'Squid Game': Lee Jung-Jae Wins Best Male Performance At 2022 Independent Spirit Awards

Netflix’s 2021 blockbuster hit “Squid Game” has snagged yet another important recognition, with actor Lee Jung-Jae winning the Best Male Performance in a new scripted series at the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards.

The 49-year-old actor beat fellow nominees Olly Alexander of “It’s a Sin,” Michael Greyeyes of “Rutherford Falls,” Murray Bartlett of “The White Lotus” and Ashley Thomas of “THEM: Covenant.”

“Thank you for giving me this meaningful award,” Lee said in a recorded acceptance speech played during the event Sunday. “I wish I could be there in person but due to my work schedule in Korea, I’m sending this video message instead. I’m very sorry about that. Thank you so much for loving ‘Squid Game.’"

Lee also hinted on the upcoming release of Season 2 of “Squid Game.”

“I know there are lots of ‘Squid Game’ fans in the world and what you’re most curious about is when season 2 will come out. It’s on the way. Stay tuned,” he said.

It was not too long ago that Lee and the rest of the “Squid Game” cast made history by becoming the first Asians to be awarded the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award.

Lee won the SAG award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama series, while Jung Ho-Yeon won the trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama series. “Squid Game” also received the trophy for Outstanding Action Performance by a stunt ensemble in a television series beating strong contenders “Cobra Kai,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Loki” and “Mare of Easttown.”

“Squid Game” also bagged the award for Breakthrough Series – Long Format at the 31st Annual Gotham Awards in November 2021.

The dystopian drama was earlier confirmed for a second season by no less than Netflix’s co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos. The Netflix official reportedly placed “Squid Game” in the list of the streaming giant’s entertainment franchises that has potential to grow outside the platform with merchandise, games and live experiences.

Meanwhile, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter” won the Best Feature award at the 37th Film Independent Spirit Awards, which was held at Santa Monica Pier in California.