Hayao Miyazaki clinched his second Academy Award for his semi-autobiographical masterpiece, "The Boy and the Heron," an enchanting narrative exploring a young boy's journey through grief following the loss of his mother. This Japanese anime swiftly rose to prominence as a leading contender in major awards circuits, securing victories at both the Golden Globes and BAFTA awards. «The Boy and the Heron» bested other contenders such as «Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,» Disney's «Elemental,» Netflix's «Nimona,» and the dialogue-free «Robot Dreams.»
Its North American premiere in 2023 saw it soar to the top of the box office charts, amassing an impressive $13 million in earnings.
Featuring an all-star English voice cast including Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Florence Pugh, Christian Bale, and Mark Hamill, the film captured audiences with its captivating storytelling and richly imaginative world.
Set against the backdrop of World War Two, the film follows the poignant journey of Mahito Maki, a 12-year-old boy grappling with the devastating loss of his mother in a fire at a Tokyo hospital. As Mahito adjusts to his new life with his father and stepmother, a chance encounter with a mystical grey heron leads him to a mysterious tower inhabited by fantastical beings, offering him solace and understanding amidst his grief.
Oscars 2024: The winners, the ceremony, follow the action live!
At 83 years old, Hayao Miyazaki stands as one of the preeminent animation directors globally, renowned for his contributions to