Yuh-Jung Youn had an uncomfortable moment in the Oscars press room when a journalist asked what Brad Pitt smelled like.
The 73-year-old South Korean actor, who won Best Supporting Actress for Minari, was given the trophy by Pitt.
“I didn’t smell him, I’m not a dog!” she exclaimed.
After making her way to the stage to accept her trophy from Pitt, who mispronounced her name, she said: “Mr Brad Pitt, finally, nice to meet you!”
Also while backstage, Youn lightheartedly acknowledged the common mispronunciation of her name throughout this past awards season, stating: “As you know I’m from Korea and actually my name is Yuh-Jung Youn. Most of Europe call me Yuh Youn and some of them call me Yuh-Jung.
“But tonight, you are all forgiven,” she added.
At another point, Youn was also asked if she’d ever make a film with Pitt.
“No, that would never happen with my English and age – I don’t think so,” she said. “It’s an impossible dream.”
Youn, who is the first Korean actor to have won an Academy Award, also expressed her shock at beating eight-time nominee Glenn Close, who has now made history for losing the most number of Oscars.
“I don’t believe in competition, how can I win over Glenn Close?” she said in her acceptance speech. “Tonight, I have just a little bit luck, I think, maybe. I’m luckier than you. And also maybe it’s American hospitality for the Korean actor. I’m not sure. But anyway, thank you so much.”
