The 48th annual Japan Academy Film Prize is set to take place on March 14, 2025, and the nominees for the prestigious awards have just been announced. Among the contenders are several of the biggest anime films of 2024, signaling a strong year for Japanese animation. The nominated films span various genres, from action-packed sci-fi to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, showcasing the diversity and talent within the anime industry.
Nominees for Animation of the Year
The “Excellent Animation of the Year” category is particularly competitive this year, with five exceptional films vying for the top honor. The nominees are:
- Give It All (Ganbatte Ikimasshoi)
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
- Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (GekijÅban Haikyu!! Gomi Suteba no Kessen)
- Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram (Meitantei Conan: Hyakuman Doru no Michishirube)
- Look Back
These films represent some of the most successful and critically acclaimed anime releases of the past year. Each nominee has contributed significantly to the anime landscape, captivating audiences with their unique storytelling and impressive animation.
Give It All
Give It All, based on Ryoko Shikimura’s award-winning novel, is a poignant coming-of-age story. Set in Matsuyama, Ehime, it follows high school girls in a rowing club. This narrative, which explores the emotional struggles and vibrant youth of its characters, has been previously adapted into a live-action film in 1998 and a TV drama in 2005. This animated version is nominated for its moving depiction of its characters and their journey.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
A direct sequel to Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom delves into the ongoing conflicts of Kira, Athrun, and Shinn in a war-ravaged world. This film has been a massive commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film in the Gundam franchise, earning over Ā„5 billion at the box office. Its nomination underscores its popularity and impact. Gundam Seed Freedom has already received the “Excellence in Animation” Award from the 48th Japan Academy Awards.
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle is the first of a two-part film adaptation of the popular Haikyu!! series’ “Spring High Tournament Arc”. The film focuses on the intense third-round match between Karasuno and Nekoma, famously known as “The Dumpster Battle.” This highly anticipated movie has also achieved significant box office success, grossing over Ā„11 billion and further solidifying the franchise’s popularity.
Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram
Set in Hakodate, Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram sees Heiji Hattori and Kaitou Kid in a thrilling mystery. Featuring a subplot about Heiji and Kazuha’s romance, the movie has captivated fans and achieved a staggering Ā„15 billion in box office revenue. This nomination reflects the seriesā continued appeal and the movie’s ability to entertain audiences. The Detective Conan franchise has a history with the Japan Academy Film Prize, with this being the 7th nomination.
Look Back
Look Back, based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed manga, is a heartfelt story that explores the lives of two aspiring manga artists, Fujino and Kyomoto. This anime film has garnered considerable attention for its emotional depth and compelling narrative, earning critical acclaim and a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Look Back has also been deemed eligible for consideration for the 2025 Oscars in the Animated Feature film category.
Other Notable Nominations
In addition to the animation category, other films and individuals have been recognized for their excellence in various categories.
- Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General is nominated for “Excellent Work”, with director Shinsuke Sato up for Best Director, Kento Yamazaki for Best Actor, and Takao Osawa for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
- Cells at Work! live-action film also received nominations, including Mana Ashida for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.
- Golden Kamuy live-action film received nominations in multiple categories, including Anna Yamada for Newcomer of the Year.
- Let’s Go Karaoke! live-action film received nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Music.
These nominations highlight the diverse talent within the Japanese film industry and the variety of successful adaptations and original works produced in 2024.
History of the Japan Academy Film Prize
The Japan Academy Film Prize has been recognizing excellence in Japanese cinema since 1978. Initially, animation films were often overlooked, despite their popularity and commercial success. In 2007, the Japan Academy Film Prize Association created the “Animation of the Year” category, mirroring the Academy Awards’ Best Animated Feature category. Prior to this, only a special award was given to a few animated movies. The first award for Animation of the Year was given in 2007 to The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Since its inception, the “Animation of the Year” category has become a significant part of the awards, highlighting the best in Japanese anime. Studio Ghibli has been a prominent winner, with multiple films receiving the award. However, many other studios have also been recognized, showcasing the diversity within the anime industry. The most nominated franchise is Detective Conan, with a total of 12 nominations.
The Significance of the Awards
The Japan Academy Film Prize is a major event in the Japanese film industry, recognizing the highest achievements in filmmaking. The awards ceremony, scheduled for March 14, will celebrate the best of Japanese cinema. The winners will be chosen by the 4,046 members of the Japan Academy Prize Association. The recognition from the Japan Academy Film Prize can significantly impact a film’s reception and legacy, both domestically and internationally.
This year’s nominations highlight the continued strength and creativity within the Japanese animation industry. The variety of genres and stories represented in the “Excellent Animation of the Year” category demonstrates the depth and breadth of talent in Japanese cinema, and also the impact of the anime industry on the global stage. As the countdown to the award ceremony continues, all eyes are on these nominated films and the recognition they deserve. The inclusion of films like Look Back in the Oscar race, after its nomination in the Japan Academy Film Prize, proves that Japanese animation is continuing to break barriers and appeal to a global audience.
