Actor Lee Byung-hun was nominated for the Best Actor award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in the film 'The Annihilation,' but the trophy eluded him. However, he proved once again the dignity of an actor by giving his colleagues generous applause.

The ‘61st Baeksang Arts Awards with Gucci’ took place on the 5th at 8 p.m. in Hall D of COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, amid fierce competition among the distinguished nominees in various institutional sectors. The Best Film award for male went to Jo Jung-seok for 'The Pilot,' beating out Yoon Joo-sang for 'The Morning Sea Gull' and Lee Byung-hun for 'The Annihilation.'

In the film 'The Annihilation,' Lee Byung-hun portrayed the living legend of the Go world, Nine-Dan Cho Hun-hyun, delivering a nearly perfect and mesmerizing performance. His detailed expressions, restrained emotional lines, and heavy presence filled the screen. As a result, rumors spread that 'it seemed as if Cho Hun-hyun himself acted,' and 'The Annihilation' successfully surpassed 2 million viewers.

In the tense match scene in the latter half of the film with his disciple Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in), he displayed concentration as if every breath was calculated, providing viewers with a gripping sense of immersion. Lee Byung-hun’s performance, which felt like truly facing the past of Cho Hun-hyun, left a deep impression on both critics and audiences.

Lee Byung-hun has a deep connection with the Baeksang Arts Awards. He won the Best Actor award in the film category at the 42nd Baeksang Arts Awards for his work in the 2006 film 'A Bittersweet Life,’ and in 2020, he received the Grand Award for the drama 'Mr. Sunshine' at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards. He is a beloved 'trustworthy star' who has conquered both film and drama.

However, unfortunately, he missed the honor of winning this time at the Baeksang. Nevertheless, throughout the event, Lee Byung-hun continued to cheer for his fellow actors' award moments with applause, and his sincerity was clearly conveyed. When Yoo Jae-myung, who sat next to him, received the Best Supporting Actor award, he even congratulated him enthusiastically with a handshake. A childhood photo shared during a Children's Day event served as a bonus.

Above all, this Baeksang was particularly lonely for Lee Byung-hun. Yoo Ah-in, who co-starred in the same work, was indicted for habitual drug use and has been sentenced to actual prison time in court, but was later given a reduced sentence of two years probation on appeal. Lee Byung-hun, who had been promoting the film alone, also attended the Baeksang alone, revealing his genuine feelings about 'The Annihilation.'

Although he did not win an award, Lee Byung-hun filled the awards ceremony with sincere applause until the end. Without a trophy, he was still the most powerful actor.

[Photo] OSEN DB, poster

[OSEN]