The Boy and the Heron: Hayao Miyazaki's Groundbreaking Triumph at the 2024 Golden Globes

Hayao Miyazaki's film, "The Boy and the Heron," made history at the 81st Golden Globes Awards on Sunday, January 7, 2024, by winning the Best Motion Picture - Animated category. This award represents the first time a non-English animated feature movie has won at the Golden Globes.

"The Boy and the Heron," written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a Japanese animated film created by Studio Ghibli. While the movie's Japanese title is a nod to the 1937 novel of the same name, the film features a completely original storyline unrelated to the novel.

The Boy and the Heron wins Best Motion Picture - Animated at Golden Globes

On January 7, 2024, the 81st Golden Globes Awards ceremony took place, where Hayao Miyazaki's final feature film, The Boy and the Heron, won the Best Motion Picture - Animated award. The film was up against strong competition from Makoto Shinkai's Suzume (Suzume no Tojimari), Sony Pictures' Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Universal Pictures' The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Disney's Elemental and Wish movies.

The Boy and the Heron made history as the first non-English animated feature movie to win Golden Globes. Additionally, it was the first original anime film to top the North American box office after its release in December 2023.

The filmmakers were absent from the award ceremony in Los Angeles to receive the award, but Studio Ghibli Producer Toshio Suzuki expressed his thoughts on Monday, stating, "This is the first time a Studio Ghibli film has been honored with a Golden Globe, and it's a truly special experience."

Suzuki also touched upon the recent string of devastating earthquakes and accidents in Japan, expressing his wish that the news of the film's victory would bring some much-needed joy to the people of the country.

Furthermore, The Boy and the Heron, composed by Joe Hisaishi, was nominated for Best Original Score - Motion Picture, but did not win. The award went to Ludwig Göransson for his work in Oppenheimer.

In December, the Hayao Miyazaki film had already won the Best Picture, Best Animated Film, and Best Score award at The Florida Film Critics Circle, marking the first time an animated film had won the Best Picture award.

The film has garnered numerous nominations and awards at prestigious events such as the London Critics' Circle's 2024 Awards, Astra Film & Creative Arts Awards, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and the Boston Society of Film Critics.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Hayao Miyazaki and his incredible body of work, I am thrilled beyond words to hear about the triumph of "The Boy and the Heron" at the 81st Golden Globes Awards. This historic win marks a significant milestone in the world of animation, as it is the first time a non-English animated feature film has taken home the prestigious Best Motion Picture - Animated accolade. Miyazaki's ability to craft heartfelt and visually stunning stories that resonate with audiences of all ages is truly remarkable, and I am overjoyed that his latest masterpiece has received the recognition it so rightfully deserves.

The fact that "The Boy and the Heron" managed to surpass such formidable competition, including highly anticipated titles like "Suzume," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," speaks volumes about the film's exceptional quality and universal appeal. Miyazaki's unique blend of imaginative storytelling, breathtaking animation, and profound themes has once again captivated audiences worldwide, and I am confident that "The Boy and the Heron" will continue to be celebrated for years to come.