Haing S. Ngor winning Best Supporting Actor

Linda Hunt presenting the Oscar® for Best Supporting Actor to Haing S. Ngor for his performance in "The Killing Fields" - 57th Annual Academy Awards® in 1985.

[@verilytruthful]

To win an oscar from your first ever acting performance. To be a medical doctor. To survive one of the most brutal civil wars in the history of the world. To die an early and tragic death. Shakespearean all the way. Truth is stranger than fiction.

[@sapounngin2237]

verilytruthful I

[@kimberlymulhall2757]

Well said.

[@bryanordonez362]

I can't believe he died. I wish I would have met him. I read all of the genocide letters and stories. I am a History major.

[@Waitukubuli]

And though he was an OB-GYN doctor, when his wife was pregnant in the killing fields and needed a Caesarean section, he couldn't say anything about it while by her side because then they both would be exposed as non-peasants (and would thus both be killed). So she died from her pregnancy problems by his side, and he couldn't lift a finger or else the Khmer Rouge soldiers would realize he had been a doctor. :(

[@freedomworks3976]

@@Waitukubuli that is socialism

[@CYP0]

To win an Oscar as a non-professional Asian actor is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. He should have got a standing ovation.

[@MrsBlaileen1]

I think if he had won these days, he would have gotten a standing ovation for sure.

[@Jeng23672]

@@MrsBlaileen1 yes

[@TIZNYC]

Yes. Watching this the day after I watched the film. I agree.

[@colinbell2983]

Winning an Oscar is often a once in a lifetime achievement for many

[@Walamonga1313]

Who cares about the Oscars, he should've won a good life! But no, he was murdered in the US

[@mrtraveler17]

I met him at the airport and he gave me his autograph I STILL have it!!! He was SO kind to me!!!

[@LeakenaDoll]

Norwin S. that's freaking awesome!

[@fretre2171]

lies

[@Asmodeus1967]

@@fretre2171 troll

[@LPMAN02]

Norwin S. you are one lucky guy to meet a legend.

[@seventhfirestephanie8740]

That is so cool. A treasure.

[@LPMAN02]

RIP Haing S. Ngor (March 22, 1940 - February 25, 1996), aged 55 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@lotrfan8]

The fact that he was able to play a role that brought back memories of horrible tragedies and atrocities is worth the Oscar in itself.

[@librarybob1958]

He survived the killing fields of Cambodia but couldn't survive the killing streets of East LA. Dr. Haing S. Ngor was a true profile in courage and one of the most deserving Oscar winners ever.

[@quidproquo82]

Can you believe 2 Asians being nominated in the same year in 1985?

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

And one of them won.

[@bazle64]

@@user-tq3rr8vy2w oh how times have changed

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

@@user-tq3rr8vy2w No, it was because far too many Asian Americans don't speak up until they get shit on by the same white people who say the b/s you just did. And Pat Morita isn't Asian. He's fucking American, born in a California town not far from where I was born decades later...but it's amazing how y'all will 'not see color' until it's time to divide people like that. "Merit"...there's no true measure of merit without equal representation of people deciding who is best.

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

@@manuginobilisbaldspot424 YOU are the one dividing people with your toxic identity politics. Haing S. Ngor got the award for an inspired and powerful performance. Which is the way it should be. You preach about 'not seeing colour' and then go on to lambast 'white people' you hypocritical turd. Oscars So White and other such nonsense isn't about promoting diversity but rather promoting grievance over MERITOCRACY. The fact is most American actors are still white so naturally math determines there will be more white winners but unless a minority wins then it is 'racist' to dickheads like you. YOU ARE THE ONE CAUSING THE DIVISION.

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

Manu- If there were the same number of Asian American actors as white actors and they were consistently overlooked then you would have a point but there aren't and you don't. Easier to smear people as racist then accept the facts though.

[@atzengruber]

Now. almost 30 years later I consider it a privilege having been part of of this film as an extra for all these months of production in Thailand. Back then, none of the cast had a name,no one knew Malkovic , Waterston or Ngor, we were like a big family, eating, drinking and joking together.Blessed memories.

