Parasite's Bong Joon-ho wins the Best Director Oscar in a major upset

Bong Joon-ho
(Image credit: Mark Ralston / Getty Images)

The 2020 Oscars finally have a big upset.

Bong Joon-ho on Sunday won the Oscar for Best Director for Parasite, beating out the heavy favorite, 1917's Sam Mendes. Previously, Parasite won Best International Feature Film, as well as Best Original Screenplay.

In his acceptance speech, Bong through a translator joked he "thought I was done for the day and was ready to relax" after winning Best International Feature Film. He also paid tribute to the fellow nominees including Martin Scorsese, who received a standing ovation.

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This win for Parasite was particularly surprising after 1917 dominated throughout awards season and Mendes took the top prize at the Directors Guild of America Awards, which usually lines up with the Oscars' Best Director winner.

"I will drink until next morning," Bong joked as he wrapped up, now with three Oscar wins under his belt.

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