Studio Ghibli just made history recently as it was awarded the honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. This marks yet another major award for the studio, though it’s quite surprising given that Ghibli has not released any new films since The Boy and the Heron last year.
While the Palme d’Or is the most significant Cannes award, the honorary version can be seen as sort of a lifetime achievement award.
Still, it’s a big honor, especially as Ghibli being given the award is a first in Cannes history in one key way.
Why Studio Ghibli’s Honorary Palme d’Or Is a Big Deal
Studio Ghibli is perhaps one of the most celebrated animation studios in Japan, as its works such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro are beloved across the world.
It is only right that the studio received an honorary Palme d’Or, making it the first time that an honorary Palme d’Or was given to a group instead of an individual.
There have been many honorary Palme d’Or winners since the award was established at the Cannes Film Festival back in 2002, but all of the winners are solo actors, producers, or directors.
Ghibli getting the award as a collective makes sense, especially considering that its films are a collaborative effort. After all, The Boy and the Heron could not be made without Ghibli’s hardworking staff.
Ghibli co-founder Toshiro Suzuki was appreciative of the reward. He also mentioned that Miyazaki was happy that the entire studio was honored.
In a report by Variety, Suzuki said at Cannes that Miyazaki is “not comfortable with being singled out for honors” considering just how many people help in making Ghibli’s movies.
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Exploring What the Future Holds for Studio Ghibli
The Cannes honor is the latest for the studio, as Heron also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
In a way, the honors and awards that Ghibli has been getting over the past year might make it seem like Hayao Miyazaki and the studio are on a farewell tour.
That’s not to say that Ghibli will no longer create new works. Aside from being busy with Ghibli Park, the studio is being acquired by Japanese media giant Nippon TV.
Meanwhile, Ghibli’s films will likely continue to get special screenings and releases. For instance, GKIDS is holding special Ghibli screenings this month, with more to come in June.
While Suzuki mentioned that Miyazaki will likely take a break, he believes that the legendary anime director won’t retire from making new anime projects anytime soon.
Which Studio Ghibli movie do you like the most? Share your top pick in the comments.
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