The co-founder of legendary Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli says he hopes the studio’s first-ever Golden Globe win will help the country smile – “even if only a little” – in the aftermath of two consecutive tragedies.
Toshio Suzuki, also the studio’s president, made the comment in a statement posted to X after the ceremony in Los Angeles Monday, when “The Boy and the Heron,” directed by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, won the award for best animated feature.
“This is the first Golden Globe awarded to a Studio Ghibli film and it is a very special feeling,” Suzuki said in the statement.
“I hope the bright news of winning such an award can bring a smile to everyone’s face, even if only a little.”
Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have made #GoldenGlobes history. THE BOY AND THE HERON is the first Japanese animated film ever to win Best Motion Picture - Animated!
— The Boy And The Heron (@boyheronfilm) January 8, 2024
Congratulations to Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli! You can still watch #TheBoyAndTheHeron in cinemas now! pic.twitter.com/A7XWyPVolp
Japan has been hit by consecutive disasters this year – a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake on January 1, followed hours later by a plane collision that killed five people and forced the emergency evacuation of hundreds more.
A week on, the quake’s death toll has surpassed 200 and more than 100 people remain missing.
“When I hear the reports of many people still waiting for rescue in the disaster areas, I am filled with a sense of despair,” Suzuki said in the statement.
None of the filmmakers, including Miyazaki, were present at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Monday to accept the award.
A video shared by Suzuki’s daughter Mamiko of the moment he learned of the win made the rounds online, with congratulatory messages from fans.
Barefoot and wearing trackpants, Suzuki is seen entering a room and looking at a live broadcast of the ceremony on a TV, asking those around him: “Did it win?”
Source: CNN
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