Studio Ghibli to receive Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes 2024

For the first time, the Cannes Film Festival will award an Honorary Palme d'Or to a group, Studio Ghibli, recognised for its exceptional animation cinema. Notable works from the studio include 'Spirited Away', 'Howl's Moving Castle', 'My Neighbour Totoro', and 'The Boy and the Heron', which won an Oscar this year.

Traditionally, the Honorary Palme is awarded to individuals; recent recipients include Tom Cruise, Michael Douglas, and Harrison Ford. In this 77th edition of the festival, 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas will also receive the Honorary Palme.

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, along with Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki. Miyazaki came out of retirement to create 'The Boy and the Heron', a poignant tale set in World War II. The film follows the journey of a



12-year-old boy grappling with his mother's tragic death and his new life with his father and stepmother. A mystical grey heron guides him towards understanding his grief.

While Miyazaki's films typically premiere at Venice, Toronto, and Berlin, Ghibli's 'The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya' was featured at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in 2014 and The Red Turtle, Ghibli’s first European collaboration, was screened at Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2016.

Toshio Suzuki expressed the studio's commitment to delivering high-quality animation for all ages. Despite the founders aging, he believes Studio Ghibli will continue to accept new challenges. Iris Knobloch, President of the Festival, and Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate, praised Ghibli's contribution to animation and cinema. The Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 14 to 25.