Studio Ghibli is a big winner at the Oscars. Shortly after the awards show, Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki shared Hayao Miyazaki’s reaction to The Boy and the Heron’s Oscar win.
As Miyazaki isn’t one to attend awards ceremonies like this, not to mention that he’s quite a reserved director, a reaction from him is quite unexpected. This goes to show just how big the win is.
What’s more, Japan’s film industry was a big winner at this year’s Oscars, as Ghibli wasn’t the only Japanese film to get an award.
Japan Wins Big at the 96th Academy Awards
The Boy and the Heron has gotten numerous awards over the past months. Finally, it got what is arguably its biggest win as the film received the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Miyazaki’s latest film won over other notable animated movies such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Nimona.
This is also Miyazaki and Ghibli’s second win at the Oscars, with the first being Spirited Away, which also took home the Best Animated Feature award back in 2003.
Along with Heron, the other Japanese winner at this year’s Oscars is Godzilla Minus One, the latest live-action Godzilla movie, which got rave reviews.
Instead of the Best International Feature award, the new Godzilla film took home Best Visual Effects.
This should come as no surprise as the film was highly praised for its impressive special effects, all while having a budget that’s significantly lower than typical Hollywood blockbusters.
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Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron Oscar Win Reaction Is a Surprise
Following the Academy Awards, Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki appeared in a press conference to celebrate the recent win.
As reported by Comic Natalie, Suzuki shared that he was on a phone call with Miyazaki before the press conference.
Miyazaki told Suzuki that “as a Japanese boy, I shouldn't show my happy face” even though he was overflowing with joy.
Suzuki also said that despite Miyazaki seeming like a scary person, he is a fun person to be around.
A reaction like this is quite unexpected for Miyazaki. After all, the legendary Ghibli director is also notable for being serious, especially in various behind-the-scenes specials.
Along with Miyazaki’s response, Suzuki also shared that it’ll be difficult to move on to a new project as the box office run continues.
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