The Cannes Film Festival has chosen to bestow its highest honour, the Palme d'Or, upon the renowned Japanese anime studio, Studio Ghibli.
The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.
This marks the first time that Cannes has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Prize to a company rather than an individual.
Announcing the decision, Cannes Festival president Iris Knobloch and general delegate Thierry Fremaux emphasized the significant impact of Studio Ghibli's animated features.
They lauded the studio for creating characters that have enriched our imaginations with vibrant universes and captivating narratives, stating that Ghibli has elevated Japanese animation into a cherished realm of cinematic artistry, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma, Studio Ghibli has enjoyed four decades of remarkable success. The Tokyo-based studio has produced a string of animated classics, including beloved films such as Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbour Totoro, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, and Ponyo.
Several of these films, including Miyazaki's Spirited Away and the recent The Boy and the Heron, have not only won Oscars but also achieved blockbuster status, garnering immense acclaim and commercial success worldwide.
Expressing gratitude for the honour, Studio Ghibli's Toshio Suzuki reflected on the studio's journey over the past four decades.
He thanked the Cannes Film Festival for recognizing their dedication to delivering high-quality animation for audiences of all ages.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Suzuki expressed confidence in Ghibli's continued success, highlighting the commitment of the studio's staff to uphold its artistic legacy and embrace new challenges.
While some Ghibli films have previously debuted at prestigious international festivals such as Berlin and Toronto, the studio's presence at Cannes has been limited. One notable exception is 'The Red Turtle' (2016), a collaborative effort between Studio Ghibli and a European production company, which screened in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section.
As the 77th Cannes Film Festival approaches, anticipation grows for the special recognition of Studio Ghibli's contributions to the world of animation and cinema.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.