Director Bong Joon Ho was surprised and overjoyed when his Parasite garnered six Oscar nominations - a great first for South Korea's film industry and a sign that language is no longer a barrier to global success.

Parasite, a dark comedy about the vast gap between rich and poor in South Korea, snagged a coveted best picture nomination, best director for Bong and best screenplay in addition to its best international feature nomination.

"Every time they announced the new nominations it was so thrilling because we didn't really anticipate any of this," Bong said in California.

He had previously discussed the challenges of international films breaking the "language barrier" around the world, but added that the nominations suggest those barriers may now be falling.

"We can say that thanks to the internet, social media and these streaming services," Bong added. "Society is experiencing less of these language barriers, and perhaps Parasite benefited from that global trend."

In a video shared online by film distributor Neon, one of the movie's stars, Song Kang Ho, manages to not spill a cup of coffee as he and others in the room celebrate excitedly.

"The sign you're a global superstar: you don't spill your coffee when your film is nominated for best picture," the company said.

Kwak Shin Ae, chief executive of production company Barunson E&A, said she was delighted by the first best picture nomination for a South Korean film but disappointed Song did not get a nod for an acting category.

"Being nominated for more than just the foreign language film category is meaningful because it means the film transcended language and nationality to communicate in the universal language of cinema," she added.

South Koreans, many of who have watched the movie more than once, were proud to bask in the glory.

"I was so happy to hear Parasite was nominated in many categories," said 62-year-old Bae Young Sil. "Now we're hoping for good results."

Bong Joon Ho says social media and streaming services have helped international films overcome challenges.

Delight as Korea's Parasite smashes language barrier