Miyazaki’s historic second Oscar triumph spurs joy in Japan, as Asian creativity becomes increasingly recognized.
As the renowned Godzilla franchise won its first Oscar and anime mastermind Hayao Miyazaki won an unprecedented second award. Fans and artists throughout Japan have been celebrating a night of global glory for the nation’s film industry.
At the Academy Awards, Asian films or nominees with a predominantly Asian cast have been more successful lately. The thriller “Parasite” from South Korea created history in 2020 by becoming the first non-English film to win best picture and three further accolades.
This year, the spotlight was firmly on Japanese talent. Miyazaki’s newest anime masterclass, “The Boy and Heron,” won best animated feature picture on Sunday, beating out popular competitors like Disney’s “Elemental” and Sony Picture “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
The 83-year-old and his legendary Studio Ghibli won their second Oscar, following “Spirited Away” the first non-English animation to win the same category in 2002.
He said, “It might be more important for the Oscar Academy to demonstrate that they appreciate Miyazaki’s creative brilliance and that they can distinguish between Japanese animation and animation that is purely for entertainment which is the case with most American animation.”
Since establishing Studio Ghibli in 1985 Miyazaki has become one of Japan’s most influential cultural icons. His otherworldly masterpieces, which are meticulously hand-drawn, frame-by-frame illustrated and become synonymous with Japanese animation. Many of his classic films are such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” mix fanciful elements of folklore with magic and spirituality while also dealing with profound and complex subjects like death, conflict and puberty.
Toshio Suzuki is a producer of “The Boy and Heron,” told NHK that he called Miyazaki after the award ceremony and received a rather anticipated answer from the low-profile animator known for his Zen-like manner and general dislike to the spotlight.
Social media was flooded with congratulations following Sunday’s victory from both the public and lawmakers. Miyazaki was commended by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for his unrestrained imagination and keen insight while Yamazaki was recognized for his outstanding technical skills and expressive ability.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that their work resonated with many people beyond borders and languages, surprising and moving them.
Aichi prefecture’s governor, Hideaki Omura announced that the Ghibli Park which is based on worlds made by Miyazaki will debut new exhibits from “The Boy and Heron” on April 16 (NHK). Twitter users in Japan were ecstatic at Godzilla’s Hollywood victory.
The film which deftly avoided a publicity campaign, earned just under $13 million in its debut weekend after making its world premiere in Japan in June. It also topped the North American box office.
Kelts is one of the Japan-based novelist stated that Miyazaki’s second Oscar win demonstrated the Academy’s recognition of his artistic genius and that Japanese animation is more than just entertainment.
