Honoree Hayao Miyazaki accepts an honorary award onstage during the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 2014 Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 8, 2014 in Hollywood, California. [Photo/CFP]

Iconic Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki made a rare Hollywood appearance to accept the Academy's lifetime achievement award at the Governors Awards over the weekend.

On the arrivals line, Miyazaki spoke (through an English translator) about his decision to retire last year.

"Paper and pencil hasn't disappeared yet, but film has disappeared from the world of filmmaking, so I thought it was a good time for me to put up my work."

Miyazaki, who skipped making the trip across the Pacific last year to accept the Oscar for his award-winning film, "Spirited Away," hit Tinsel Town this time around at the behest of friend, fellow animator and Pixar exec John Lasseter.

The animator's last film, "The Wind Rises," was nominated for "Best Animated Feature," last year, but lost out to eventual winner, Disney's "Frozen".