Key Takeaways:
– Renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki skipped the Academy Awards for the second time, after winning the Best Animated Feature Film.
– Many speculated reasons for his absence varied from his opposition to global issues to declining health due to age.
– Despite limited promotion, his last film ‘The Boy and the Heron’ garnered widespread praise and commercial success, reaffirming him as one of the greatest filmmakers in animation.
An Unprecedented Pattern of Absence
Esteemed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, celebrated for his Studio Ghibli creations, has traditionally remained abstinent from the Academy Awards irrespective of his triumphs. His pattern of absence has sparked global fascination.
In 2003, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for ‘Spirited Away.’ Yet, he didn’t show up; he stated that his absence reflected his opposition against US involvement in Iraq. In the 75th Oscars of 2024, history repeated itself; Miyazaki was again absent, inviting speculation from curious fans worldwide.
Miyazaki and the Unexpected No-Shows
Notable for his animation masterpieces like ‘The Wind Rises,’ ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ and ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky,’ Miyazaki has crafted a legacy around meaningful storytelling. Despite his industry recognition, his consistent non-attendance at award ceremonies drew attention.
Whether it was anti-war sentiment in 2003 or reports of declining health and age in 2024, Miyazaki carved an intriguing narrative around his awards ceremony no-shows. The acclaimed director, who turned 83 early this year, has often hinted towards retirement, citing his age and declining health as reasons. He mentioned that his latest work ‘The Boy and the Heron’ would be his last in the industry.
The Unveiling of ‘The Boy and the Heron’
In 2017, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli announced a hitherto unnamed film as his final project before retirement. It was a mysterious entrant within the industry with limited promotional work. The only clues available to the public were a cryptic poster and the storied legacy of its filmmaker.
Production, which began in 2017, went on for nearly a decade, marking it as the most expensive film produced in Japan. Despite pandemic-related production challenges, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ released theatrically in Japan on July 14, 2023. To the industry’s surprise, it recorded its most significant opening weekend, beating ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ by $12.8 million, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Ripples of Success Amid Mixed Reactions
Despite mixed initial reactions, critics and audiences eventually lauded ‘The Boy and the Heron’ for its in-depth exploration and attention to detail. The film received overwhelming positive reviews overseas, continuing the international success often associated with Miyazaki’s works.
Regardless of the initial ambiguity around its release and the filmmaker’s conspicuous absence at the Oscars, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ confirmed Miyazaki’s place in animation cinema’s pantheon of legends. It also re-energizes the ongoing discourse around internationalism, artistic intent, and the subtle narratives in-between.
As we reflect on Miyazaki’s illustrious and unconventional career, we continue wondering about the unspoken stories behind his Oscars absenteeism and his personal life ethos. However, such intrigue only amplifies the appreciation of his unequivocal artistic prowess in the realm of animation films. Reflecting on Miyazaki’s work brings forth a fascinating exploration of aesthetics and philosophies interwoven with the landscape of animation cinema.
