Akihiro Nogi, renowned screenwriter, celebrated his triumph as he was awarded the Best Screenplay Award for his work on "Last Mile" at the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize, held on March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa International Pavilion, Tokyo. The ceremony was not only about recognition but also about reflecting on the collaborative spirit behind creating compelling cinematic narratives.
Upon receiving his accolade, Nogi remarked, "This work derived from the drama, but we started this film to be interesting as standalone." This statement encapsulated the essence of the project, which began as part of a television series but was transformed with the vision of making it relevant and engaging as a standalone film. Nogi credited his director, Ayuko Tsukahara, and producer, Junko Niinuma, for their guidance and shared vision, expressing gratitude with heartfelt words.
He elaborated on the long process leading up to this award by stating, "The script is the blueprint for the film," highlighting the integral role of well-crafted scripts in filmmaking. Nogi emphasized the idea of collaboration, saying, "I trust director Ayuko Tsukahara as my partner," signifying the importance of teamwork among the cast and crew in realizing the film’s vision.
Having previously won the Excellent Screenplay Award for "Karaoke Going!", this award was especially meaningful to Nogi. He recalled, "I wanted to return with original work," referencing his previous win four years prior and his commitment to creating unique narratives. The acknowledgment suggests not only personal growth but also the fulfillment of his creative promises.
Describing the collaborative efforts, Nogi stated, "This work is the result of what we have accumulated through TV dramas finally making it possible to create something of this scale." His dialogue reflects the hard work behind the scenes and highlights how foundational experiences build toward significant milestones like this awards ceremony.
The screenplay awards have recognized other talented writers as well: Yu Irie won for "That's It", Rio Oshima for "Ninety Springtimes", and Kazuhisa Kosaka and Toji Fujii for "Seitai". Nogi’s accomplishment now stands among other noteworthy talents, fostering recognition for creative storytelling across the industry.
The criteria for the Best Screenplay Award at the Japan Academy Film Prize require films to be publicly released for paid viewing within Tokyo between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, ensuring quality and accessibility. Films must be 40 minutes or longer and screened at least three times daily for two weeks. This rigorous procedure helps maintain high standards within the industry.
Hosts of the event included Shunichi Hatohara, who has hosted for the sixth consecutive year, alongside Sakura Ando, who won the Best Actress Award at the last ceremony. Their presence adds charm and continuity to the annual event, engaging audiences and honorees alike.
The celebration undoubtedly marked not only personal achievements but also collective progress within the Japanese film industry. With talent like Nogi and his team pushing boundaries and inspiring new stories, the future looks bright. He concluded by expressing his desire to continue creating scripts people can pride themselves on, saying, "I want to write scripts where everyone can be satisfied and dedicated to creating works together."
Overall, Nogi’s recognition at the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize emphasizes the significant role of collaboration, teamwork, and storytelling innovation, inviting audiences to appreciate the artistry involved behind the scenes as well.