Cannes Awarding Studio Ghibli Honourary Palme d'Or
Studio Ghibli: what more can we say about the legendary Japanese studio? Founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki and the late Isao Takahata they have produced many animated films that are considered among the best ever made. Films like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Whisper Of The Heart, The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya and My Neighbour Totoro have enchanted audiences around the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the studio's founding. To mark the occasion Cannes Film Festival have announced that Studio Ghibli will be presented with an Honourary Palme d'Or,
The accolade comes following the Studio and Miyazaki winning their second Oscar for The Boy And The Heron. It will be presented at the forthcoming 77th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from May 14-25. This is the first time that an Honourary Palme d'Or has been given to a Studio or group of people rather than an individual. And it's hard to think of a group of artists more deserving.
“I am truly honoured and delighted that the studio is awarded the Honourary Palme d’Or,” Suzuki said.“I would like to thank the Festival de Cannes from the bottom of my heart. Forty years ago, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and I established Studio Ghibli with the desire to bring high-level, high-quality animation to children and adults of all ages. Today, our films are watched by people all over the world, and many visitors come to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka and Ghibli Park to experience the world of our films for themselves.We have truly come a long way for Studio Ghibli to become such a big organization. Although Miyazaki and I have aged considerably, I am sure that Studio Ghibli will continue to take on new challenges, led by the staff who will carry on the spirit of the company. It would be my greatest pleasure if you look forward to what’s next."
We're not sure exactly "what's next", but yes, Suzuki-san, we're very much looking forward to it. It was a common misconception that The Boy and The Heron was intended as Miyazaki's final film. Suzuki has said that Miyazaki is already working on his next film. We could be in for quite a wait as it took around eight years for The Boy And The Heron to take flight. The studio might also continue to make more CG films such as Goro "son of Hayao" Miyazaki's Earwig And The Witch. There are surely also several animation directors or senior animators who could be promoted to directors. It would be pretty exciting to see the next generation of Ghibli producing films at the same time as the old guard.
The Boy and the Heron has gone on to make more that $129 million worldwide. It has been re-released in both the United States and Japan, and has been breaking records for a Ghibli film in China. The film is due to stream on Max in the US and on Netflix internationally (excluding the US and Japan) but the date is still to be announced.
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