The esteemed Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto was back in the news over the summer, when the New York Times reported that he was so irked by the song selection at a favorite Manhattan restaurant, he politely wrote to the chef and offered to take charge of the playlist. Something about the story felt typically Sakamoto: the confidence, the sensitivity, the unswerving belief that music demands to be taken a little more seriously.
The 66-year-old is being honored as Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan, in recognition of a soundtrack oeuvre stretching back to Nagisa Oshima’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” in 1983. He’s the first composer to receive the prize, and it’s hard to argue with the choice. Other Asian film composers may have amassed larger bodies of work, but few can rival Sakamoto’s international clout, cultivated over a career that’s embraced pop stardom, avant-garde experimentation and political activism.
The 66-year-old is being honored as Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan, in recognition of a soundtrack oeuvre stretching back to Nagisa Oshima’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” in 1983. He’s the first composer to receive the prize, and it’s hard to argue with the choice. Other Asian film composers may have amassed larger bodies of work, but few can rival Sakamoto’s international clout, cultivated over a career that’s embraced pop stardom, avant-garde experimentation and political activism.
- 10/4/2018
- by James Hadfield
- Variety Film + TV
Similar News
How Motown Inspired Dua Lipa's 'Radical Optimism'
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jeremy Strong in Talks to Join Jeremy Allen White in Upcoming Bruce Springsteen Biopic
- 5/9/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Madonna's 'Holiday' Was a Divine Gift, Say Writers
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
‘Unprisoned’ Season 2 Gets Premiere Date On Hulu, First-Look Photos
- 5/9/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Silicon Valley’ Writers Alec Berg, Adam Countee Set Car Racing Comedy Pilot ‘Downforce’ at Hulu
- 5/8/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu Orders ‘Downforce’ Comedy Pilot From Alec Berg, Adam Countee & ABC Signature
- 5/8/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
David Sanborn, Jazz Saxophonist Who Played on David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans,’ Dead at 78
- 5/13/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
30 Sexiest Women of 2023 (on TV and Movies)
- 5/12/2024
- by Jimmy P
- buddytv.com
‘The Almond and the Seahorse’ Filmmaker Celyn Jones to Direct ‘Madfabulous’ (Exclusive)
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.