It was exciting news for Japan, after it was announced that Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s critically-acclaimed “Drive My Car” has won Best International Film at the 94th Academy Awards.
The film, which bested other contenders including Denmark’s “Flee” and Norway’s “The Worst Person in the World”, is based on a short story of the same name by famous Japanese author Haruki Murakami.
Although it bagged just that one accolade, it is noted that the film still made a record on its own, as it was also nominated in the Best Picture category (making it the first time a Japanese movie is nominated in the said category), as well as Best Director for Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Best Adapted Screenplay for Hamaguchi and co-writer Takamasa Oe.
Prior to the Oscars, the film has already won multiple awards at various festivals, including the Cannes’ FIPRESCI Prize.
On the other hand, Japanese audiences expressed hope that the film’s success would also benefit the original author, who has won multiple book prizes throughout his career.
It is noted that “Drive My Car” is the second Japanese film to win in the Best International Feature Film category, following Yojiro Takita’s “Departures,” which won in 2009.
(Photo Source: Japan Times)