Renowned Japanese animator and director Hayao Miyazaki has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize. The news, confirmed by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, recognizes Miyazaki’s exceptional contribution to the world of animation through his influential and beloved films.
Miyazaki, co-founder of the iconic Studio Ghibli, is celebrated for his direction of critically acclaimed movies such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, and his latest work, The Boy and the Heron. His films are known not only for their stunning animation but also for addressing profound themes like environmental conservation and social harmony, making a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, particularly the younger generation.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Studio Ghibli shared the joyous news, highlighting Miyazaki’s global influence. The foundation commended him for creating some of the most memorable films in cinematic history. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Manila this November.
Miyazaki’s illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature for Spirited Away. Despite announcing his retirement, Miyazaki returned to the industry to create The Boy and the Heron, further cementing his legacy. This achievement follows another historic moment for Studio Ghibli, which recently received an Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
