'Godzilla Resurgence' wins Mainichi Film Awards Grand Prize

"Godzilla Resurgence" (Shin Godzilla) has flattened the competition to take the grand prize in the 71st Mainichi Film Awards, it has been announced.

Meanwhile, the anime feature "In This Corner of the World" (Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) about a family in World War II Japan will take home the excellence award as well as the Ofuji Noburo Award for animation. The selections solidify 2016 as the year of animation and lavish special effects in the Japanese film world.

"Godzilla Resurgence" is the 29th in the Godzilla series, which debuted in 1954. The film's portrayal of the management of a national crisis resonated with viewers, who talked up the theme on social media and propelled the iconic monster to 8 billion yen in box office earnings. The movie was also praised for adding some originality to the long-running franchise.

"So many people went to see the film, and a great many were very pleased with it. It's simply magnificent that it has received this prestigious award," commented Godzilla director and special effects chief Shinji Higuchi.

The prize for best animated feature, meanwhile, went to "your name." which remains in theaters months after its summer 2016 release. The smash hit has taken in more than 23.2 billion yen at the box office, making it the second-highest grossing domestic film ever.

"The movie is entirely out of our (the makers') hands. It belongs to the audience now," said director Makoto Shinkai.

The 71st Mainichi Film Awards ceremony will be held on Feb. 15 at the Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.