Summary

• Robert Downey Jr. nominated for an Emmy for his roles in Park Chan-wook’s “The Sympathizer.”
• The series, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, premiered on HBO in April.
• Downey Jr. portrays five distinct characters, showcasing his acting versatility.
• Korean American Sue Mi Terry also received an Emmy nomination for the documentary “Beyond Utopia” but faces legal issues for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government.

In an exciting development for fans and critics alike, Robert Downey Jr. has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his extraordinary performance in Park Chan-wook’s U.S. television debut, “The Sympathizer.” The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced on Wednesday that Downey Jr. is a contender in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category for the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.

“The Sympathizer,” which premiered on HBO in April, is a historical black comedy drama based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The series centers around an unnamed protagonist, “the Captain,” who is a North Vietnamese spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army and eventually flees to the United States as the Vietnam War concludes.

In a remarkable display of his acting prowess, Downey Jr. takes on five different roles in the series, including CIA agent Claude, Professor Robert Hammer, congressperson Ned Godwin, filmmaker Niko Damianos, and a mysterious character known as “the Priest.” His ability to seamlessly transition between these varied characters has earned him widespread acclaim and now, an Emmy nomination.

“The Sympathizer” marks Park Chan-wook’s return to the screen following his 2022 film “Decision to Leave,” which won him the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. For this series, Park not only directed but also served as co-runner, executive producer, and writer, bringing his unique vision and storytelling prowess to the project.

Currently available for streaming on Coupang Play, “The Sympathizer” has garnered significant attention for its compelling narrative and outstanding performances.

In other Emmy news, Korean American Sue Mi Terry has been nominated for her work as a producer on the documentary “Beyond Utopia,” which sheds light on the experiences of North Korean defectors. Terry, however, faces legal challenges as the U.S. Justice Department has indicted her on charges of working as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government.

As anticipation builds for the Emmy Awards, the spotlight is on Robert Downey Jr. and his transformative roles in “The Sympathizer,” a series that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily