Hollywood
Takahata gets Honorary award at Annecy Animation FilmFest in France
NEW DELHI: Renowned animator Isao Takahata has been given the honorary award at the Annecy Festival in France to celebrate his career and contribution to animation.
An acclaimed filmmaker has created a number of master works including Grave of the Fireflies, Pompoko and My Neighbours the Yamadas.
Along with Hayao Miyazaki and the Tokuma Shoten company, he also founded studio Ghibli, producer of international successes as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises.
Festival Artistic Director Marcel Jean said at the conclusion earlier this week: “Filmmaker of an exceptional scale, Mr Takahata is also a great humanist whose work has become a reference for those who believe in the greatness of animation as a cinematic art form.”
His latest film, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, was screened in his presence at the Festival opening ceremony.
The Haras Theatre in quaint centre ville Annecy was a buzz as the final prizes and special mentions were announced to a full house of festival goers and industry insiders.
The other award winners were:
1. Award for originality and humour Kod fotografa
Director: Vatroslav MIMICA
Country: Croatia
2. Award for originality and humour
Krava na mjesecu
Director: Dusan VUKOTIC
Country: Croatia
3. Grand Prix
Lev a písnicka
Director: Bretislav POJAR
Country: Czech Republic
4. International Critics’ Award
Moonbird
Director: John HUBLEY, Faith ELLIOT
Country: United States
5. Award for social interest and graphic research
O misto na slunci
Director: Frantisek VYSTRCIL
Country: Czech Republic
6. Award for musical score and sound effects
Osvetnik
Director: Dusan VUKOTIC
Country: Croatia
7. Children’s film Award
Petya i krasnaya shapochka
Director: Boris STEPANTSEV
Country: Russia
8. Award for its humanitarian theme and graphical research
Pozor!
Director: Jiri BRDECKA
Country: Czech Republic
9. Award for aesthetic research
Prelude pour voix, orchestre et caméra
Director: ARCADY
Country: France
10. Award for poetry and popular art
Vlyublennoe oblako
Director: Roman KATCHANOV, Anatole KARANOVITCH
Country: Russia
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
