Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki, a prolific Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist, has made substantial contributions to the global animation scene. His rich career began at Toei Animation in 1963, where he worked as an in-between artist and collaborated with director Isao Takahata. Over the years, he contributed to notable films at Toei, such as Doggie March and Gulliver's Travels Beyond the Moon and co-directed Lupin the Third Part I with Takahata at A-Pro. In 1985, Miyazaki took a significant step by co-founding Studio Ghibli, which soon became a powerhouse in the animation world.

At Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki directed a multitude of revered films, including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Porco Rosso. His film Princess Mononoke gained international acclaim as the first animated film ever to win the Japan Academy Film Prize for Picture of the Year. Following this success, Miyazaki's 2001 film Spirited Away set a new bar by becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Miyazaki's works are often characterized by themes such as humanity's relationship with nature and technology, the importance of art and craftsmanship, and the complexity of upholding a pacifist ethic in a turbulent world.

Miyazaki's impact on animation and cinema was recognized in November 2014 when he received the Academy Honorary Award. Previously, in November 2012, he was named a Person of Cultural Merit for his outstanding cultural contributions. Despite announcing his retirement multiple times, Miyazaki has always returned to the industry, continuing to contribute to the world of animation and inspiring a new generation of animators. His dedication to his craft, innovative storytelling, and enduring influence make him a respected figure in the global film industry.