Imagine a world where a fish transforms into a human, all because of a young boy’s love. Sounds like pure magic, right? Well, that’s the enchanting story of Ponyo, the 2008 masterpiece by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite Miyazaki’s unparalleled contributions to animation—with four out of his five films since 2001 earning Oscar nominations and two winning—Ponyo was the one that slipped through the Academy’s fingers, never even scoring a nomination. Now, in a twist of poetic justice, Ponyo has become the first of Miyazaki’s films to receive its own exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. And this is the part most people miss: it was Studio Ghibli itself that proposed the exhibit and donated all the materials. Why Ponyo? Why now?
The exhibit, which opened this weekend, is a multisensory journey into the heart of Miyazaki’s creativity. Located on the museum’s second floor, it begins with a jaw-dropping, three-screen display of film clips that instantly transports you into Ponyo’s underwater world. From there, visitors can pose for an interactive photo with Ponyo riding the waves, surrounded by stunning art boards that showcase the film’s visual brilliance. But the real magic lies in the main gallery, where three walls are adorned with original animation sketches from various Ghibli productions, including Miyazaki’s own revisions. Here’s the thought-provoking part: Emily Rauber Rodriguez, the museum’s assistant curator, points out that Ponyo is unique because it’s 100% hand-drawn—a return to traditional animation after Ghibli had begun experimenting with computer imagery. This makes every frame a work of art, and every tiny revision by Miyazaki—a line, a dot, a smudge—transforms the entire character or scene. It’s a reminder of the meticulous craftsmanship behind animation, something often overlooked in the final product.
The exhibit also features a fun interactive space where visitors can create their own underwater stop-motion videos using a dedicated app. Imagine crafting a story where a crab goes about his day, only to encounter a shark—it’s as whimsical as Ponyo itself! The third room caps off the experience with a larger-than-life replica of Sōsuke’s green bucket (perfect for photos) and a display of original Ghibli movie posters, offering a nostalgic trip through the studio’s history.
While the exhibit is smaller than others, like the Jaws showcase, it’s packed with immersive details—boats, side characters, and subtle nods to the film—that feel like stepping into Miyazaki’s imagination. Rauber Rodriguez explains that the exhibit was designed with both kids and adults in mind, breaking the typical museum mold. Kids can run, crawl, and explore freely, while adults can reconnect with their inner child. But here’s the question: does Ponyo deserve more recognition than it received? And what does its exclusion from the Oscars say about the Academy’s appreciation for traditional animation?
The Ponyo exhibit is on display at the Academy Museum through January 10, 2027, with admission included in the museum ticket. Whether you’re a die-hard Ghibli fan or a newcomer to Miyazaki’s work, this exhibit is a must-see. It’s not just a tribute to a film—it’s a celebration of the artistry, imagination, and timeless magic that define Studio Ghibli. So, what do you think? Does Ponyo deserve a second look? Let us know in the comments!
