Company’s new 3-year plan also includes $490 million for producing a range of projects, including films, animation, theatrical plays, and digital games as part of broader efforts to expand its global entertainment business ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2032.
Actor/producer Sanada is honored with the VES Award for Creative Excellence, while FX supervisor/filmmaker Yamazaki receives the VES Visionary Award; both will be presented at the 23rd Annual VES Awards on February 11, 2025.
Oscar-winning ‘Godzilla Minus One’ director and writer Takashi Yamazaki will return to helm the upcoming project, as well as handle the VFX.
The Japanese entertainment company purchases 100% equity in the Oscar-winning U.S.-based animation and anime distribution company; founders Eric Beckman and Dave Jesteadt to remain at the helm.
The two films finish out the 2024 awards season with wins for Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects, respectively, on a night that also saw ‘WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko’ win for Best Animated Short Film and ‘Oppenheimer’ take home 7 statues, including Best Picture and Best Cinematography.
Take a deeper look at ‘The Creator,’ ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,’ and ‘Napoleon,’ all vying for the Best Visual Effects Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards coming March 10, 2024.
The two films take home top honors for Best Feature Film, live-action and animated, respectively; annual event recognizes distinguished creative and technical achievement in motion pictures, television, and emerging media.
Shirogumi VFX supervisor Kiyoko Shibuya helped deliver 620 shots, including the giant beast crushing the heavy cruiser Takao, all on a shoestring budget, in Takashi Yamazaki’s hit sci-fi thriller, nominated for a best VFX Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards.
‘The Boy and the Heron,’ ‘Elemental,’ ‘Nimona,’ ‘Robot Dreams,’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ nab noms for best animated feature, while ‘The Creator,’ ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,’ and ‘Napoleon’ take the top spots for best visual effects.
