Shinichiro Watanabe's Lazarus Anime by MAPPA Nominated for Emmy in Best Opening Theme
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Nominees Announced for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards
The Television Academy revealed the nominations for this year's Emmy Awards on Wednesday, highlighting some exciting contenders in the animation world.
Highlights from the Nomination List
One of the standout nominations is for the series Lazarus, a new original anime created for Toonami. This series, directed by the renowned Shinichirō Watanabe (famous for Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy), is up for "Outstanding Animated Program".
Additionally, Lazarus received a nod for "Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music" thanks to Kamasi Washington's captivating opening theme, "Vortex".
The series, which premiered on April 5 on Adult Swim's Toonami block, features a talented voice cast including:
- Mamoru Miyano as Axel
- Makoto Furukawa as Doug
- Maaya Uchida as Christine
- Yūma Uchida as Leland
- Manaka Iwami as Eleina
- Megumi Hayashibara as Hersch
- Akio Ōtsuka as Abel
- Kōichi Yamadera as Skinner
Lazarus is a 13-episode sci-fi action anime set in a future where humanity faces a deadly threat. The story follows a special task force called "Lazarus" as they race against time to stop a scientist's sinister plan.
Behind the Scenes
Watanabe directed every episode, with action sequences crafted by Chad Stahelski, known for his work on John Wick. The anime's score is composed by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, with additional music by Floating Points and Bonobo. The production is handled by Sola Entertainment.
The series features a stellar team of designers, including character designer Akemi Hayashi, concept designer Stanislas Brunet, and art director Miho Sugiura.
Series Synopsis
The year is 2052 — an era of peace and prosperity, thanks to a miracle drug called Hapuna. But when its creator, Dr. Skinner, disappears and later returns warning of impending doom, a global crisis unfolds. A team of five agents, "Lazarus," is tasked with saving humanity from a deadly fate.
Additional Information
- The series streams on Max the day after its TV premiere.
- In Japan, it airs on TV Tokyo and other platforms.
- The voice cast also includes Yuma Uchida, Manaka Iwami, Megumi Hayashibara, and others.
- The anime features action sequences designed by Chad Stahelski and a soundtrack by Kamasi Washington.
About Shinichirō Watanabe
Watanabe has an impressive portfolio, including classics like Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus, and Terror in Resonance. He also directed the Blade Runner: Black Out 2022 short and a recent animated short A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot, showcased at the Fantasia International Film Festival.
Final Note
This nomination highlights the growing recognition of anime within mainstream awards, celebrating its storytelling, music, and innovative animation.
Source: Television Academy