Godzilla Secures First Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 70-Year Movie Legacy

Godzilla Wins His 1st Oscar for Best Visual Effects After 70 Years in the Movie Business 675

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Go Godzilla! After 70 years in the movie industry, Godzilla has finally won his first Oscar.

At the 2024 Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10, Godzilla Minus One won the trophy for Best Visual Effects. This is the first time a movie in the franchise has ever received an Oscar. It is also the first nomination for any movie featuring Godzilla, who first appeared on the big screen in 1954.

Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi, and Tatsuji Nojima were honored at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. They won over tough competition such as The Creator, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Napoleon, and Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One.

During their acceptance speech, Yamazaki and team brought tiny Godzilla replicas on stage and wore shoes with claw heels. Their fellow colleagues cheered them on from the audience, waving Godzilla figures in excitement.

Godzilla Minus One, released in October 2023, is the 37th movie in the Godzilla series. The film features actors like Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, and more. The story is set after World War II, focusing on ex-kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (played by Kamiki) and his team trying to save Tokyo from Godzilla's rampage.

The film's title, "Godzilla Minus One," symbolizes Japan's decline after WWII. With Godzilla's appearance in the movie, the country's situation worsens to "minus one."

Yamazaki, who took on the roles of director, writer, and visual effects supervisor for the film, expressed his excitement over its Oscar nomination. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Yamazaki shared, "I've watched the Oscars on TV for years, and I always saw it as this distant dream. Being able to be a part of that world, even for a short moment, is truly humbling."

In a recent interview with the Academy's A.frame blog, Yamazaki expressed his disbelief at being nominated for Godzilla Minus One. He mentioned feeling both shocked and excited about the nomination, stating that it was beyond anything he could have imagined. Initially, the film was intended for a specific audience, but its success in theaters has been overwhelming. Yamazaki expressed gratitude for the unexpected nomination and thanked everyone for their support and the Academy for considering their work.

Yamazaki praised his colleagues in the sound department for enhancing his visual effects in the movie, even though it did not receive a Best Sound nomination. He commended the sound team for their work in creating the film's atmosphere and ambiance. For instance, when it came to Godzilla's iconic roar, they wanted to capture it in a vast, open space. To achieve this, they rented a baseball stadium and brought in about 10 sound technicians. By setting up speakers and microphones, utilizing the stadium's own sound system, and playing the original Godzilla roar, they were able to create a realistic echo effect. This technique helped to emphasize the massive size and scale of Godzilla, making the scene both enjoyable and intriguing.

Editor's P/S:

The triumph of "Godzilla Minus One" at the Academy Awards is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Godzilla franchise and the artistry of its creators. Takashi Yamazaki and his team have breathed new life into the iconic monster, crafting a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The film's recognition at the Oscars not only elevates the Godzilla series but also highlights the growing appreciation for international cinema and the power of storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries.

The behind-the-scenes insights shared by Yamazaki, such as the innovative techniques used to capture Godzilla's roar, provide a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that went into the film. The collaboration between the visual effects and sound departments is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating how different elements of filmmaking can come together to create a truly immersive experience. The film's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, showcasing the transformative potential of combining artistry and technical expertise.