Last week, Hayao Miyazaki was honored by the American Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences with an honorary Oscar for his achievements in cinema. In true Miyazaki fashion, he humbly accepted the award, stating that his wife said he was a lucky man, and that he was indeed a lucky man to have worked during 50 years of peace in Japan.
It is important to note that Hayao Miyazaki only attended the event at his friend John Lasseter’s request who presented him with the award on behalf of the Academy after a few well chosen words describing how he came to know Miyazaki’s work, and how Miyazaki’s first feature film Lupin III helped him find his true love, whom he would later marry.
Hayao Miyazaki’s attendance marks the second time he has visited the United States, having passed up on attending the Oscars in 2003 when Spirited Away was nominated (and won) for Best Animated Film. It was not until many years later that he publicly stated that his absence was due to the U.S.’s involvement with the Iraq war, which contradicts his pacifist views. He did break his silent boycott of the U.S. in 2009 in order to attend San Diego Comic Con, again, at John Lasseter’s request.
Congratulations, Miyazaki!
Videos thanks to Anime News Network.
