Studio Ghibli Makes History at Cannes

Cannes, 3:30 PM, May 20, Théatre Lumière. 

Reporters, fans, and filmmakers from around the world, speaking different languages and communicating through basic English and gestures, momentarily shed their nationalities to enter a kingdom built by cinema. All these films come from the same “40-year-old shop” — Studio Ghibli!

For me, this was the happiest moment of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. For the first time, the 77th Cannes Film Festival decided to award the Honorary Palme d'Or to a studio, rather than an individual. This honor not only belongs to all the films produced by the studio but also to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and the newly opened Ghibli Park, places where one can happily lose their way.

Accepting the award on behalf of Ghibli was Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki. From his entrance, introduced by Cannes Festival Artistic Director Thierry Frémaux, to the award presentation and speech, the hall was filled with continuous applause and cheers. Western audiences awkwardly shouted “arigato” (Thank you)in Japanese, and young people enthusiastically whistled, with applause so persistent that Frémaux had to remind them several times to save some for later. Yet, no one minded. The stand-up ovation persisted. The young French people in front of me laughed and showed each other their sore hands but continued clapping.

Before the award ceremony, Cannes presented a 9-minute video-clip of Ghibli’s works over the past 40 years. All our familiar favorites like "Kiki’s Delivery Service," "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya," "Princess Mononoke," "Castle in the Sky," and "My Neighbor Totoro" were featured, along with lesser-known early works or non-Miyazaki and Takahata films like "Ocean Waves," "The Cat Returns," and "When Marnie Was There." The video offers a journey into a fragile world, filled with swirling emotions and inhabited by fantastical creatures. It felt like the softest silk, gently brushing our hearts, making it impossible not to be moved. When the lights came back on, many in the audience were clapping and wiping away tears.

With the global release and Oscar win of Hayao Miyazaki’s new film "The Boy and the Heron," the honor from Cannes further cements Ghibli’s place in cinematic history. But for Miyazaki, this doesn’t seem to matter much. In a video played during the award ceremony featuring Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, the bearded master appeared particularly thin and calm. The video mirrored their Oscar acceptance speech, with a similar setting and format: 

Suzuki : “Cannes has decided to give us the Honorary Palme d'Or, a first in history. It’s always been awarded to individuals, but now it’s for Studio Ghibli. Say a few words, please.” 

Miyazaki, expressionless: “Alright, I don’t really get it, but thanks.” 

The audience laughed. 

Suzuki continued: “Our four short films will be shown at the ceremony. You’ve always wanted these shorts to be shown overseas, and now it’s happening.” 

Miyazaki retorted: Huh? I never said that.

Suzuki : You did! You kept asking me to negotiate with overseas festivals.”

Miyazaki, squinting and smiling: “Well, they all refused anyway.”

The audience, who had been deeply moved and even in tears, burst into laughter. The love for Miyazaki, Takahata, and Ghibli filled the theater with a warmth unlike any other director's screening. Perhaps it’s because Miyazaki insists on creating for children, making everyone who loves Ghibli drop their guard and show childlike sincerity and joy. No need for introductions or politeness, we were all in the same context. I exchanged smiles with those around me, joking about the disorganized Cannes award ceremony and unreliable translations, but none of that really mattered. We were all deeply enjoying the moment, undisturbed by anything.

Before the short films were screened, Frémaux mysteriously announced, “Today you will receive a gift, oh no, two gifts!” As the session ended, I wondered what the gifts could be. Would there really be any? A French man next to me said, “I wonder if we’ll actually get a gift!” I quickly responded, “Yeah, and he said two. I hope they’re not kidding!”

Fortunately, Frémaux wasn’t joking. As we exited the theater, staff handed out red posters specially made for the Honorary Palme d'Or and a postcard with a film strip from "The Boy and the Heron." I can't remember the last time such a small thing made me so happy as an adult. I grinned from ear to ear, feeling light and joyful, like Mei finding the Catbus.

Studio Ghibli was established to create films by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Toshio Suzuki, who has supported these geniuses chosen by the gods of cinema, said Ghibli never had long-term plans, creating one film at a time. History turned them into legends, with people worldwide softening at the sight of Totoro’s chubby body. Now, with Takahata passed away, Suzuki in his 70s, and Miyazaki at 80, the studio has been acquired by their longtime partner, Nippon TV. When the screening ended and the applause finally faded, Goro Miyazaki took the microphone again and said, “Thank you for your support. We hope to continue working hard for the next 40 years of Ghibli.” This is what all Ghibli fans want to hear, but what will it be like? After all, Ghibli is almost synonymous with Hayao Miyazaki.

It might be a different Ghibli, but I still look forward to it.