Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' Makes History with Golden Globe Nomination at 82: A Trailblazing Triumph for Anime Cinema

December 13, 2023

This post contains affiliate links. That means I earn a commission when you click the links and place an order.

At the age of 82, the acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has secured his inaugural Golden Globe Award nomination for his semi-autobiographical fantasy masterpiece, "The Kid and the Heron." The film's debut was nothing short of spectacular, achieving a record-breaking $12.8 million at the North American box office during its triumphant opening weekend—an unprecedented feat that solidifies its status as the first original anime title in history to ascend to the top of the charts. Among its notable accolades, "The Kid and the Heron" earned a nomination for the animated feature Golden Globe, sharing the spotlight with notable contenders such as "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," "Elemental," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Suzume," and "Wish."

Miyazaki's Magnum Opus: "The Kid and the Heron" and the Golden Globe Milestone

Renowned for his cinematic masterpiece "Spirited Away," which clinched the Best Animated Feature Oscar in 2001, Miyazaki has proclaimed "The Kid and the Heron" as his magnum opus and final contribution to the world of cinema. The potential success of the film at the Golden Globes would not only mark a historic first for Miyazaki but also for Studio Ghibli, U.S. distributor GKIDS, and as the first non-English language animated feature to seize the prestigious award.

Miyazaki's Influence on the Anime Genre

Hayao Miyazaki's anime odyssey, starting in the 1960s, became a remarkable journey. Graduating from Gakushuin University, he delved into animation, joining Toei Animation in 1963. Pivotal roles in "Wolf Boy Ken" and "Future Boy Conan" catapulted him to prominence, leading to his 1979 directorial debut with "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro." This marked the inception of his illustrious career, laying the foundation for Miyazaki to become a revered figure in animation. In 1985, Miyazaki, with three collaborators, co-founded Studio Ghibli. Their debut film, "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" (1986), was a significant milestone. Miyazaki's cinematic mastery extends to classics like "My Neighbor Totoro," "Princess Mononoke," "Ponyo," and "Howl's Moving Castle," each a testament to his enduring influence on storytelling.

Where to watch the Golden Globe Nominees

The "Super Mario Brothers Movie" and "Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse" are available on Netflix. You can stream "Elemental" on Disney+ and "Suzume" on Crunchyroll. "The Boy and the Heron" and "Wish" are currently in theaters.

You can stream the other Studio Ghibli movies on Max.

Have you seen The Boy and the Heron? What is your favorite Studio Ghibli film? Let us know below!

10 Retro 90s Cartoons that You Can Watch For Free

Grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite spot, and prepare to lose yourself in a whirlwind of nostalgia. With Tubi and YouTube at your fingertips, the golden age of 90s cartoons is just a click away, offering endless hours of entertainment for fans old and new alike.
"Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin - Apple TV Unveils a Heartwarming Special for the Classic Peanuts Character!"

In the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, a Los Angeles schoolteacher named Harriet Glickman wrote a heartfelt letter to Charles M. Schulz, urging him to introduce a black character into Peanuts. This touching exchange sparked a collaboration between Schulz and Glickman, ultimately leading to the birth of Franklin.
Don Bluth's Theatrical Films Ranked: 80s and 90s Animation Classics

Don Bluth's theatrical films create an enduring legacy in animated cinema, from the enchanting "Secret of NIMH" to the heartwarming "An American Tale." Every film contributes to a rich tapestry of retro animation classics, showcasing Bluth's commitment to crafting timeless stories that captivate audiences of all ages. Each entry, though varying in rankings, reflects the profound impact of Bluth's vivid animation and poignant storytelling, inviting viewers to step into the timeless magic of animated storytelling and experience emotions that etch into collective memory.
"The Brave Locomotive" : A Beautiful Homage to 1940s Disney Animation

"The Brave Locomotive" pays homage to "Little Toot" in more ways than one. Both narratives orbit around the exploits of seemingly unconventional vehicles striving to showcase their significance in their respective realms. Linus and Little Toot, both embodying playful personas, navigate a world where their genuine bravery and worth shine through in the face of adversity.
Nostalgia Unleashed: Disney's 80s Animation Masterpieces Revisited

This dynamic era showcased profound change, relentless innovation, and robust growth, leaving an enduring imprint on Disney's entertainment legacy. In this post, we'll explore standout Disney animated films from the '80s, each woven into the vibrant tapestry of animated brilliance.
"Animal Logic Aligns with Netflix Animation: Toliver Assumes Leadership Amid CEO Departure"

Approaching its second anniversary since the acquisition of the esteemed Australian animation and visual effects studio, Netflix is strategically integrating Animal Logic into its global animation studio structure. In a move to streamline operations, Animal Logic's CEO, Sharon Taylor, gracefully steps down, passing her responsibilities to Karen Toliver.
"Dive into Nostalgia: 10 Retro Animated Films You Should See

Now, with brimming enthusiasm and a touch of nostalgia, I extend this personal tradition to all of you in this blog post about 10 retro animated films you should see. Join me on an intimate animated odyssey as I carefully curate a list of 10 classic cartoons from the 80s and 90s (and 1 from the 70s) that you should see!
Attack on Titan: "The Last Attack" - A Mostly Spoiler-Free Retrospective

I’ve been watching Attack on Titan since 2014, but funny enough, I wasn’t initially drawn to the show. One random day, a friend sat us down and insisted we had to watch the first episode. And after that intense opener? I was hooked. What followed was a decade-long fascination with the series—fanart, fanfiction, merch (I probably have enough Wings of Freedom to join the Survey Corps at this point), and even a return to reading manga.
Hayao Miyazaki's Top 10 Grossing Films

