Hayao Miyazaki received his second Academy Award on Sunday for his semi-autobiographical Japanese animated feature picture The Boy and the Heron. The movie, which is rumored to be the last work of renowned Japanese filmmaker Miyazaki, took home the Best Animated Feature Film Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
Miyazaki’s Oscar triumph makes him the oldest filmmaker to win in the animated feature film category in 21 years. The Japanese anime film previously won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, positioning it as a serious candidate for accolades. The semi-autobiographical picture, which takes place during World War Two, tells the story of a youngster who, after losing his mother, meets a mysterious speaking heron.
The Boy and the Heron faced out against Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Elemental, Nimona, and Robot Dreams, but emerged victorious. However, the creators of the movie were not present at the event to collect the award. The Chief Operation Officer of Studio Ghibli apologized for Miyazaki’s absence from the Oscars.
Hayao Miyazaki Win His Second Oscar Award
It took Hayao Miyazaki more than two decades to win another Oscar, this time for The Boy and the Heron. He earned his first Academy Award for Spirited Away in 2003. With this triumph, Miyazaki solidifies his standing as a leading figure in Japanese film. Additionally, it indicates his influence in the animation industry.
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Considered one of the world’s most well-known animators, Miyazaki co-founded Studio Ghibli in 1985 alongside Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki and has since produced innumerable motion pictures. He is a celebrated storyteller who has won praise from all around the world for his Japanese animated feature films.
Drawing inspiration from Genzaburō Yoshino’s 1937 book How Do You Live? The Boy and the Heron tells the partially autobiographical tale of a little child who, during realm War II, finds himself seeking his mother in an enigmatic dream realm. It was the first Studio Ghibli movie to be released simultaneously in IMAX theaters. It also made history by being the first Japanese and animated movie to start the 48th Toronto International Film Festival.
Studio Ghibli’s COO Apologizes to The Academy for Hayao Miyazaki’s Absence
Although the win by the movie marks a significant historic moment for Studio Ghibli, both Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, were not present to accept the award. Presenters Chris Hemsworth and Anya Taylor-Joy accepted the award on their behalf. However, The COO of Studio Ghibli saved the day as he apologized to the reporters later on.
According to IndieWire, Studio Ghibli’s chief operating officer Kiyofumi Nakajima appeared backstage to issue a statement to the reporters via a translator regarding the absence of Miyazaki and Suzuki. Nakajima apologized for Suzuki and Miyazaki’s absence, saying, “Please forgive them. They’re kind of up there in the age bracket.”
According to Nakajima, the movie was challenging to finish. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude for the work’s global visibility, saying that it was developed after conquering these challenges. Additionally, he said that both he and Miyazaki had aged significantly. He expressed gratitude for the accolade and took it as a sign to keep working.
