The Boy and the Heron Makes History at Golden Globe Awards

Studio Ghibli has made history with The Boy and the Heron at the Golden Globe Awards.

At the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7, Studio Ghibli’s latest film The Boy and the Heron won Best Motion Picture – Animated. This achievement marks the first time a Japanese animated film has ever won this accolade. Although no Studio Ghibli representative was present to accept the award, Toshio Suzuki was filmed reacting to the announcement — except he just missed it.

Suzuki wrote a thank you message later on, reflecting on the recent happenings in Japan, in particular the earthquake that shook the country on Jan. 1, 2024. “When I hear the reports of many people still waiting for rescue int he disaster areas, I am filled with a sense of despair. In such a situation, I hope the bright news of winning an award can bring a smile to everyone’s family, even if only a little.”

The Boy and the Heron was up against other highly-acclaimed films including Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume, The Super MarioBros. Movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Elemental, and Wish. Composer Joe Hisaishi received a nomination for his soundtrack in the film but it was The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s “Peaches” that won the award.

Originally titled How Do You Live? for release in Japan, took its title from a book written initially by Yūzō Yamamoto and completed by Genzaburo Yoshino, and published in 1937 by Shinchosa. Told through letters, journey entries and memories, the story follows 15-year-old Junichi Honda, known as Koperu, who learns about friendships, relationships, and the way of the world. Miyazaki’s film, however, is very different from the book.

Set in the aftermath of the fire bombings, The Boy and the Heron follows Mahito Maki who lives with his father in the countryside with Mahito’s pregnant aunt. Still reeling from the grief of losing his mother, Mahito’s world opens and changes when he encounters a heron and other mysterious beings.

Despite the notoriety of The Boy and the Heron coming from the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, the film opted to not release any trailer nor any other preview images other than the teaser image of a monstrous-looking heron. The first teaser trailer released on Sept. 6. Although The Boy and the Heron was reportedly supposed to be Miyazaki’s final film, the director has since returned to the studio, brimming with ideas for future projects.

The Boy and the Heron also notably became the first animated film to open at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has earned a cumulative total of over 8 billion yen, marking it as the 75th highest-grossing film in Japan.

The Boy and the Heron premiered in the USA and Canada and in IMAX on Dec. 8.

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