Hayao Miyazaki

A highly revered figure in animation, Hayao Miyazaki began working in the Japanese film industry during the 1960s. While Miyazaki helmed a number of well-received movies (most notably the post-apocalyptic Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and the kiddie classic My Neighbor Totoro) and established the successful Studio Ghibli in the ‘80s, the director (and occasional manga artist/writer) didn't become well known internationally until Princess Mononoke was released beyond Asia in '99. Miyazaki's following film, Spirited Away, got even more support abroad, thanks in large part to enthusiastic support from Pixar's John Lasseter, and ended up winning a 2003 Academy Award in the animated category. Displaying wildly fantastical characters, gorgeous natural settings, and prominent environmental themes, Miyazaki's tales, which are largely hand-drawn, frequently feature unabashedly progressive views and strong female leads, and often lack a clear villain. In a cinematic climate that increasingly focuses on flashy computer animation over storytelling substance, Miyazaki's dedication to traditional artistry and unhurried narratives make him a truly exceptional filmmaker.