Studio Ghibli wins Spain's highest Princess of Asturias Award for 'universal cinema'
Japanese animator Studio Ghibli has been awarded Spain's 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities for its contribution to world animation and its defence of humanist, ecological and universal values.
Published on 06/05/2026 - 14:42 GMT+2
Japan's Studio Ghibli has received Spain's highest honour, the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities, in recognition of its global impact in animation and the dissemination of universal values through film.
Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, the studio has built a filmography that combines imagination, sensitivity and a profound reflection on the relationship between human beings and nature. According to the jury's report (source in Spanish), their works "have transcended generations and borders, creating a cultural bridge" and transmitting values such as empathy, friendship and respect.
The statement also highlights its unmistakable style, based on "handcrafted" animation and the ability to find beauty in the everyday. Studio Ghibli's films deal with themes such as love of nature, tolerance and human dignity, with a focus on complex, strong and constantly changing female characters.
Among its most renowned titles are works such as My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, the latter of which won an Oscar for best animated film, and it's widely considered to be one of the greatest works of contemporary cinema.
In 2023, the studio again garnered international acclaim with The Boy and the Heron, which received another Academy Award.
The jury underlined that Studio Ghibli's films "make moments of silence and contemplation an essential part of their narratives", consolidating a unique style that has influenced animation worldwide.
