Actor Shim Eun-kyung has made history once again by becoming the first Korean actor to win the Best Actress Award at the prestigious Japanese film awards, 'Kinema Junpo'.
On the 30th, Shim Eun-kyung's agency, PANGPARE, officially announced that she won the Best Actress Award at the 99th Kinema Junpo Best Ten for her leading role in 'Travel and Days'. This award marks the first record for a Korean actor and is considered an exceptional achievement in Japan, as it is the first foreign lead award in approximately 32 years since Ruby Moreno in 1993.
In her acceptance speech, Shim Eun-kyung expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "I sincerely thank you for this wonderful award," and added, "I am happy just to have met this work that embodies the worldview of director Miyake Sho, and I am thrilled to receive this award." She further revealed her confidence in the work, stating, "The unique artistry of 'Travel and Days' will captivate audiences around the world."
Founded in 1919, Kinema Junpo is the longest-running and most prestigious film publication in Japan. At this year's awards ceremony, the organizers not only announced Shim Eun-kyung's win but also selected her film 'Travel and Days' as Best Ten No. 1 (Best Film), highly evaluating the film's quality.
Previously, in 2020, Shim Eun-kyung won the Best Actress Award at the Japanese Academy Awards for her role in the film 'The Journalist', becoming the first Korean actor to do so. She has also swept awards at the Mainichi Film Competition, Takasaki Film Festival, and more. With this Kinema Junpo award added to her accolades, she has completed an unparalleled career by dominating all major film awards in Japan.
Meanwhile, the 99th Kinema Junpo Awards ceremony will be held on February 19. Shim Eun-kyung is currently coordinating her schedule to attend the prestigious ceremony in person.
