Miyazaki Acknowledges Missing Oscars Due to Iraq War

Director Hayao Miyazaki acknowledged that he did not accept his Best Animated Feature Oscar for Spirited Away in person in 2003 because of the Iraq War. The Studio Ghibli co-founder told the Los Angeles Times newspaper's blog during Comic-Con International on Friday, "The reason I wasn't here for the Academy Award was because I didn't want to visit a country that was bombing Iraq. At the time, my producer shut me up and did not allow me to say that, but I don't see him around today. By the way, my producer also shared in that feeling."

Miyazaki added that he decided to come to America six years later as a favor to his longtime friend, Pixar and Disney chief creative officer (and fellow Oscar-winning director) John Lasseter. "I thought I had to respond to my friendship with John Lasseter and come this time," Miyazaki said.