Oscar nominees named yesterday morning for Best Visual Effects share their reactions to the great news.
Following yesterday morning’s announcement of the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards (set for March 15), filmmakers involved with all five films nominated for Best Visual Effects (and for some of the films, multiple other category noms) have contacted AWN / VFXWorld with their reactions.
Let’s have a look at how some of the industry’s leading artists are taking the great news…
Nominees for Best Visual Effects
Avatar: Fire and Ash
We extend our sincere thanks to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the nomination of Avatar: Fire and Ash in the category of Visual Effects. It is a profound honor to be recognized by the Academy, and we are exceptionally proud to stand alongside such a distinguished and accomplished group of films. This nomination represents the dedication, collaboration, and craftsmanship of an extraordinary team of artists and filmmakers, and we are deeply appreciative of the Academy’s recognition of their work.
- Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett, Wētā FX
F1
On behalf of my fellow nominees Robert Harrington, Nicolas Chevallier, and Keith Dawson, we are deeply honored to be nominated by our peers for the Academy Award for Visual Effects for F1. What we do is truly a team sport, and we were incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an exceptional group of artists and collaborators. Congratulations to everyone involved, and to our colleagues recognized in Sound, Editing, and Best Picture.
- Ryan Tudhope, VFX Supervisor
So excited for our Skywalker family with sound nominations in three of the five films. Grateful for such a creative culture that we all share. Thrilled for our F1 filmmakers for their best picture nomination.
- Al Nelson, Supervising Sound Editor
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Being nominated for Best Visual Effects is a tremendous honor for our entire team. In an era of evolving technology, this recognition celebrates the human artistry at the heart of our work - the animators and digital artists who poured their skill and soul into every frame. It’s their imagination, not a computer, that truly brought this film to life. Our goal was to push the boundaries of digital artistry to create creatures that felt grounded, tactile, and truly alive. To have the Academy recognize the team's technical precision and artistry is an immense honor, and I am so proud of the hundreds of artists who helped us bring this prehistoric world to life.
David Vickery, Visual Effects Supervisor
To be nominated for our Visual Effects on Jurassic World: Rebirth is an absolute honor. Like so many in this industry, the original Jurassic Park was the film that made me believe the impossible is possible. That motto rang true across our global ILM teams as they passionately created stunning imagery to bring Gareth Edwards’ vision to life.
I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together and thank the Academy for this recognition.”
- Charmaine Chan, Visual Effects Supervisor
This nomination is such a fantastic reflection on the hard work and dedication the entire ILM team has contributed to the visual effects of Jurassic World: Rebirth. Personally, my passion for this craft was jump-started after watching the original Jurassic Park when it first came out in theatres, so getting to play in that world and receive such a fabulous honor is a dream come true. Thank you, and congratulations to all nominated in this category.
- Stephen Aplin, Animation Supervisor
The Lost Bus
We're so incredibly proud and happy for all the hundreds of artists and production crew who contributed such fine work for The Lost Bus. It was a privilege to bring Paul Greengrass’ vision to the big screen and are now honored to have our work recognized by the Academy. Very exciting!
- Charlie Noble, Lead VFX Supervisor
Wow! What an honor to be recognized by the Academy for the work we did retelling the story of Paradise. I'm so proud of the whole team for their hard work and creativity. It was a great experience to work with Paul Greengrass, helping him do what he does best. Given the quality of the visual effects across the board this year it feels extra special to make it this far.
- Dave Zaretti, ILM VFX Supervisor
Big congratulations to Charlie Noble and the VFX team behind The Lost Bus on their Academy recognition. They found a way to make incredibly complex fire behavior feel real while still telling a story that’s emotionally honest, human, and respectful of the events that inspired it. It was truly a privilege, and I’m honored and proud to have been a small part of this project.
- John Messina, Retired Cal Fire Asst. Region Chief, Northern Region
Sinners
We’re incredibly humbled and honored by this Academy Award nomination for our Visual and Special Effects work and deeply grateful for all the support Sinners has received. To be recognized alongside this year’s incredible nominees is truly overwhelming, the work was remarkable all around this year.
Sinners is a deeply soulful film that takes audiences on a powerful ride that transcends genres, time and space, and we’re incredibly proud to have contributed to this monumental effort in filmmaking by a visionary director who is also an incredibly kind human being.
Thank you to the Academy, Warner Bros., and to Ryan and Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian for trusting us with this film as well as to our closest collaborators: Our incredibly talented fellow department heads, crew and cast members as well as our wives & families.
This nomination belongs to everyone who put their heart and soul into bringing Sinners to life, especially the people who substantially contributed behind the scenes: Our VFX Producer James Alexander, ILM VFX Supervisor Nick Marshall as well as our entire VFX crew and all VFX partners: Storm Studio, Rising Sun Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic, Base FX, Outpost, and Light Visual Effects.
- Michael Ralla, VFX Supervisor and James Alexander, VFX Producer
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. I was honored just to be in the conversation, but very excited to be nominated alongside the other films, especially my fellow Skywalker family. I’m pumped to go with and cheer for us all, and thrilled for our filmmakers who are having their work recognized with a Best Picture nomination and across so many crafts.”
- Benny Burt, Supervising Sound Editor
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