[@singtweetypie]

What a privilege indeed! It is still my favourite movie - even though it is emotionally draining and upsetting to watch. Everything about this movie was just outstanding.

[@nikkiarafiles3132]

Before Ken Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor, there was Haing S. Ngor, who was murdered years ago. 🥺🥺🥺

[@michelangelo144]

Haing S. Ngor, you've earned that award. No formal training, prior acting skills and to win this award for his first film is simply incredible. I cried watching the Killing Fields. I shed a tear when learned about his passing. May you Rest in Peace.

[@LPMAN02]

He was 55 when he died.

[@fredwerza3478]

I was so sad and pissed when I heard about his death. He survived that horror in Cambodia and deserved a long and fulfilling life in America as a reward. Instead he was gunned down in his driveway over petty cash and some jewelry.

[@michelangelo144]

​@@LPMAN02 Thanks for sharing. Yes too soon to leave this world.

[@michelangelo144]

​@@fredwerza3478 Thanks for sharing. Yes I agree that he deserved a long and fulfilling life here in the states.

[@fredwerza3478]

@@michelangelo144 Dr. Ngor certainly deserved to be in America a thousand times more than any worthless Trumper

[@Channel88266]

Survived Cambodia but murdered in land of the free. What an irony.

[@freedomworks3976]

ll indeed , what irony

[@animeshm3850]

Its called fate.

[@Ky2Quick]

Was told that it was an inside job from the KR

[@marycruz2152]

Oh my god,story's very sad 😪

[@jackdull5699]

It's just sad as well.

[@thenewmodfather]

Still the greatest performence ive ever seen. Nobody has ever deserved an Oscar more than this guy did.

[@freedomworks3976]

thenewmodfather to great , difficult for me to watch

[@WalterLiddy]

It's for the few moments like this that the Academy Awards are justified in existing. For the most part it's a cynical exercise in self-promotion. But once in a while, they provide a venue for someone who achieves something truly great to be recognized around the world. Ngor was a great man who gave a fantastic and heartfelt performance. No one has ever deserved the prize more.

[@dzanier]

Very well put.

[@scribestudios]

yes indeed.

[@LeakenaDoll]

WalterLiddy yes 🙌🏻

[@freedomworks3976]

WalterLiddy here here you are so very correct

[@abrahamalarcon9281]

Your description is 100%! so, that's why I keep watching ... to be there "for the few moments like these" when The Academy gets it right.

[@EmpowHer23]

This is my first time seeing him win the Oscar. I remember watching this in our elementary classroom & it moved me because my mom & dad & aunts & uncles & grandma & grandpa are all survivors of the Killing Fields. Well deserved actor. RIP Haing S Ngor!

[@singtweetypie]

That your family survived this is a miracle. God bless them all.

[@LPMAN02]

He was 55 when he died.

[@thboy1037]

RIP Haing S. Ngor (1940 - 1996) It was very bad that he was murdered by robbery gang.

[@tuttt99]

I loved him in "my life"

[@javiergarrido6088]

What an irony! He survived being brutally murdered by the Khmer Rouge and a gang killed him in Los Angeles ... RIP

[@nikkinunud3850]

THboy10 I like your shirt !!!

[@triciajohansen3027]

God bless him!😪

[@graced1338]

Yeah "robbery"

[@terrorsaur599]

It’s really sad that John Malkovich is the only surviving nominee from that year. Ralph Richardson… Adolph Caesar… Pat Morita… Haing S. Ngor… May they all Rest In Peace.

[@bunthoeunsor1598]

We are so proud of you Dr. Ngor. You will always be staying in our hearts. From Cambodia!

[@cassdaley2652]

Linda Hunt is such an eloquent speaker. Clear diction and soothing voice.

[@bleep77]

She was funny in Kindergarten Cop opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger

[@klavel]

I lover her voice.

[@hmmmm8227]

Exactly what I was thinking, even though I have never known her.

[@Walamonga1313]

Has to balance the ugly

[@user-tq3rr8vy2w]

@@Walamonga1313your momma.

