The Cannes Film Festival has a long history of awarding individuals with the Honorary Palme d’or, but this year it will be going to a group for the very first time. That group is Studio Ghibli, which is the latest to receive the prestigious distinction. The award celebrates four decades and over 20 films from the renowned studio, many of which came from esteemed directors like Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata. From its establishment in 1985 to today—which sees Ghibli with its own theme park in Aichi Prefecture—Ghibli’s impact on animation has been monumental. The Honorary Palme d’or is a non-competitive award typically given to individuals such as actors or directors to mark their career achievements. Along with Ghibli, Star Wars creator George Lucas will also receive one during the closing ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 25. 2023’s honors went to Michael Douglas and Harrison Ford. Here’s what Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki said about the award:
“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.”
The latest film from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron, has seen many accolades of its own since its premiere in Japan on July 14, 2023. The movie won Best Animated Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards on March 11, Best Animation of the Year at the 47th Japan Academy Film Prize Awards on March 8, Best Animated Film at the British Academy Film Awards on February 18, and Golden Globe for Best Animated Film on January 7, among other awards.Source: Festival de Cannes Official Website
