Renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, known for his iconic anime classics, secured his second career Oscar at the age of 83. Miyazaki clinched the award for best animated film for 'The Boy and the Heron,' a highly anticipated fantasy project following his previous works like 'Spirited Away' and 'My Neighbor Totoro.'
Miyazaki's win makes him the oldest director ever nominated and winner in this category, surpassing his competitors by over two decades. 'The Boy and The Heron' received critical acclaim and was hailed as one of the top films of 2023, triumphing over contenders like 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,' 'Elemental,' 'Nimona,' and 'Robot Dreams.'
This victory marks only the second hand-drawn animation to win in this category, with Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away' being the first 21 years ago. The film's success continued with wins at the Golden Globes and the BAFTA Film Awards.
Although absent from the ceremony, a statement from producer Toshio Suzuki, read by Studio Ghibli's Kiyofumi Nakajima, expressed gratitude for the honor and a commitment to continue their work. Miyazaki's win ties him with Pixar's Pete Docter for the most nominations in the best animated feature category.
'The Boy and the Heron' is a poignant tale following Mahito Maki, a boy who embarks on a fantastical journey after his mother's passing. The film, a decade in the making, showcases Miyazaki's dedication to hand-drawn animation in an era dominated by CGI and artificial intelligence.
In his acceptance speech for an honorary Oscar in 2014, Miyazaki emphasized the importance of traditional animation techniques, expressing gratitude for the ability to create films using paper, pencil, and film.
Miyazaki's enduring passion for storytelling and artistry has not only earned him accolades but also a significant place in cinematic history. 'The Boy and the Heron' stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
For more on this year's Oscars, visit: AP News - Academy Awards