[@girliegurl388913]

I'm so proud of him, his speech was so great and I loved that he added the 'Hooray Kampuchea' at the end. Makes a Cambodian proud. May you Rest in peace.

[@LeakenaDoll]

I can watch this clip over and over and still feel like tearing up❤️ RIP Mr. Ngor

[@evixir]

His story has been my inspiration ever since I read "A Cambodian Odyssey", the autobiography of his life. Not to denigrate Dith Pran's experience, but if the audience members knew what Dr. Ngor had been through to get to that point, they would have given him a 10-minute standing ovation. Absolutely miraculous. He was an incredible soul.

[@SteveGarza]

When the Oscars were worthy of an evening to sit down and watch.

[@jcmat9917]

And more about arts and entertainment than pointless politics…

[@JC21]

WHOA WHAT I had no idea Pat Morita was nominated for Karate Kid!

[@jamesmoyner7499]

SkywardPrimeGalaxy Neither did I. I only found out about it tonight.

[@vishalm6846]

Community told me

[@adityaravishankar7057]

Why he didn't win it, I will never know

[@vitodoria7894]

Credit to Ngor for the victory but Morita deserved the award more. His performance as Mr Miyagi was iconic and he has left a legacy. They might say that Cobra Kai never dies but the memory of Morita as Mr Miyagi will never die.

[@Daniel-vb9oj]

@Wes Bradley-Taubner Razzies should be ignored. They are non-professional people wanting to get attention.

[@glassessn]

I normally am somewhat apathetic towards the oscars but this was definitely a compelling speech to me.

[@EKDupre]

Same. His true victory was survival.

[@emiliomanueldepedro9650]

I watched this movie yesterday. And i think Ngor truly deserved the award.

[@aninjaguardian]

More people should watch this and pay respect to Haing Ngor, especially after Ke Huy Quan won in the same category. Haing Ngor was the trailblazer and set the precedent for all Asian actors today

[@DMalltheway]

Hollywood didn’t give Ngor a career

[@chheangtit8858]

As I am Cambodian’s people I am so proud to this award ♥️♥️

[@lucasdavis1964]

I always think of that scene with him and Waterson where that Lennon song "Imagine" is playing. Damn... it was amazing.

[@LeakenaDoll]

Lucas Davis that scene is hauntingly touching ever since I first saw it when I was 7 years old

[@frauleinmona]

That's because the day Pran and Sydney were reunited was on October 9, 1979. Which was John Lennon's 39th birthday. I'm thinking that was one of the reasons why they played "Imagine". That and the fact that it was so fitting for what had been going on with the war for years. That scene made me cry like a baby. I wanted to be there to hug Pran too.

[@jimpim6454]

An incredible man. Truly it was a miracle that he even survived long enough to even reach the thai border, let alone star in this movie. RIP 🙏

[@bluedasher74]

I watched The Killing Fields last night. I was sad to learn that Haing was murdered in real life. I agree that his role in this film was leading rather than supporting, but at least he won! And what an amazing lineup in that category that year!

[@RenanCMaia]

Linda Hunt has a beautiful voice!

[@JohanLebbing]

The Killing Fields. I really recommend this film, it`s very intens, and wonderful played by Waterston and Ngor......Ngor was killed in a botched robbery in LA in 1996. His robbers demanded a locket of his wife he used to wear around his neck and had sworn never to remove. He refused. They shot him fatally. Many are convinced it was a KR hit

[@Taiyou536]

such a tragedy after all what he went thru :(

[@hmmmm8227]

He deserves a standing ovation.

[@thenewmodfather]

if anyone ever deserved an oscar it was this guy may he rest in peace

[@hietanbs]

The Oscars often gets it wrong, but it's great when they get it this right

[@chrisgrimm732]

Haing S. Ngor did a brilliant job bringing his character to life

[@sumoclift]

That movie is hauntingly magnificent and insane !! I'm so glad I watched that movie ! He actually has a leading role ! He deserves the award even best actor !

[@wisaininmanee]

Read his book- Survival in the killing fields. He was an unbroken.

