Godzilla Minus One Makes History with First-Ever Oscar Win

At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, history was made as Godzilla Minus One, from Toho Studios, clinched its inaugural Oscar win for Best Visual Effects. This momentous achievement marked a significant milestone for the iconic King of the Monsters franchise, coinciding with its 70th anniversary this year.

Writer-director-visual effects supervisor Takashi Yamazaki, alongside his talented team including Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi, and Tatsuji Nojima, proudly accepted the prestigious award. Their remarkable work on Godzilla Minus One’s visual effects, accomplished within a modest production budget of under $15 million, garnered well-deserved recognition.

The accolade at the Academy Awards followed Godzilla Minus One’s previous triumph at the Japanese Academy Film Prize, where it secured the Best Picture honor. Furthermore, the film’s extraordinary success extended to the box office, establishing itself as the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film ever released in the United States, and the third-highest-grossing foreign language release in U.S. history.

In a competitive field, Godzilla Minus One prevailed over formidable contenders like The Creator, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1, and Napoleon. Its blend of documentary-like realism, coupled with terrifying visual effects sequences, captivated audiences and critics alike.

Looking ahead, Takashi Yamazaki hinted at the possibility of a sequel, teasing themes of post-war reconciliation amidst the looming threat of another kaiju attack. With the success of Godzilla Minus One paving the way, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of the franchise with an increased budget and expanded creative horizons.

Tonight’s victory at the Oscars serves as a testament to the talent and dedication of the entire creative team behind Godzilla Minus One. It not only solidifies the franchise’s legacy but also fuels anticipation for its future endeavors on the big screen.