Japanese cinema rose to international glory during the Oscars 2024 celebration, as the esteemed Academy Awards recognized the nation’s unparalleled creativity and ingenuity. Studio Ghibli’s enchanting ‘The Boy and The Heron’ and TOHO’s iconic ‘Godzilla: Minus One’ both bagged prestigious awards, earning Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects respectively. These victories marked a significant moment for Japanese filmmakers and animated storytellers at the 96th Academy Awards.
The hallowed halls of Studio Ghibli glittered with newfound triumph as the studio secured its second Oscar for Best Animated Feature with ‘The Boy and The Heron.’ The renowned founder Hayao Miyazaki, defying his years at the venerable age of 83 and becoming the oldest nominee in the category, graciously refuses to commit to retirement. He may entertain the idea of embarking on yet another cinematic journey, potentially a short film.
Hayao Miyazaki’s unofficial retirement was previously announced a decade ago—a decision the famed director now seems to second-guess, according to his close ally and Ghibli co-founder, producer Toshio Suzuki. After the latest Academy win, Suzuki revealed that Miyazaki regretted announcing his departure from filmmaking due to his advanced age.
Preferring seclusion, Miyazaki celebrated his Oscar triumph privately within his atelier, opting out of the studio festivities. Studio Ghibli’s decision to embrace a low-profile marketing strategy for ‘The Boy and The Heron,’ a project a decade in the making, reflects the studio’s penchant for subtlety and focus on craft, even in the wake of major industry accolades.
The announcement of the Oscar win triggered a wave of elation at Ghibli’s modestly sized studio, nestled on the edges of metropolitan Tokyo. Crowds of media personnel gathered in the space to witness the ceremony on a large screen, heralding the success of the beloved animation house.
Similarly, the Oscar spotlight turned to ‘Godzilla: Minus One’ as it carved a historical notch for Japan by being honored with the award for Best Visual Effects. This momentous recognition marks not only the first Oscar win for Japan in this category but also represents an unprecedented triumph in the 70-year legacy of the Godzilla franchise.
Celebrations erupted across Japanese media outlets as the double win was lauded, the first since 2009. A commendation in the widely read Yomiuri newspaper recognized this achievement as a new chapter in the annals of Japanese cinema.
Despite the domestic euphoria, not all nods toward Japan ended in victory. Wim Wenders’ movie, ‘Perfect Days,’ exploring the life of a sanitation worker, was Japan’s chosen contender in the Best International Feature category but was surpassed by ‘The Zone of Interest’ by Jonathan Glazer. Nonetheless, Japan’s presence was notably felt through the touching acknowledgment of Yoko Ono by her son Sean for their collaboration on the Oscar-winning Best Animated Short, ‘War is Over.’
Furthermore, even Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ bearing away seven Oscars including Best Picture, has its narrative rooted in historical events directly linked to Japan. The film’s exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the development of the atomic bomb intrinsically ties to the island nation, although it has yet to be unveiled in Japanese cinemas.
As we reflect on the splendor of the 2024 Oscars, it becomes evident that Japanese cinema is not merely a participant on the global stage but a prevailing force of artistic excellence. The ingenuity and storytelling prowess exhibited within these acclaimed films underscore Japan’s lasting impact on world cinema.
