The wave of Japanese animation rising to become a huge pop-culture moment is nothing new. Films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and The Boy and the Heron have raked in staggering box-office numbers and global acclaim. And Michael B. Jordan, who recently won his first Oscar for the vampire thriller Sinners, also holds a deep appreciation for one such Japanese animation masterpiece.

When it comes to the Oscar winner’s personal pick, his heart lies with a timeless masterpiece from a few years back. It is one of the finest gems to come out of Studio Ghibli.

After his Oscar win, Michael B. Jordan stopped by for an interview, where he was asked about his favorite film. And he named the Studio Ghibli classic Princess Mononoke. The film (1997), written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, is one of the studio’s most celebrated works.

“Oh, man, I'm going to say Princess Mononoke,” he shared with The People Gallery.

Princess Mononoke follows a cursed young warrior named Ashitaka during the Muromachi period, who sets out on a journey to find a cure. But along the way, he finds himself caught in the middle of a fierce war between humans and the spirits of the forest. During this perilous adventure, he also meets San, better known as Princess Mononoke, who was raised by wolves and fiercely protects the natural world.

One of the first films from Studio Ghibli to be released internationally, the movie has breathtaking visuals while speaking of environmental themes. It is also one of the highest-grossing films of its time in Japan. 

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And not just Michael B. Jordan, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio is also aware of the animation wave and has spoken about his admiration for the movie over the years. 

Leonardo DiCaprio, in a conversation with Esquire, spoke about his love for Hayao Miyazaki’s films. And he named Princess Mononoke as one of his favorites. During a conversation with Martin Scorsese for Letterboxd, Leonardo DiCaprio revealed that he introduced Hayao Miyazaki’s world to the director. 

"I was asked what films I introduced to you, but considering you’ve seen every film ever made up until 1980, it’s pretty hard to say," DiCaprio said. "Other than maybe Spirited Away – Miyazaki's films – and maybe Princess Mononoke."

Now, it is not just admiration from afar. Several Hollywood A-list actors have actually been part of these films by lending their voices to iconic characters. Christian Bale voiced Howl in Howl’s Moving Castle (English), while Claire Danes brought San to life in the English version of Princess Mononoke. So the wave of Japanese animation has always been there. 

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What do you think about Michael B. Jordan's pick for his favorite film? Let us know in the comments.