Tetsuya Nakashima's "Confessions" takes top prize at 34th annual Japanese Academy Prize

by Chris MaGee

Tetsuya Nakashima's revenge drama "Confessions" took the Best Film prize at the 34th annual Japanese Academy Awards. The awards ceremony took place on Friday in Tokyo and the Takako Matsu-starring story of a school teacher seeking revenge for the murder of her daughter by school bullies managed to beat out Takashi Miike's "13 Assassins", Izuru Narushima's "A Lone Scalpel", Yoji Yamada's "Younger Brother", and Sang-il Lee's "Villain". Tetstuya Nakashima also picked up Best Director.

Although "Villain" didn't take the top prize the crime drama about a store clerk who falls for a murderer ended up sweeping the acting categories. Eri Fukatsu snagged Best Actress while her co-star Satoshi Tsumabuki picked up Best Actor. “This performance was the culmination of my 12 years experience in the business," said Tsumabuki in his acceptance speech,"I wanted to dig deep and bring something original and personal to the role.” Joining Fukatsu and Tsumabuki were Akira Eomoto and Kirin Kiki who both took Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively for their roles in "Villain".

To see the full list of winners at this year's Japanese Academy Prize head to Tokyograph here. Thanks to Japan Today for additional details on this story.