[@hahandroo]

wisai ninmanee thanks for the recommendation

[@jwelch5742]

Haing S. Ngor has great acting in The Killing Fields. Haing S. Ngor and Harold Russell are the only two non-professional actors to win an Academy Award in an acting category. Haing S. Ngor is the only actor of Asian descent to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He survived three terms in Cambodian prison camps, using his medical knowledge to keep himself alive by eating beetles, termites, and scorpions; he eventually crawled between Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese lines to safety in a Red Cross refugee camp.

[@dayledonne8272]

I just finished reading his book, what a truly amazing, tough and resilient human being he was. The circumstances surrounding his death are disgusting after all he had endured. I hope now at least he can finally have some peace and be reunited with Huoy.

[@jamesfair4315]

Such a moving performance. He deserved the Oscar. God bless his soul.

[@GIROBOTII]

Dr. Ngor, rest in peace, sir. Thank you for all the beautiful things in your work you left through the years.

[@katidagaming146]

He is cambodian 🇰🇭 we so proud of love

[@Ky2Quick]

Wish there were Cambodian actors like him

[@ARVIND7066]

Most deserving Oscar ever!

[@rickram1961]

One heck of an incredible speech!

[@nobiOtto]

Happy Birthday Haing S. Ngor , I hope Wherever you're in this world you're Happy.

[@FionnMarr]

Yes. And if you look at his performance alone you'll find he totally understands the material and character. He was delightfully understated and generated real sympathy for the protagonist. Which is everything you could want from a supporting actor.

[@TiagoNYC]

I wish I'd accomplished one of the great things this man did. A true giant.

[@mirandawatson9158]

A beautiful man inside and out.❤

[@brendahem]

We're proud of you Dr.RIP.

[@FreshCreativeFrog25]

This is incredible. Such an achievement and so deserving. A first time actor at the age of 44... wow! One of the only times the Academy ever did justice...

[@MiggsMultiple]

If Pat Morita had won, it would remain the most shiny Oscar ever.....Wax on, wax off.

[@iamjann.c]

Acting for the first time and he was won it Cambodian is cool

[@Anna28Twilight]

he really earn this award! he has been true so horrible things and nothing will make it better but it´s good that he could tell his story! and it´s so horrible that he died in this tragical way he should had have a long and happy life after all this horrible things...

[@Austindevine1]

5 of the best profromances i ever saw

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

that voice of linda hunt is a pleasure to hear

[@alexmeyer5260]

Haing S. Ngor was featured in a Hollywood Reporter article last year about where deceased Oscar winners' statues are now.

[@timotrekdrop4606]

The more i learn about him the more I'm impressed. Legend all around. Rest easy and thanks for your work ❤

[@milliet08]

With all respect I wish you a better life in the next life..my heart goes out to you

[@aaronwongiscool]

What an incredible story.

[@SnakeD0cJ]

I watched the Killing Fields the other day and it has to be one of the best films I have ever seen, Haing S. Ngor was an amazing actor and played the role so perfectly, it's so sad and makes me want to cry knowing that he's passed, RIP.

[@thejazzenigma]

Honestly, Haing did not deserve what ultimately happened to him in the end. The good PH.d had the world captivated when he died, but this award for him was his ultimate prize, and he did deserve it.

[@blecildacasal6669]

I wish I can watch the movie again.. Really touched my heart until now. The actors are great!! Congratulation Haing Ngor!!!

[@zabadazidit]

Blecilda Casal You can get it through Netflix. I'm watching it again - and it never ceases to amaze me. I was 17 when I saw this movie in the theatre for the first time - and watching it again is a treat.

[@blecildacasal6669]

Thanks for the info...appreciate it very much...

[@durbaniter]

Haing Ngor was an amazing human being. I really admire his passion, dedication to others and his great courage. I furthermore appreciate Ngor for being honest about his short-comings in his powerful autobiography. This text shows Ngor's high intelligence and deep analyses of society and human behaviour.

