Jeon Do-yeon Considered Strong Contender for Oscar Best Actress

Jeon Do-yeon, starring in Lee Chang-dong's Netflix film "Possible Love," is gaining international attention as a potential nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

On October 25, The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that "the esteemed actress Jeon Do-yeon could become the first Korean to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress," noting that her outstanding performance in the film makes this a fitting possibility. The article reviewed her extensive filmography, including notable works such as "Contact," "Secret Sunshine," and "The Housemaid," praising her portrayal of Mi-ok, the wife of a laid-off worker, as irreplaceable.

The Hollywood Reporter remarked, "It is hard to imagine anyone else playing Mi-ok but Jeon Do-yeon," commending her performance as both lively and deeply moving, capturing the most joyful moments while also evoking profound sadness.

Director Lee Chang-dong acknowledged the rarity and difficulty of non-English-speaking actors receiving Oscar nominations, expressing hope that the Academy's recognition would serve as visible evidence of change and acknowledgment of a female actor's achievements.

International critics have also praised the film. Released on October 23, "Possible Love" currently holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The site included the film in its predictions for next year's Oscar Best Picture nominees alongside titles like "Odyssey" and "Dune: Part 3," while also listing Jeon Do-yeon as a strong contender for Best Actress and the film itself for Best International Feature.

The Los Angeles Times noted, "Lee Chang-dong has never shown such delicate and approachable humanity in his new film 'Possible Love,'" calling it the best film of the year due to its remarkable acting, intricate screenplay, and flawless direction. The publication added that the best lists exist for performances by actors like Jeon Do-yeon, further supporting her chances in the Oscar race.

Meanwhile, "Possible Love," Lee's first film in eight years since "Burning," tells the story of a couple of laid-off workers who meet a wealthy documentary filmmaker couple during a project, confronting their different lives and desires. The film won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, marking a historic achievement for Korean cinema. It had a limited release in some domestic theaters on September 23 and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting November 6.