"The Boy and the Heron," directed by Japan's animation master Miyazaki Hayao, has won two Annie Awards. The Annies are often called the Oscars of animation.

The film was named Best Character Animation Feature and Best Storyboarding Feature at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The movie's animation director, Honda Takeshi, said he believes Miyazaki is feeling bored at the moment and will soon embark on a new project. He added that he is willing to help.

The speech drew cheers and applause from the audience.

The film and another Japanese production, "Suzume," directed by Shinkai Makoto, had been nominated for the Best Feature award. But the prize went to "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."

Japanese composer Hisaishi Joe received a Winsor McCay Award for his long-time contribution to the world of animation.

In the TV media category, a Netflix series, "Blue Eye Samurai," won six awards, including Best Editorial. The prize went to Shirasuna Yuka, an editor from Japan's Chiba Prefecture.