^

Movies

Japan's Studio Ghibli receives honorary Palme d'Or in Cannes

Agence France-Presse - Agence France-Presse
Japan's Studio Ghibli receives honorary Palme d'Or in Cannes
Oscar-winning Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki speaks to the press in Tokyo on July 13, 2015. Miyazaki is making a short animation movie with a character of a caterpillar, which will be screening at the Ghibli Museum in suburban Tokyo
AFP / Yoshikazu Tsuno

CANNES, France — Legendary Japanese animators Studio Ghibli became the first collective to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Oscar-winning studio, founded 40 years ago, is beloved worldwide for masterpieces like "My Neighbor Totoro", "Spirited Away," and "Howl's Moving Castle."

Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, 83, did not attend the French festival, but his son Goro Miyazaki received the award, which is typically bestowed on individuals.

"I would like to thank all the fans worldwide," he said on stage after receiving the honor, before attendees were treated to four short films from the wildly imaginative collective.

Among them was 2002's "Mei and the Baby Cat Bus," billed as a "mini-sequel" to Hayao Miyazaki's 1989 classic "My Neighbor Totoro."

In "Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess," a giant gloop of dough helps a tiny egg in a pink dress escape a ravenous witch.

Related: Cannes Film Festival 2024: List of films competing

"House Hunting" and "Boro the Caterpillar" — the second starring a tiny grub munching on leaves — featured amusing human voiceovers for everything from a friendly river monster to squeaky bicycles. All were welcomed with good-natured laughter.

"Today you have given the Studio Ghibli encouragement for the next 40 years," Goro Miyazaki said after the screening.

Hayao Miyazaki has announced his retirement more than once, but he continues to work and was back in cinemas last year with "The Boy and the Heron."

He appeared on the big screen in a video to say: "Thank you very much."

"The Boy and the Heron" won an Oscar this year and Goro Miyazaki said the studio had to wrap the statuette in a hotel towel to fly it home safely from the United States. He added he was really glad the honorary Palme had a box.

Meryl Streep received an honorary Palme at the festival's opening and George Lucas, creator of "Star Wars," is to receive the accolade at the closing ceremony on Saturday.

RELATED: Mad Max, Meryl, and #MeToo in strong day for women at Cannes

vuukle comment

CANNES

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

GHIBLI

HAYAO MIYAZAKI

PALME D'OR

STUDIO GHIBLI

Philstar
x
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with