Mamoru Hosoda's "The Boy and the Beast" Makes Official Consideration List For 88th Annual Academy Awards

Mamoru Hosoda's "The Boy and the Beast" Makes Official Consideration List For 88th Annual Academy Awards

Japanese Film Among List of 16 for Consideration for Animated Feature Nomination

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- FUNimation® Entertainment confirmed today that "The Boy and the Beast" has made the Oscar consideration list in the animated feature category. The film, along with 15 others, now vies for one of five nomination spots in its category that will be voted on for the 88(th) annual Academy Awards. "The Boy and the Beast" is the latest film from acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda and FUNimation acquired U.S. distribution rights to it earlier this year. This is the newest film from Hosoda's Studio Chizu, which hosted its international premiere on September 13 at the Toronto International Film Festival. FUNimation has distributed two prior award-winning Hosoda films in the U.S.; namely "Wolf Children" in 2013 and "Summer Wars" in 2010.

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"We're excited to have 'The Boy and the Beast' contending for an Oscar nom," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. "This latest film from Mamoru Hosoda is one of the finest animated films to ever come from Japan."

"The film's stunning backgrounds and characters, plus the incredibly touching storyline, are sure to delight all animation fans, both young and old," said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of FUNimation. "We're thrilled to be bringing this Oscar-worthy film to theaters across the U.S."

"The Boy and the Beast" ("Bakemono no Ko" in Japanese) tells the story of Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, who stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts. He's taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who's been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son. But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bond between this unlikely family will be put to the ultimate test--a final showdown that will only be won if the two can finally work together using all of their combined strength and courage.

"The Boy and the Beast" opened in Japan on July 11, 2015 and topped the box office on its opening weekend with a gross of $5.4 Million from 457 screens. The film features a star-studded cast of Japan's leading actors; namely, Koji Yakusho, Aoi Miyazaki, Shota Sometani, Suzu Hirose, Yo Oizumi, Lily Franky, and Masahiko Tsugawa. Running time is 119 minutes with English subtitles.

The film's qualifying run will take place in Los Angeles in December. Look for "The Boy and the Beast" in select theaters nationwide in early 2016.

Access hi-res stills from "The Boy and the Beast" via the following Hightail link. Courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
https://www.hightail.com/download/bXBia3NUQ0M1bmpvS3NUQw

About FUNimation® Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

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CONTACT: Scott Lonski, Public Relations, FUNimation Entertainment, Scott.Lonski@Group1200.com, 972-537-0843

Web Site: http://www.funimation.com


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