Japanese director Yamazaki Takashi has shared his experiences filming the blockbuster monster movie "Godzilla Minus One," ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony.

Yamazaki appeared at a talk show on the film in Hollywood on Friday. Over 100 people attended, including industry figures.

"Godzilla Minus One" shows Godzilla relentlessly destroying a city in the aftermath of World War Two. The movie has been nominated for an Academy Award for visual effects.

Yamazaki said about the nomination that it gave him a feeling of happy bewilderment. He said if someone had told him he was dreaming, he would have answered that he thought so too.

The director also described how he employed a small set and expanded it with digital technology. He said the Oscar nomination probably acknowledged his efforts on a limited budget. He added that most movie components were handmade in the days before computer graphics, and he may have won votes for nostalgia.

Asked by the audience about generative artificial intelligence, Yamazaki said he tried using the technology several times, but it came up with things he felt he had seen before. He reflected that AI and creativity may not go well together.

Looking forward to the awards ceremony, which takes place on March 10, Yamazaki said he feels lucky just to be nominated.