The official website of Cannes Festival announced that Studio Ghibli has been bestowed its Honorary Palme d’Or, marking the first time the honor has been awarded to a group rather than an individual.

Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of the studio, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and spoke of the studio’s journey, from its initial goal of creating high-quality animation for all ages to the global phenomenon it has become.

“I am truly honored and delighted that the studio is awarded the Honorary Palme d’or. I would like to thank the Festival de Cannes from the bottom of my heart. Forty years ago, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and I established Studio Ghibli with the desire to bring high-level, high-quality animation to children and adults of all ages. Today, our films are watched by people all over the world, and many visitors come to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka and Ghibli Park to experience the world of our films for themselves. We have truly come a long way for Studio Ghibli to become such a big organization. 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. It would be my greatest pleasure if you look forward to what’s next.”

President of the Festival de Cannes, Iris Knobloch, and General Delegate, Thierry Frémaux, talked about the historic nature of the award, lauding Ghibli’s contribution to the world of animation.

“For the first time in our history, it’s not a person but an institution that we have chosen to celebrate. 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”.

Moreover, Star Wars creator George Lucas will also be receiving the Honorary Palme d’Or along with the Studio Ghibli.

The Palme d’Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. It was introduced in 1955 by the festival’s organizing committee.

Source: Official Website