jang Jae-hyun <파묘> (Pamyo)

▶ Best Actor: Hwang Jung-min <서울의 봄> (Seoul's Spring)

▶ Best Actress: Kim Go-eun <파묘> (Pamyo)

▶ Best Supporting Actor: Jung Hae-in <베테랑2> (Veteran 2)

▶ Best Supporting Actress: Lee Sang-hee <로기완> (Rogiwan)

▶ Best New Director: Jo Hyun-cheol <너와 나> (You and Me)

▶ Best New Actor: Noh Sang-hyun <대도시의 사랑법> (The Love Story of a Big City)

▶ Best New Actress: Park Joo-hyun <드라이버> (Driver)

▶ Best Screenplay: Jo Hyun-cheol <너와 나> (You and Me)

▶ Best Cinematography: Lee Mo-gae, Lee Seong-hwan <파묘> (Pamyo)