Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata received the Honorific Leopard award at Switzerland's 62nd Locarno International Film Festival. French director Michel Ocelot (Azur et Asmar, Kirikou and the Sorceress) presented the award to Takahata. Ghibli was a large factor in the introduction of Ocelot's works to Japan.

Takahata was attending the event to present Pom Poko, Little Norse Prince Valiant, and Grave of the Fireflies as part of the festival's Manga Impact event. He will participate in a dialogue with Ocelot tomorrow at 10:30AM local time.

Isao Takahata directed a number of titles for Studio Ghibli, including My Neighbors the Yamadas and Grave of the Fireflies.