Lee Byung-hun has been honored with the Artist of Distinction award at the 26th Newport Beach Film Festival.
Running Oct. 16?23, the Southern California showcase marked its 25th anniversary this year, spotlighting handpicked films from around the world against the stunning Newport Beach backdrop. The festival is known for celebrating innovative storytellers and excellence in the cinematic arts while championing the diversity of contemporary screen culture and fostering meaningful exchanges among filmmakers, artists, and the local community.
The Artist of Distinction honor recognizes artists who have helped advance the art of cinema, a nod to Lee’s commanding body of work and decades of acclaimed performances on the global stage.
Fresh off receiving a special achievement honor at the Toronto International Film Festival, Lee once again finds himself at the center of the global film conversation with this Newport Beach win. With No Other Choice" drawing strong reviews across North America, the moment is widely seen as a springboard into the Oscars campaign trail―fueling anticipation for both his performance and the film.
In "No Other Choice", Lee portrays Mansu, a laid-off family man fighting to keep his household afloat, bringing a nuanced, deeply felt turn that heightens the film’s emotional pull. His grounded performance has earned attention from major international festivals and secured him a Best Actor nomination at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)