The 30th Annual AMD Awards, held on the 25th in Tokyo, recognized Godzilla Minus One with the Grand Prize / Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award. The awards celebrate creators of outstanding digital content, and the film’s win marks a significant achievement for both the production team and Japan’s digital film industry.

A Landmark in Japanese Cinema with Global Impact

According to the award committee, Godzilla Minus One “changed the course of Japanese film history.” Hollywood acknowledged the film's cutting-edge CG with an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, while top global creators—including Steven Spielberg—praised its seamless fusion of VFX and narrative.

The film’s overseas box office performance surpassed its domestic earnings of 7.56 billion yen, with a worldwide total exceeding 17 billion yen. Its universal appeal demonstrated the power of Japanese entertainment to transcend cultural boundaries.

The committee also commended Yamazaki’s studio, Shirogumi, for inviting young creators discovered on social media to join the production team. By combining the talents of seasoned professionals and emerging artists, the film not only achieved critical and commercial success but also contributed to nurturing the next generation of digital creators.

Director Takashi Yamazaki’s Humble and Heartfelt Speech

Writer-director and VFX supervisor Takashi Yamazaki accepted the award on behalf of the production, receiving the champion’s flag and a symbolic monolith from Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Seiichiro Murakami.

Yamazaki shared his deep gratitude:
“Receiving such a prestigious award is an incredible honor, and I must admit—I’m very nervous,” he said. “Godzilla Minus One was truly a film supported by digital technology. For a long time, Godzilla was portrayed using suits and practical effects, shot in a single take. We challenged ourselves with a fully CG Godzilla this time, and it was terrifying to depart from such a long-standing tradition. But thanks to the tireless efforts of our young staff and entire team, we created something that people accepted. I’m deeply moved that it was recognized with this award.”

He smiled as he added:
“To be awarded for our digital work feels like we’re being told, ‘You made the right call going digital.’ It makes me really happy. This also happens to be the 30th Godzilla film—and the 30th AMD Awards. It feels like fate, and I’m so glad we could receive this honor in such a symbolic year.”

About the 30th AMD Awards – Digital Content of the Year ’24

Major Winners:
Grand Prize / Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award: Godzilla Minus One
AMD Chairman’s Award: Netflix series Tokyo Swindlers

Excellence Awards:
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle
Godzilla Minus One
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Station Piano / Airport Piano / Street Piano
AQUOS Smartphone CM “Ah, I Wish Yusaku Matsuda Could Use This.”
Nintendo Museum
Bling-Bang-Bang-Born
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
Last Mile
Netflix series Tokyo Swindlers

Other Honors:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Masahiro Sakurai (CEO, Sora Ltd.)
Naomi Enami Newcomer Award: Kiyotaka Oshiyama (Animation Director)
Regional Award: Everyone’s Disaster Preparedness App
30th Anniversary Special Award: Jun Murai (Professor, Keio University)

GODZILLA MINUS ONE Official Trailer

Source : ORICON NEWS