Renowned for his unparalleled storytelling and breathtaking visuals, Miyazaki's creations have become revered classics in the world of retro and classic anime. Join us in this blog post as we explore Miyazaki's top 10 highest-grossing films, celebrating the captivating universe he has meticulously brought to life over the years.
Dragon Ball Daima Anime Unleashes a New Era in 2024

As Dragon Ball Daima gears up for its highly anticipated 2024 release, the excitement among fans continues to surge. From the undisclosed episode count to its canonical significance and global accessibility, the anticipation surrounding the series is palpable. As the release date draws near, the Dragon Ball community eagerly awaits more details, preparing for an exhilarating journey into the ever-expanding universe of Dragon Ball.
10 Retro Anime You May Not Have Seen

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made from links on this post. When I was about 4 or 5, my brother taught me the word “Japanimation” meaning “cartoons from Japan”. In western culture, this term was widely used instead of anime until the early 90s. I’ve seen many series over the years.
From Anime Screens to Your Decks: Yu-Gi-Oh Classics Resurrected in Maze of Millennia

Konami's Maze of Millennia set extends beyond nostalgia, promising a multitude of new cards inspired by the diverse worlds of Yu-Gi-Oh, as stated in the company's official announcement. Die-hard enthusiasts can now experience a tangible connection with classic anime cards that were once confined to the animated realm.
The Ultimate Ranking of the Dragon Ball Series: Unleashing the Power Level

I invite you to delve into the expansive saga—Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. Together, let's activate the scouter and embark on ranking these iconic series based on IMDB and MyAnimeList ratings, each weaving unique narratives of Saiyan prowess and epic exploits.
"THE ONE PIECE" Will Be an Anime Remake on Netflix with Wit Studio at the Helm

In a spellbinding revelation, Wit Studio, renowned for crafting animated hits like Attack on Titan and Spy x Family, has unveiled a reimagining of the hit anime One Piece exclusively for Netflix titled "The One Piece".
Revisiting the Classics: My Top 10 Retro Anime

Over the past 20-something years, I've been exposed to a lot of anime. My very first anime was The Fable of Green Forest when I was 2 or 3 years old. (I still have some episodes on tape.) Toonami, The SyFy Channel, Showtime, and the local video rental store provided a gateway to a multitude of series and movies that continue to bring me joy. This post features a list of my top 10 favorite retro anime, spanning movies, shows, and OVAs. Given my deep affection for many, this list is subject to change over time.
The Pokémon Company's Official Response to Palworld Claims Revealed

The Pokémon Company has issued an official statement regarding Palworld, expressing its intention to investigate any potential infringement on intellectual property rights related to Pokémon.
Tekken 8 Opening Movie Trailer Officially Drops Online

Bandai Namco's captivating opening cinematic showcases an array of iconic warriors, including the protagonist Jin Kazama, Bryan, Lars, King, Lee, Hworang, Paul Phoneix and many more. We also see the triumphant return of his mother, Jun Kazama, who has not been a playable character in the mainline games since 1995's Tekken 2.
"Brian Cox of Succession Unveils 30-Year Tekken Saga: Delighting the Internet with King of Iron Fist Tournament Legacy"

Tekken immerses players in the gripping King of Iron Fist Tournament, hosted by the formidable Mishima Zaibatsu. The series revolves around the intense Mishima family conflict, exploring diverse characters' motivations as they vie for victory and control of the organization.
My Favorite Retro Games Part 2 - Gaming Classics Revisited

No personal list of retro games would be complete without acknowledging the lightning-fast blue blur, Sonic the Hedgehog. "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," released for the Sega Genesis in 1992, took the exhilarating gameplay of the original Sonic and cranked it up a notch.
End of an Era: E3, Once the Pinnacle for Gaming, Officially Shuts Down

In a poignant farewell to E3, once the pinnacle of gaming extravagance, Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the ESA, announced the closure of the iconic Electronic Entertainment Expo. The demise, intricately woven with factors such as new competition, partner withdrawals, changing audience preferences, and pandemic disruptions, signifies the end of a cherished era. Despite the challenges, Pierre-Louis sees this as an opportunity for the gaming industry to embrace fresh avenues and redefine showcases through online conferences and collaborative events.
My Favorite Retro Games Part 1: A Retro Gaming Highlight Reel

In this post, I discuss 5 of my favorite retro video games from childhood including Animal Crossing, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and Kirby’s Epic Yarn.
20+ Valentine's Day Pink Bedroom Ideas for Women
20 Retro-Inspired Valentine's Day Nail Designs

If you're looking to add a fun, nostalgic twist to your Valentine’s Day nails, this collection of retro-inspired designs is sure to spark your creativity! Featuring charming bows, adorable hearts, and other whimsical motifs, these designs embrace a soft palette of muted reds, pinks, and whites, blending festive cheer with understated elegance.
The Ultimate Retro Gamer Gift Guide 2024 - My Top 10 Picks

Step into the time machine and embark on a journey to the era of pixelated adventures and joystick mastery. For the 80s and 90s kids who grew up in the golden age of gaming, finding the perfect gift to evoke those cherished memories can be a delightful challenge. Fear not, as we've curated the ultimate list of the 10 best gifts for retro gamers.
20 Charming Pink Christmas Phone Wallpapers to Spark Your Holiday Cheer

Cute pink Christmas phone wallpapers are the perfect way to add a festive and cheerful touch to your device!
15 Amazing Animated Christmas Specials You Should See - Classic Christmas Cartoons

In this post I list some of my favorite retro animated Christmas specials and films. This includes Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Troll Prince, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, Christmas Comes But Once A Year, and A Flintstone’s Christmas Carol!