'Possible Love' wins Venice jury prize; Lee Chang-dong says 'this award belongs to you'

Director Lee Chang-dong's new film "Possible Love" won the Grand Jury Prize — the Silver Lion — at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

The film was named the jury prize winner at the festival's closing ceremony held Saturday (local time) at the Sala Grande on the Lido island in Venice, Italy. The award marks Lee's first Silver Lion in 24 years, since he won the best director prize for "Oasis" in 2002.

"Possible Love," Lee's first film in eight years since "Burning" (2018), follows two couples — a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary filmmaker and her husband — whose lives intersect as hidden desires come to the surface. The Netflix original film stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Jo Yeo-jeong and Jo In-sung.

Taking the stage after jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal announced the award, Lee opened his acceptance speech by thanking the Venice Film Festival for inviting him back to "this beautiful festival after 24 years."

Lee went on to thank the many people who worked and waited for the film to reach the world.

"This film would never have seen the light of day without the patience and endurance of so many people," he said. "I want to apologize to the producer who had to drink every day waiting for this film."

He also expressed gratitude toward Netflix. "I am thankful to Netflix for believing in this film and making it possible," he added. Lee had originally intended to make "Possible Love" as a theatrical release, but after failing to secure sufficient investment, he partnered with Netflix, which had long been waiting to work with him.

Lee also thanked screenwriter Oh Jeong-mi "for turning a story I had to set aside long ago into something new together with me," and extended his appreciation to "the actors and crew who gave everything on set."

He also singled out his four lead actors. "I am grateful to Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung and Jo Yeo-jeong, who gave life to this story," he said. "This award belongs to you."

Lee closed his remarks by reflecting on the question at the heart of "Possible Love" and what the award meant to him.

"I made this film to ask what cinema can do — and what it must do — in an age when the bonds between people are fraying," he said. "I will take this award as a sign to keep asking that question."

"Possible Love" will screen at select theaters in South Korea for a limited run beginning Sept. 23 before streaming worldwide on Netflix in November. The film is also South Korea's official submission for next year's Academy Awards.