Japan’s Cinematic Triumph: Hayao Miyazaki Wins Second Oscar and Godzilla Takes Home First
The Japanese film industry basked in international acclaim as anime maestro Hayao Miyazaki and the iconic Godzilla franchise secured historic Oscar victories.
Asian Cinema Gains Recognition at the Academy Awards
Recent years have seen a surge of recognition for Asian productions and casts at the Academy Awards. In 2020, South Korean thriller “Parasite” made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture and four additional awards. In 2021, the absurdist action comedy “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” centered on a Chinese immigrant family in America and their cultural differences, claimed seven awards including for supporting role (Vietnam-born Ke Huy Quan) and actress (Malaysia’s Michelle Yeoh).
Hayao Miyazaki’s Animated Mastery: “The Boy and Heron” Wins Best Animated Feature
At the 95th Academy Awards ceremony on March 12, 2023, Miyazaki’s latest anime masterpiece, “The Boy and Heron,” clinched the award for Best Animated Feature Film. The 83-year-old animator, whose Studio Ghibli is renowned worldwide, previously won an Oscar in the same category for “Spirited Away” in 2002.
The Influence of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli
Since founding Studio Ghibli in 1985, Miyazaki has become a cultural icon in Japan. His hand-drawn animations, with their fantastical worlds and deep themes, have captivated audiences for nearly four decades.
His works often tackle complex issues such as death, conflict, and adolescence while incorporating elements of Japanese folklore, magic, and spirituality. Toshio Suzuki, producer of “The Boy and Heron,” shared the news with Miyazaki, who reacted as expected with his signature Zen-like demeanor. Suzuki later stated, “I called Hayao-san to congratulate him, and he responded with ‘The same word goes to you!’ He laughed.”
Godzilla’s Historic Oscar Win: “Godzilla Minus One” Takes Best Visual Effects
Another triumph for Japanese cinema came in the form of “Godzilla Minus One,” marking the first Oscar win for the iconic monster franchise. Godzilla movies, with their themes of environmental disaster and Japan’s history with nuclear weapons, have resonated with audiences since the first Japanese incarnation in 1954.
Japanese Cinema Inspires and Unites
The Oscar wins brought joy to many, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who praised Miyazaki’s “unrestrained imagination and keen insight” and Yamazaki’s “outstanding technical skills and expressive ability.” The films resonated with people beyond borders and languages, providing hope amidst the challenges Japan faced earlier in the year, including a devastating earthquake and aid workers’ plane crash.
The Significance of Miyazaki’s Final Film: “The Boy and Heron”
As critics speculate that this may be Miyazaki’s final film, the Oscar win holds immense significance for fans. “The Boy and Heron,” which follows a young boy as he grieves and finds hope in a world marked by loss, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Despite deliberately launching no publicity campaign, “The Boy and Heron” topped the North American box office in its opening weekend, earning just under $13 million. Miyazaki’s second Oscar win further highlights the artistic merit and significance of Japanese animation beyond pure entertainment.
Reflections and Celebrations
Tokyo-based Roland Kelts, author of “Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Invaded the US,” shared his thoughts on the win. “Ghibli’s reputation has grown dramatically over the past 20 years and it’s a credit to the quality of its output,” he said. “It may also be more significant for the Oscar Academy in showing that they recognize the artistic genius of Miyazaki and that they can parse the difference between animation as pure entertainment (which characterizes most American animation) and animation from Japan.”
The triumphs of Miyazaki and the Godzilla franchise represent not only a celebration of Japanese cinema but also the power of art to inspire, unite, and provide hope in the face of adversity. Their impact on audiences worldwide is a testament to their enduring creativity and artistic vision.
Further Reading
‘The Boy and the Heron’: Studio Ghibli co-founder hopes Golden Globes win will make Japan smile after disasters, ‘if only a little’
‘The Boy and the Heron’: A Global Success Despite Lack of Publicity Campaign
Second Oscar for Hayao Miyazaki: Animation as Art beyond Entertainment
