Japanese film creates history by earning an Oscar nomination

The Oscar nominations for 2024 were unveiled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, bringing a mix of surprises and snubs.

Notably, the historic moment arrived for the long-running Japanese Kaiju franchise, ‘Godzilla.’ The nomination marked a significant milestone as it was the first-ever nod for the iconic franchise in its 70-year and 37-film history since its inception in 1954.

This recognition reflects the enduring impact and cultural significance of Godzilla in the world of cinema.

Toho’s latest Kaiju film, ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ has secured its maiden Oscar nomination in the Best Visual Effects category.

The film, directed and written by Takashi Yamazaki, is competing against major productions like ‘The Creator,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘Napoleon,’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.’

The nomination is particularly noteworthy following the film’s record-breaking release in the United States, marking a significant achievement for the Godzilla franchise on the global stage.

The prestigious Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, unveiled its nominations for the 2024 ceremony, and among the surprises and snubs, one standout moment was the historic nomination of the renowned Japanese Kaiju franchise, ‘Godzilla.’

This marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which has been captivating audiences for over 70 years with its 37-film legacy since its inception in 1954.

The nod comes for Toho’s latest Kaiju offering, ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ a film written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki.

The recognition, the first-ever in the franchise’s long and illustrious history, is in the highly competitive Best Visual Effects category.

The movie finds itself in esteemed company, contending with other cinematic heavyweights like ‘The Creator,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘Napoleon,’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.’

Amazaki’s monster epic, which stars Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, Yuki Yamada Munetaka Aoki, and Kuranosuke Sasaki, centres on a former kamikaze pilot trying to rebuild his life in a war-torn Tokyo after World War II.

It’s worth noting that the nomination follows the film’s remarkable success in the American market, marking the first time the Godzilla franchise has received such acclaim since ‘Shin Godzilla’ in 2016.

This recognition not only underscores the enduring popularity of the Kaiju genre but also highlights the global impact of Japanese cinema on the grand stage of the Academy Awards.

The nomination is a testament to the creativity and visual prowess of the filmmakers and artists involved in bringing the iconic Godzilla to life once again, showcasing its ability to resonate with audiences across borders.

As the film competes for the coveted Oscar, it adds another chapter to the storied history of Godzilla, proving that even after seven decades, the King of the Monsters continues to reign supreme in the world of cinema.