Director Park Chan-wook's latest film It Can't Be Helped received praise from critics but walked away empty-handed at the Venice International Film Festival.

No Win Despite Strong Reception

On September 7 (KST), the 82nd Venice International Film Festival announced its award winners at the Palazzo del Cinema in Italy. The Golden Lion, the festival's top prize, went to Father Mother Sister Brother directed by Jim Jarmusch and starring Cate Blanchett. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania's The Voice of Hind Rajab won the Grand Jury Prize, the festival's second-highest honor.

Despite being invited to the main competition section for the first time in 13 years since Kim Ki-duk's Pietà, It Can't Be Helped left the festival without an award.

Park Chan-wook's Response

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Park Chan-wook said, "This film received the best audience response out of anything I've ever made. It already feels like winning a big prize."

Looking Ahead

The film's international journey is not over yet. It Can't Be Helped has been officially submitted as South Korea's entry for the Best International Feature category at the 2026 Academy Awards.

The movie tells the story of a man who, after being fired from his company, prepares for his own personal battle to find re-employment. It will be released in theaters on September 24.