“Departures” and the Best Foreign Language Oscar

This was a huge weekend for Yojiro Takita (left), director of “Depatures.” The film not only won the Oscar for best foreign language film last night in Hollywood, but it picked up 10 prizes (including best picture) on Friday night in Tokyo at Japan’s version of the Academy Awards. After the Japanese ceremony, Yojiro Takita, film star Masahiro Motoki (right) and others, hopped on a plane and made it to LA in time for Saturday morning’s Foreign Language Film Symposium at the Academy in Beverly Hills. Chatting briefly with indieWIRE on Sunday at the Roosevelt Hotel after winning the Oscar, Yojiro Takita was giddy as he spoke through a translator. He called the prize his “baby,” related his excitement at meeting so many stars and filmmakers at the Oscar ceremony, and said that he was particularly excited to get home to celebrate with his family. On stage accepting his Oscar, Yojiro Takita spoke briefly, saying “I am here because of films. This is a new “departure” for me. And I will, we will be back. I hope. Thank you. Thank you.” Regent will release the film in the U.S. later this year. [Photo © A.M.P.A.S., text by Eugene Hernandez]