Michael Jackson’s biographical film MICHAEL has received another international recognition, earning a nomination for Best International Film at the 51st Hochi Film Awards in Japan.
The nomination places MICHAEL among ten international productions shortlisted in the category, alongside films including Bugonia, Rental Family, Project Hail Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey. The nominations were officially announced on November 10, 2026, by the Hochi Shimbun.
The Hochi Film Awards are widely regarded as one of Japan’s most important film honours and traditionally lead the country’s awards season. Established in 1976 by Sports Hochi, the awards were among the first major film awards organised by a newspaper in Japan. Their nominations are announced ahead of other major ceremonies, making them an important early indicator of films likely to attract attention during the Japanese awards season.
The Hochi Film Awards also have a particularly interesting place in the Japanese film industry, as the Japan Academy Film Prize, often described as Japan’s equivalent of the Oscars, was established the year after the Hochi awards began. Both ceremonies have since become significant fixtures in Japan’s annual celebration of cinema.
For MICHAEL, the nomination represents another important recognition of Michael Jackson’s enduring international appeal and the continued interest in bringing his extraordinary life and artistic legacy to audiences around the world.
The 51st Hochi Film Awards winners are expected to be announced later in November, with the awards ceremony traditionally taking place in December.
Official Website: Hochi Awards
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