In a landmark moment for Japanese cinema, actress Tao Okamoto has made history at the Cannes International Film Festival, becoming the first Japanese woman to claim the Best Actress prize. She shares sharing the honour with Belgian actress Virginie Efira for their roles in “All of a Sudden”, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Both the actresses took the stage hand in hand to receive their accolade, in what was one of the more touching moments of the evening.
“All of a Sudden” is a dialogue-driven, three-hour drama and follows a stage director with terminal cancer, played by Tao Okamoto, who forms an unlikely but profound friendship with the head of a care facility, portrayed by Virginie Efira. It is based on real correspondence between the late philosopher Makiko Miyano and medical anthropologist Maho Isono.
In her acceptance speech, 41-year-old Tao Okamoto was humble. She expresses, “The simple reason why a mediocre Japanese actress, someone like me, is standing here today is purely because of our amazing director,” crediting Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s screenplay and unwavering support.
A former top model who moved to Paris at 19 before transitioning to acting with “The Wolverine” in 2013, Tao Okamoto’s journey to Cannes has been a long and winding one.
Two Japanese actor have previously won the Best Actor prize – Yuya Yagira in 2004 for “Nobody Knows” and Koji Yakusho in 2023 for “Perfect Days”. Hence it is celebratory that Tao Okamoto’s award is a historic first for a Japanese actress.
(Photo Source: Japan Times, TW)