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Pachinko’s Awards Snub: A Missed Opportunity
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Why Have Awards Shows Ignored ‘Pachinko?’
‘Pachinko’ Deserves Better Than It’s Gotten
This week marked the unveiling of nominations for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. Despite previous controversies that have somewhat clouded its reputation, the awards show has made strides toward re-establishing itself, particularly after formally parting ways with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. This year’s nominations brought some pleasant surprises, most notably the recognition of The Substance, but, as has been customary, several expected contenders were notably absent. Among the most surprising omissions in the television categories were HBO favorites like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Industry, and House of the Dragon, which collectively garnered only a handful of nominations.
However, the most glaring disappointment comes from the snubbing of Apple TV’s Pachinko. Despite being hailed as a critical success, its absence from the Golden Globe nominations seems particularly unjust this year. While the Drama Series category boasts a respectable lineup, Pachinko stands out as one of the most significant achievements in television for 2024. Its exclusion feels especially unjust when compared to shows like The Day of the Jackal, Slow Horses, and even The Diplomat.
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4.5
/5
Release Date
March 25, 2022
Cast
Lee Min-ho, Min-ha Kim, Anna Sawai, Jimmi Simpson, Eun-chae Jung, Jin Ha, Kaho Minami, Yuh-Jung Youn, In-ji Jeong, Jun-woo Han, Soji Arai, Steve Sanghyun Noh
Seasons
2
Why Have Awards Shows Ignored ‘Pachinko?’
What’s truly concerning is that this snub is not limited to the Golden Globes; aside from the Critic’s Choice Awards, major industry ceremonies have largely overlooked Pachinko. Given its remarkable critical acclaim, it’s perplexing why guilds have favored other productions like The Morning Show over this standout series.
The most plausible explanation may ultimately be its relative lack of public visibility and star power, which hinders its chances for deserved recognition. During its eligibility for awards in both seasons, Pachinko has been overshadowed by other Apple TV dramas, specifically Severance in 2022 and Slow Horses this season. As such, it seems Apple TV’s promotional efforts gravitate towards series that generate more buzz.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that foreign-language shows have only recently begun gaining traction within the recognition landscape. This year, Shogūn made history by being the first non-English language series to win the Best Drama award, and Squid Game found similar acclaim. However, both series captured audience interest in ways that Pachinko has yet to fully achieve.
‘Pachinko’ Deserves Better Than It’s Gotten
Despite the absence of accolades, viewers should not be deterred from watching Pachinko, which continues to be one of the most exceptional yet underrated shows currently airing. The second season notably met the high expectations set by its predecessor. The series diverges from traditional prestige TV narratives by tracing the story of four generations of a Korean family, emphasizing the enduring nature of familial bonds. Its understated approach is marked by deep empathy for its characters and a narrative that unfolds with a gentle touch.
However, this unique storytelling style may clash with contemporary television trends. Rather than relying on suspense and fast-paced plot developments, Pachinko favors moments of introspection and emotional depth, inviting viewers to engage with it on a reflective level rather than simply binge-watching. Although the long gaps between seasons disrupted its narrative flow, the series forms an impressive contrast in a landscape dominated by rapid-fire plots. In light of these qualities, Pachinko undoubtedly deserves more recognition than it has received thus far. Pachinko Seasons 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Apple TV.
Source
movieweb.com