Academy Awards: ‘Parasite’ Makes History as First Foreign-Language Best Picture Winner

The South Korean comedy “Parasite” captured the Oscar for best picture of 2019, making history as the first foreign language film to win Hollywood’s most-coveted award.

Bong Joon Ho, who made the film, was crowned best director Sunday at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, another first. His film also captured Oscars for best original screenplay and top international picture.

The victory was a defining moment in the globalization of Hollywood, which had previously favored homegrown films over foreign-language fare. With Asian directors increasingly grabbing the spotlight -- and the region poised to be home to the world’s No. 1 movie market -- “Parasite” is a harbinger for the industry.

“I’m ready to drink tonight,” Bong said, when accepting his best director award. The surprise win recalled the 2017 win for “Moonlight,” a little-seen art-house picture. “Parasite” has generated just $35 million in U.S. box office sales, though it’s collected $165 million in all thanks to foreign markets.

“Parasite” explores class differences with the tale of an unemployed family that entrenches itself in the life of a wealthy clan. The win for a foreign film is a break from tradition at a time when the motion picture academy is under fire for failing to diversify its ranks and awards. It’s also a blow for Netflix Inc., which aggressively campaigned for many of the night’s top awards.​

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