SEAToday.com, Cannes - Legendary Japanese Studio Ghibli became the first institution to receive an honorary Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Monday (5/20).

The studio was founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Tokuma Shoten. Miyazaki’s son, Goro, was present at the French festival to receive the award. During the acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to all the hard-working team, and also thanked the fans. “This is an honor owed to all those who have loved our films, too: I’d like to thank all Ghibli fans,” Goro said. 

As a thank you, Goro also treated the audience to four Hayao Miyazaki shorts, three of which had never been screened outside of Japan: Mei and the Kittenbus, Looking for a Home, Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess, and Boro the Caterpillar.

This marks the first time the Palme d’Or was awarded to a group, rather than an individual. Alongside Studio Ghibli, the 2024 Cannes Film Festival also bestowed the awards to actress Meryl Streep and actor George Lucas.