The 48th Japan Academy Film Prize winners were announced on January 21, 2025, recognizing outstanding films and performances from the previous year. Among the nominees, the film 正体 (Shōtai), featuring Ryusei Yokohama, stood out by securing 12 awards across 13 categories—the most of any film at this year's ceremony.
The award for Best Picture is hotly contested, with five films nominated: キングダム 大将軍の帰還 (Kingdom: The Return of the General), 侍タイムスリッパー (Samurai Time Slipper), 正体, 夜明けのすべて (Everything of Dawn), and ラストマイル (Last Mile). Of these, 正体 not only received the most nominations but also includes significant nods for Best Actor, Best Director, and awards for supporting actresses.
The prestigious ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, with the event hosted by announcer Shinichi Hatori and actress Sakura Ando, who won Best Actress at the last awards for her role in 怪物 (Monster). Hatori remarked, "This ceremony serves as the culmination of the year for everyone involved—actors and staff alike—and it's truly like a festival!"
Other notable mentions from the announced list include characters from various genres. For 侍タイムスリッパー, the film transformed from its humble beginnings, starting at one small theater, cinematic success soon followed as word of mouth propelled it to be featured in 348 theaters nationwide.
This year, some of the nominated films received earlier successes at various festivals, highlighting the rich storytelling and the talented individuals behind them. The nominees for best drama include notable names: for Best Actor, Ryusei Yokohama won for his role in 正体, competing with renowned actors like Yamazaki Kento and Yamada Takayuki. Following closely are Best Actress nominees like Mitsushima Hikari from ラストマイル, whose performance was also recognized.
Directors are also acknowledged through Best Director nominations, with Michihiro Fujii (for 正体), Shinsuke Satō (for キングダム 大将軍の帰還), and Kumagai Akihiko among those recognized for their skilled storytelling.
Overall, the Academy aims to celebrate films produced between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, marking their contribution not only to cinema but also to Japan’s cultural identity. The Japan Academy Prize Association has been committed to recognizing the evolution of Japanese cinema since its inception in 1978, with the aim of supporting artistic development.
Throughout the years, the Japan Academy Film Prize has maintained its relevancy by encouraging filmmakers and inspiring new talent, with this year’s awards continuing the tradition of spotlighting exemplary work. The excitement surrounding the upcoming awards shows the public's engagement with the cinematic arts, especially as they await to witness who will win the coveted Best Picture honors on March 14.
Fans are eager to see who among the talented nominees will walk away with the top awards, and as the ceremony approaches, discussions are lively across social media platforms where fans predict the outcomes of their favorite films and actors.
Following the announcement of the nominees, the nominees for Best Foreign Film include Disney's 哀れなるものたち (Poor Things) by director Yorgos Lanthimos, which has garnered praise for its unique cinematography and storytelling style. Its compelling narrative pairs well against the innovative works of directors competing from within Japan.
The combination of long-established cinematic traditions with the new wave of talented filmmakers and actors demonstrates the richness of Japan's film industry. The anticipation builds as the Academy and audience alike prepare for the celebration of creativity, telling stories through the distinctive lens of cinema.