An Historic Achievement: Ghibli Wins Top Animation Studio Prize

If the Cannes festival is not really known for its animated film screenings, some have nevertheless had this chanceas Shrek 2, Ghost in the Shell 2, Persepolis or Waltz with Bashir. The Tale of Princess Kaguya as well as The Red Turtlefeature films from Studio Ghibli, were also presented respectively in 2013 and 2016. And although none won the Palme, the Japanese studio will finally be decorated during the 2024 edition.

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Ghibli finally rewarded

It's in a Press release directly issued on the official website of the festival that the announcement fell: Studio Ghibli will receive an honorary Palme d'Or during its 77th edition. In the words of Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux, respectively president of the festival and general delegate, “for the first time in its history, it is not a person, but an institution that we wish to celebrate”.

The duo explains that with the Japanese studio, “Japanese animated cinema 'is experienced as one of the great adventures of cinephilia', between tradition and modernity'', taking the opportunity to salute the ''abundant and colorful universes''' which illustrate ''sensitive and committed stories ''”. With this announcement, Toshio Suzuki – co-founder of Studio Ghibli and producer of most of Hayao Miyazaki's films – declared that he was “truly honored and happy that the studio received the Honorary Palme d'Or”. '” before adding that he “thanks the Cannes Film Festival from the bottom of his heart”.

After nature, space

In the same way, George Lucas, father of the saga Star Warswill also receive the Honorary Palme d’Orduring the closing ceremony. The Cannes Film Festival compares the director to JRR Tolkiencreator of Lord of the Ringsexplaining that he “imagine a universe, with its geography, its populations, its languages, its moral values, and even its vehicles” before adding that with the “the 9 episodes of the saga – including 4 directed by himself – George Lucas builds a Hollywood empire”.

Lucas immediately reacted, expressing his gratitude by saying that the Cannes Film Festival has always held a special place in his heart. “I was surprised and delighted when my first film, “THX-1138”, was selected to be screened on the Croisette in 1971. Since then, I have returned to the Festival numerous times as a screenwriter, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a lot to me”. Regarding the official selection of the festival, it is already available on the event website.