Jeon Do-yeon, crowned best actress at Cannes nearly two decades ago, is again in contention for a top acting award at one of the world's three major film festivals. Jeon, who won best actress at the 60th Cannes International Film Festival in 2007 for "Secret Sunshine," has entered the main competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival with "Possible Love." A win in Venice would make her the first Asian actress to take best actress at both Cannes and Venice.
Jeon attended the Venice International Film Festival on the Lido in Venice, Italy, on the 6th. As the lead of the competition entry "Possible Love," she drew local attention while working through official events from the press conference to the red carpet and the world premiere.
Wearing a long black dress on the red carpet, Jeon responded to the spotlight with a relaxed, confident smile. At the world premiere that followed, the screening was met with about seven minutes of a standing ovation and cheers. Major overseas outlets also focused on Jeon's performance following the film's unveiling.
U.S. trade publication Variety said Jeon delivered "one of the year's most delicate and layered performances." It highlighted in particular how she revealed the inner life of Mi-ok through a bright gaze that never fully discloses what lies beneath, building emotion in fine gradations.
IndieWire praised her, saying that less than 20 years after first working with director Lee Chang-dong on "Secret Sunshine," Jeon once again delivers a once-in-a-century performance. The Hollywood Reporter also said that Jeon, who won best actress at Cannes for her unforgettable turn in "Secret Sunshine," is equally moving in "Possible Love."
AwardsWatch rated highly Jeon's detailed expressiveness, which conveys a character's life and background through the smallest gestures. Next Best Picture likewise said Jeon stood out most among the four leads, noting that she rendered with precision Mi-ok's desire to pursue a long-suppressed freedom and the tension around her.
For Jeon, Venice is a stage where she can extend the history she made at Cannes 19 years ago. She won best actress at the 60th Cannes International Film Festival in 2007 for "Secret Sunshine," becoming the first Korean performer to claim the Cannes best actress prize. She has since established herself as an actress watched well beyond Korea.
Having already reached the summit at Cannes, Jeon would become the first Asian actress to win best actress at both festivals if she takes the prize in Venice. Only two performers, Juliette Binoche and Julianne Moore, have won best actress at all three of the world's major international film festivals.
"Possible Love," director Lee Chang-dong's first film in eight years, follows Mi-ok, the wife of laid-off worker Ho-seok (Sul Kyung-gu), along with a documentary director and the director's husband, as the four meet for a documentary shoot and confront their differing lives and hidden desires. Jeon anchors the film in the role of Mi-ok.
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will hold its closing and awards ceremony on the 12th, announcing the Golden Lion and other major prizes. "Possible Love" opens in theaters on the 23rd and will be released on Netflix on November 6.
