South Korean satire Parasite has unexpectedly emerged the big winner at the London Critics’ Circle film awards, taking home prizes for film of the year and director of the year for Bong Joon-ho.
The Souvenir, the drama directed by Joanna Hogg, also picked up two awards: British/Irish film of the year and Young British/Irish performer of the year for its lead Honor Swinton Byrne.
There was little surprise in the acting categories, with Renée Zellweger and Joaquin Phoenix taking actress and actor of the year for Judy and Joker respectively, and The Irishman’s Joe Pesci alongside Dern in the supporting categories.
Bong’s film has been widely acclaimed elsewhere, winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes in May, and is nominated for four Baftas and six Oscars.