Blue Dragon Film Awards 2026 Unveil Nominees as Awards Season Officially Begins

Hope leads the race with ten nominations, while Possible Love, The Man Who Lives with King and other acclaimed films prepare to compete for one of Korean cinema's highest honours.

By KFRAMED · · 5 min read · Awards, Industry, Actors, Directors

The Blue Dragon Film Awards have officially unveiled the nominees for their 47th edition, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated nights in Korean cinema.

Widely regarded as one of South Korea's most prestigious film awards alongside the Grand Bell Awards and the** Baeksang Arts Awards**, the Blue Dragons celebrate the year's finest achievements across directing, acting, screenwriting and technical craftsmanship.

This year's nominations reflect a diverse and competitive field, with Na Hong-jin's Hope emerging as the frontrunner** with 10 nominations**, closely followed by Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love with 8 nominations. The winners will be announced during the ceremony on 25 November 2026.

Poster

Hope Leads the Field

Months before its awards campaign reached full speed, Hope had already generated enormous anticipation thanks to its ambitious production and internationally recognised cast.

The film now confirms its status as this year's awards favourite, collecting 10 nominations, including:

  • Best Film
  • Best Director
  • Best Actor (Zo In-sung)
  • Best New Actress (Jung Ho-yeon)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Um Mun-suk)
  • Best Screenplay
  • Cinematography
  • Editing
  • Music
  • Technical Achievement

Its strong showing reinforces expectations that Na Hong-jin could secure one of the biggest victories of his career.

Zo In-sung Na Hong-jin

Possible Love Continues Its Awards Momentum

Following its triumph at the Venice International Film Festival, Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love continues its remarkable awards journey with 8 nominations.

Among the film's major nominations are:

  • Best Actress (Jeon Do-yeon)
  • Best Actor (Sul Kyung-gu)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Zo In-sung)
  • Best Supporting Actress (Cho Yeo-jeong)
  • Best Screenplay
  • Best Cinematography and lighting
  • Best Editing
  • Best Music

Already selected as South Korea's official submission for the Academy Awards, the film remains one of the country's strongest international contenders this year.

Jeon Do-yeon

More Than Just an Awards Show

Since its creation in 1963, the Blue Dragon Film Awards have become one of the defining institutions of Korean cinema.

Unlike many international ceremonies that separate commercial and arthouse filmmaking, the Blue Dragons often recognise both blockbuster entertainment and auteur cinema, making the nominations an important snapshot of the industry's diversity.

This year's lineup once again reflects that balance, bringing together internationally celebrated auteurs, commercially successful productions and emerging voices.

Best director

Looking Ahead to November

With the nominees now officially announced, attention turns toward the ceremony on 25 November, where several closely contested categories are expected.

Can Hope convert its nominations into major victories?

Will Lee Chang-dong add another Blue Dragon trophy to his career?

Could Jeon Do-yeon continue her remarkable awards season?

The answers will come next month, but one thing is already certain: the race for Korea's most prestigious film awards has officially begun.

Films in this article

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