[@aceventuraify]

Iv never seen this movie, it was released two years before i was born. I'm gonna watch it tomorrow. Very interested to see this man's performance, amazing how much hype it received for a first time actor

[@asianoramaagain2269]

I just finished reading "Cambodian Odyssey" which were Haing Ngor's memoirs,written in 1987.He suffered much more horribly than Dith Pran's character did in the movie.His entire immediate family was killed by the Khmer Rouge.The death of his wife was one of the most heartbreaking things I ever had to read.The story I heard was that he was murdered because he refused to hand over a gold locket with his late wife's picture in it.He certainly mentions the locket repeatedly in his book.God bless him.

[@GIROBOTII]

On his way to the stage, John Malkovich shouted something in Cambodian to him, which shocked Dr. Ngor's niece and made Dr. Ngor himself laugh. It was: "The award's mine, asshole!"

[@bleep77]

Did that really happen? lol

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

John Malkovich was also in the movie The Killing Fields that's why.

[@frauleinmona]

Malkovich was also nominated for the Oscar in the same category as Dr. Ngor. That's probably why he yelled that at the Doctor.

[@fairtwist]

the "cheyo kampuchea !" at the end is everything

[@vilaiphornchheun3853]

fairtwist I’m in tear.

[@freedomworks3976]

When is the translation in English ???

[@johnnardo3488]

Freedom Works that means the success of Cambodia.

[@maximuscaligula]

Magnificent performance, unforgettable film. Adolph Caesar's moving performance in "A Soldier's Story" though was pretty damn good.

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

+Maximuscaligula Yes it was. All the supporting actor nominees that year were outstanding, as well as several who didn't make the cut.

[@michaellewis2484]

An amazing poet . By far, one of the best supporting actor performances of all time. RIP and may you walk with the same grace in heaven.

[@visualize2feel]

So deserving he seemed so kind and humble in his speech.

[@aceventura3241]

Dr. Haing S. Gnor and Harold Russell ('Best Years of Our Lives' won Russell Best Supporting Actor) are the only 2 non-actors* to win Academy Awards *By acting, I mean anything to do with Hollywood.

[@liauchungren848]

Such a great human, soul, spirit and an actor. I respect this beautiful man so deeply. You are forever missed in the hearts of an audience who watched your breathtaking performance in the motion picture KILLING FIELD.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Aww This is so great!

[@KamHtown]

thanks for uploading this as i was only one year old or at the time. my parents lived through this, and it was hard for them to see this movie, and to relive it all.

[@robertinoyanzanny1782]

Wow amazing, this is the first time ever that I recollect any oscar winner thanking God.

[@Ivanatis]

one of my fav performances of all-time rip Dr. Ngor

[@leedscab123]

Respect to Dr Ngor.

[@CambodiaNomadTips]

Ngor was a great guy.RIP

[@rediryou]

I just read 'A Cambodian Odyssey' and I want to thank you Haing S Ngor because it has made me a better person by you sharing your story and your humanity.

[@silentreactor97]

Pat Morita was so good in The Karate Kid , if not Haing S. Ngor Performance in the Killing Fields then Pat Morita should have won that year.

[@manchestercity961]

Neil Tomlinson Actually Haing is the lead role, not supporting!!!

[@frauleinmona]

@Manchester City. But Dr. Haing Ngor was nominated for "Best *Supporting* Actor" by the Academy. That's what he won the Oscar for. "Best Supporting Actor". What do you mean he's the lead role? Then why didn't he get nominated for "Best Actor In A Leading Role"?

[@MrMathExpert]

Not really, Adolph Caesar deserved that Oscar; he got robbed.

[@johnnardo3488]

Fuck The Karate Kid is just a piece of shit in that year. If you want to find 100 percent best Karate Kid, you should watch Jackie Chen.

[@supermariofan03]

For me, the real winner wasn’t even nominated. James Woods in Once Upon a Time in America.

[@allendeen]

Ke Huy Quan next in 2023!!!

[@tonbonthemon]

I had just watched the movie for at least the 5th time and it's still so powerful. More than deserved.

[@writestuffla]

I totally adore Linda Hunt. She brings class and dignity to everything she touches.

[@shaileefagan9233]

If they did not give it to him it would have been an insult. You can’t tell someone they didn’t act their own life correctly. It was a lot of courage to re-enact this part of his life, in which most would rather forget. That goes beyond an acting role. It’s reliving it. That’s why he won it.

