Studio Ghibli makes history at Cannes Film Festival with prestigious award

For as long as we can remember, Studio Ghibli has been making waves in the filmmaking world. So much so that we couldn't possibly imagine where we would be without witnessing some of the most amazing films of all time.

Between the many life lessons each title has taught us (i.e. the childlike wonder Spirited Away inspired us and the perception of beauty that Howl's Moving Castle challenged us to reform) and the stunning animation that will always feel so dynamic and evolving, there are tons of things that Studio Ghibli has blessed us with.

All this and more is why the Cannes Film Festival is honoring the animation production studio with a very prestigious award. Here's everything to know!

Cannes Film Festival gives Studio Ghibli the Palme d’Or at Cannes award

Screen Daily reports that the iconic film festival sees it fit to award the studio with an honorary Palme d’Or award (or "Golden Palm"), an award that is usually given to remarkable individuals or titles who have changed the game in many ways. Past films that have won the award in recent years include Anatomy of a Fall, Triangle of Sadness, Titane, and Parasite. Honorary Palme d'Or winners include George Lucas, Jodie Foster, Jane Fonda, and other talents over the years.

Undoubtedly, Studio Ghibli is just as great as these movies and individuals, especially since recently achieved such as securing yet another Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. This is why the Cannes Film Festival knew they would be remiss if they didn't give directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata their flowers. This marks the first time a group has won a Palme d’Or.

As reported by Variety, Cannes president Iris Knobloch and a delegate named Thierry Fremaux shared the following statement:

"Like all the icons of the seventh art, these characters populate our imaginations with prolific, colorful universes and sensitive, engaging narrations. With Ghibli, Japanese animation stands as one of the great adventures of cinephilia, between tradition and modernity."

- Iris Knobloch and Thierry Fremaux

Naturally, those who work for Studio Ghibli know how important it was for Miyazaki and Takahata to receive their acclaim in this lifetime, so each of these pacesetters knows just how appreciated and cherished they are by millions, if not billions, of people.

"We have truly come a long way for Studio Ghibli to become such a big organization," Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki expressed. "Although Miyazaki and I have aged considerably, I am sure that Studio Ghibli will continue to take on new challenges, led by the staff who will carry on the spirit of the company."

Like Suzuki, we don't yet know what the future of Studio Ghibli will look like. However, with how things have been going with the release of The Boy and the Heron, we are very optimistic about what's to come.

Congratulations on the much-deserved award, Studio Ghibli!