Studio Ghibli Receives Prestigious Honorary Palme d’or at 77th Cannes Film Festival
In a historic first, the Cannes Film Festival has awarded its Honorary Palme d'or not to an individual, but to an entire institution—Studio Ghibli, marking the studio's significant impact on the world of animated cinema over the last forty years.
Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, shared his deep appreciation for the honor. "I am truly honored and delighted that the studio is awarded the Honorary Palme d'or," Suzuki said. He reflected on the studio's journey since its founding by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, emphasizing its global influence and the beloved Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park attractions.
Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux, leaders of the Cannes Film Festival, noted the unique choice to award a group rather than an individual. "For the first time in our history, it’s not a person but an institution that we have chosen to celebrate," Knobloch stated. They praised Studio Ghibli for enriching cinematic imagination with its "prolific, colorful universes and sensitive, engaging narrations."
The legacy of Studio Ghibli began with the success of Miyazaki’s "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" in 1984, leading to the official establishment of Studio Ghibli in 1985. Since then, the studio has been at the forefront of animation, not just creatively but also in their thematic depth, exploring complex human and environmental issues through films like "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away," the latter winning both an Academy Award and a Golden Bear.
The studio's influence stretches beyond Japan; it is felt worldwide, from Europe to the United States. Studio Ghibli's films are celebrated for their artistry and narrative quality, setting a high standard in the animation industry. In recognition of its cultural contribution, the Ghibli Museum was opened in 2001, and more recently in 2022, the Ghibli Park, which further showcases the studio's rich heritage and its commitment to blending art and accessibility.
This recognition by the Cannes Film Festival underscores Studio Ghibli's pivotal role in shaping global cinema, bridging the gap between artistic excellence and popular appeal.