[@elevatorshoes]

I am a scottish man aged 30, this man is 1 of my Top hero's ....I think this guy's spirit is amazing..all the best in the after life m8

[@ChamnanMuon]

we're proud of you! R.I.P

[@silverwheel]

On a purely technical level, his performance works so well because, unlike most amateur actors, he instinctively understands what to do with his body language. Most amateurs either don't know what to do, or they're trying something but it's not getting the tone they're thinking of. On a much more human level, this performance is exceptional because it's a man who lived all that shit and survived, and being brave enough to plumb those memories all over again for the sake of telling that story to the larger world. Ngor somehow managed to survive three trips to a Khmer Rouge prison camp, and was one of the very few to go to Tuol Sleng and live. Like John Malkovich said about him (paraphrasing here), you'd have to be a pretty great actor to hide your intelligence and education for that long (the chapters of his autobiography that describe the prison camps are the most gruesome and sobering thing I've ever read, real-life torture porn systematically perpetuated by actual human beings).

[@chrislesse1395]

silverwheel His book is one of my all time favorites. Of all the books I have read that one has left an indelible impression on me.

[@sgr7565]

Haing and Jon Malkovitch were friends since the movie. Haing told him to swear in Cambodian. Jon said, showing the prize, "Kiss my ass, it's mine" in Khmer during the ceremony :p Survival in the Kiling fields is an overwhelming book.. difficult to hold the tears during some scenes (tortures, Huoy's death). Truly amazing survivor and great human being.... RIP Haing

[@jenniferoliver9061]

So proud of him!!! Merry Christmas!! Christmas 🎄⛄🎄

[@lightofwadowice]

I just realise this: Linda Hunt won Best Supporting Actress in 1984 for 'The Year of Living Dangerously' which is set in Indonesia. The following year in 1985, she presented the Best Supporting Actor award to Haing S Ngor for 'The Killing Fields' which is based on Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime. Both are films based on a Southeast Asian nation; in fact Haing S Ngor was a Cambodian himself. Quite a coincidence, since it is rare an actor wins an Oscar for a movie based on Southeast Asia.

[@AtlasBlizzard]

Why did they show a title card for Hang S. Ngor if he was there, in the audience?

[@jay_rjabonillo9908]

The director perhaps didn't know where he was sitting.

[@michaelwhitehouse5282]

His Limo got caught up on the way there. He was literally running down the isle when they announced his name

[@trumancapote9097]

Because they all look alike?

[@hflora5927]

I have watched The Killing Fields several times, and each time I see it I get so emotionally moved by the story itself, the actors' performances, and what the individual Dr. Ngor depicted went through during his fight to survive his ordeal in Cambodia, will always be in my heart, thanking him for bringing the brutal reality of what Cambodians had to endure under such a harsh regime. It is so sad he was murdered in the USA after he himself survived in a hostile world in his own country.

[@ARVIND7066]

They just don't make films like this anymore!

[@jeanettesmith765]

I love the film "The Killing Fields" and Haing Ngor's performance!

[@davidrichards9051]

quite simply the greatest screen performance in this category ever. Haing S Ngor was incredible in this film, the scene where he meets up with sam waterson and john lennons imagine plays in the background, if that dosent bring tears you don't have a heart .

[@mrschhim]

I agree with you. He should have been nominated & won Best Actor. I'm still proud of him and his accomplishment. May he rest in peace.

[@milliet08]

I've watched this video many times and it still bring tears to my eyes..He's pretty much a legend in my heart. It's sad to see that my culture and the fight to tell the true story of cambodia is slowly disappearing...

[@brandothecatmeow]

I've been watching old Oscar speeches & actors/actreeses for the movies they've won. It saddens me greatly that movies like those aren't being made like that anymore. We barely have actors of that caliber anymore. We need to get back to a time when craft mattered, writing mattered, ART mattered. Plus it's tragic that this man died the way he did. He survived one of the most brutal times in history only to end so tragically. 💔

[@clarkmacgowan5114]

Now all we have are a bunch of superhero movies with CGI overwhelming the entire film. It makes me terribly sad.