Japanese film critics widely described the 80th Mainichi Film Awards (2026) as a ceremony dominated by the critical and technical success of Kokuho (National Treasure). The film was consistently highlighted as the central force of the awards season.
At the same time, Enemy receiving the Japanese Film Grand Prize was interpreted as a reflection of the Mainichi Film Awards’ continued support for auteur-driven and thematically bold filmmaking
Another key point highlighted in Japanese critical analysis was the structure of acting awards. The 2026 edition continued the shift toward unified performance-based categories, moving away from traditional gender-separated awards.
Complete List of Winners
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | Enemy | Enemy |
| Foreign Film Award | One Battle After Another | One Battle After Another |
| Best Actor | Ryo Yoshizawa | National Treasure |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jiro Sato | Bomb |
| Best Supporting Actor | Masataka Kubota | Treasure Island |
| Best Director | Daihachi Yoshida | National Treasure |
| Best Screenplay | Satoko Okudera | National Treasure |
| Best Cinematography | Sofiane El Fani | National Treasure |
| Best Art Direction | Yohei Taneda / Nao Shimoyama | National Treasure |
| Best Music | Marihiko Hara | National Treasure |
| Best Sound | Mitsugu Shiratori | National Treasure |
| Ōfuji Noburō Award (Animation) | Ordinary Life | Ordinary Life |
| Documentary Award | Resurrected Voice | Resurrected Voice |
| TSUTAYA DISCAS Audience Award (Japan) | When It Tastes So Good It Makes You Cry | When It Tastes So Good It Makes You Cry |
| TSUTAYA DISCAS Audience Award (Foreign) | F1 | F1 |
Obs: No female winner received the Best Supporting Performance award at the 80th Mainichi Film Awards (2026). The category was awarded exclusively to male actors in this edition.
Enemy won Japanese Film Grand Prize
Critics highlighted the same idea repeated in acceptance coverage: that Enemy was a modest production compared to bigger titles, yet still won the top prize.
The cast of Enemy, especially Yuumi Kawai, Kumi Takiuchi and Asuka Kurosawa, was praised as a restrained and cohesive ensemble rather than a collection of standout performances.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sponichi Grand Prix Newcomer Award | Yuta Hayashi | The Fool’s Status |
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.
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.
National Treasure (Drama)
Bound by brotherhood and rivalry, two aspiring kabuki actors devote decades to their craft, each striving to become a living national treasure of Japanese theater.
Actors Featured here Who Won Awards
Here you will find other reviewed Japanese films that the winning actors of The 80th Mainichi Film Awards participated in.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Ryo Yoshizawa | National Treasure |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jiro Sato | Bomb |
| Best Supporting Actor | Masataka Kubota | Treasure Island |
In summary, Japanese film criticism viewed the 2026 Mainichi Film Awards not as controversial, but as a clear consolidation of Kokuho as the defining cinematic achievement of the year, supported by a diversified set of winners across other categories.