The 68th Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony was held on February 17, 2026, with Makiya Yamaguchi and Yuumi Kawai, Best Actor and Actress at the previous edition, serving as hosts.
The Awards are presented by the Association of Tokyo Film Journalists, which comprises film reporters from seven Tokyo-based sports newspapers.
The winners who attended the ceremony included Satoshi Tsumabuki, Suzu Hirose, Jiro Sato, Misato Morita and Ryuta Shibuya.
Major Winners
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | National Treasure | National Treasure |
| Best Director | Yoji Yamada | TOKYO Taxi |
| Best Actor | Satoshi Tsumabuki | Treasure Island |
| Best Actress | Suzu Hirose | Unrequited Love World; A Pale View of Hills; Going and Returning |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jiro Sato | Suzuki=Bakudan |
| Best Supporting Actress | Misato Morita | Night Flower |
| Best Newcomer | Ryuta Shibuya | Night Flower |
| Best Foreign Film | Conclave | Conclave |
Obs: Although categories such as Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Special Award have historically existed, they were not awarded at the 68th edition.
National Treasure won Best Film
Asserting its dominance for the year, National Treasure won Best Film at the 68th Blue Ribbon Awards.
Its success was reinforced by some of Japan’s most celebrated screen talents. Led by Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, and supported by acclaimed performers such as Ken Watanabe, Min Tanaka, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima and Nana Mori.
Want to know more about these movie?
- Read our review of “National Treasure“.
- Check out all the movies featuring Ryo Yoshizawa.
- Check out all the movies featuring Ryusei Yokohama.
Newcomer Award of the Year Winner
Actors and actresses at the beginning of their careers or who had a breakthrough role during 2025. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the person’s first film.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Newcomer | Ryuta Shibuya | Night Flower |
Obs: Ryuta Shibuya is a Japanese singer-songwriter, widely known as the lead vocalist of the popular rock band SUPER BEAVER. He also has a solo career and has worked as a radio personality.
Films Reviewed here That Won Japan Academy Awards
Here you will find reviews of award-winning Japanese films and my impressions of Japanese culture as portrayed in these films.
Suzuki=Bakudan (Crime/Mystery)
A mysterious detainee claims he can foresee terrorist attacks. As bombs begin exploding across Tokyo, a veteran detective is forced into a dangerous battle of wits to uncover the truth.
Kikuo, the son of a killed Yakuza boss, is adopted by a family of Kabuki actors and competes for decades with his adoptive brother for the title of National Treasure.
Driven by financial hardship, Natsuki, a single mother of two and Tamae, a promising MMA fighter, begins trafficking drugs on the streets of Tokyo to make a living.
Tokyo Taxi (Drama)
As an elderly woman takes one final journey through the streets of Tokyo, a weary taxi driver becomes the witness to a lifetime of love, loss, and resilience in this moving tale of human connection.
Actors Featured here Who Won Awards
Here you will find other reviewed Japanese films that the winning actors of The 68th Blue Ribbon Awards participated in.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Satoshi Tsumabuki | Treasure Island |
| Best Actress | Suzu Hirose | Unrequited Love World; A Pale View of Hills; Going and Returning |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jiro Sato | Suzuki=Bakudan |
| Best Supporting Actress | Misato Morita | Night Flower |
| Best Newcomer | Ryuta Shibuya | Night Flower |
Obs: at the Blue Ribbon Awards, the committee may consider one or more performances from the same year when deciding the winner. Consequently, Suzu Hirose won the Best Actress award for her work in three films.