Tag: best visual effects

2023 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Top Gun: Maverick” (Six Nominations)

FILM #34 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“TOP GUN: MAVERICK”MARCH 2, 2023PARAMOUNT+ DAY 38 OF 48 Best MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEARProduced by Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)Screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrieStory by Peter Craig and Justin MarksBased on Characters by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Top Gun: Maverick” (Six Nominations)

2023 Oscars Challenge: [30] “Avatar: The Way Of Water” (Four Nominations)

FILM #30 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Avatar: The Way Of Water”FEBRUARY 26, 2023Regal Edwards Valencia Stadium 12 DAY 34 OF 48 Best MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEARProduced by James Cameron and Jon Landau Best Achievement in Production DesignProduction Design by Dylan Cole and Ben ProcterSet Decoration by Vanessa Cole Best SoundSound Design by Julian Howarth, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Dick Bernstein, … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [30] “Avatar: The Way Of Water” (Four Nominations)

2023 Oscars Challenge: [27] “The Batman” (Three Nominations)

FILM #22 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“THE BATMAN”FEBRUARY 25, 2023HBO MAX DAY 33 OF 48 Best Achievement in Makeup and HairstylingMakeup & Hairsyling by Naomi Donne, Mike Marino and Mike Fontaine Best SoundSound Design by Stuart Wilson, William Files, Douglas Murray and Andy Nelson Best Achievement in Visual EffectsVisual Effects by Dan Lemmon, Russell Earl, Anders Langlands and Dominic Tuohy … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [27] “The Batman” (Three Nominations)

2023 Oscars Challenge: [22] “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Five Nominations)

FILM #22 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER”FEBRUARY 18, 2023DISNEY+ DAY 26 OF 48 Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting RoleAngela Bassett Best Achievement in Costume DesignCostume Design by Ruth E. Carter Best Achievement in Makeup and HairstylingMakeup & Hairsyling by Camille Friend and Joel Harlow Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures(Original Song)“LIFT ME … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [22] “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Five Nominations)

2023 Oscars Challenge: [21] “All Quiet On The Western Front” (Nine Nominations)

FILM #21 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“All Quiet On The Western Front”FEBRUARY 17, 2023NETFLIX DAY 25 OF 48 Best MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEARProduced by Malte Grunert Best Achievement in CinematographyCinematography by James Friend Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)Written by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson & Ian StokellBased on Novel by Erich Maria Remarque Best INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMGermany Best Achievement in Music … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [21] “All Quiet On The Western Front” (Nine Nominations)

Oscars Shortlist: 10 Feature Films Shortlisted for Best Visual Effects at 95th Academy Awards

“All Quiet on the Western Front” “Avatar: The Way of Water” “The Batman” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” “Jurassic World Dominion” “Nope” “Thirteen Lives” “Top Gun: Maverick” Per the Academy’s press release: 10 films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 95th Academy Awards. The Visual Effects Branch … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Feature Films Shortlisted for Best Visual Effects at 95th Academy Awards

2022 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Dune” (Ten Nominations)

FILM #34 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“DUNE”MARCH 20, 2022HBO MAX DAY 41 OF 48 Best Motion Picture of the YearProduced by Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve and Cale Boyter Best Achievement in CinematographyCinematography by Greig Fraser Best Achievement in Costume DesignCostume Design by Jacqueline West and Robert Morgan Best Achievement in Film EditingEdited by Joe Walker Best Achievement in Makeup and … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Dune” (Ten Nominations)

2022 Oscars Challenge: [32] “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (One Nomination)

FILM #32 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Spider-Man: No Way Home”MARCH 19, 2022VUDU DAY 40 OF 48 Best Achievement in Visual EffectsVisual Effects by Kelly Port, Chris Waegner, Scott Edelstein and Dan Sudick Best Achievement in Visual Effects Kelly Port PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS 91ST ACADEMY AWARDS (2018)Best Visual Effects“Avengers: Infinity War”NOMINEE Chris Waegner — 1st time Nominee — Scott Edelstein — 1st … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [32] “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (One Nomination)

2022 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (One Nomination)

FILM #31 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”MARCH 19, 2022DISNEY+ DAY 40 OF 48 Best Achievement in Visual EffectsVisual Effects by Christopher Townsend, Joe Farrell, Sean Noel Walker and Dan Olive Best Achievement in Visual Effects Christopher Townsend PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS 86TH ACADEMY AWARDS (2013)Best Visual Effects“Iron Man 3”NOMINEE 90TH ACADEMY AWARDS (2017)Best Visual Effects“Guardians … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (One Nomination)

2022 Oscars Challenge: [30] “No Time To Die” (Three Nominations)

FILM #30 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“No Time To Die”MARCH 19, 2022VUDU DAY 40 OF 48 Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original SONG)“No Time To Die“Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell Best Achievement in Visual EffectsVisual Effects by Charlie Noble, Joel Green, Jonathan Fawkner and Chris Corbould Best SoundSound Design by Simon Hayes, Oliver … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [30] “No Time To Die” (Three Nominations)

2022 Oscars Challenge: [24] “Free Guy” (One Nomination)

FILM #24 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Free Guy”MARCH 6, 2022DISNEY+ DAY 27 OF 48 Best Achievement in Visual EffectsVisual Effects by Swen Gillberg, Bryan Grill, Nikos Kalaitzidis and Dan Sudick Best Achievement in Visual Effects Swen Gillberg PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS (2011)Best Visual Effects“Real Steel”NOMINEE Bryan Grill PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS 78TH ACADEMY AWARDS (1985)Best Visual Effects“Hereafter”NOMINEE 87TH ACADEMY AWARDS (2014)Best … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [24] “Free Guy” (One Nomination)

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Films Make the Cut for 93rd Academy Award Visual Effects Nomination

VISUAL EFFECTS SHORTLIST: “Black Widow” “Dune” “Eternals” “Free Guy” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” “Godzilla vs. Kong” “The Matrix Resurrections” “No Time to Die” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist. All members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Films Make the Cut for 93rd Academy Award Visual Effects Nomination

2021 Oscars Challenge: [38] “The Midnight Sky” — Best Visual Effects

THE MIDNIGHT SKY BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Following a mysterious global catastrophe, Augustine, a scientist based in the Arctic, races to stop a group of astronauts from returning home to a planet that cannot sustain life much longer. Matthew Kasmir, Christopher Lawrence, Max Solomon and David Watkins PERSONAL PREDICTIONS EXPERT PREDICTIONS Matthew Kasmir | Max Solomon | David Watkins — 1st time Nominees — Christopher … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [38] “The Midnight Sky” — Best Visual Effects

2021 Oscars Challenge: [26] “Tenet” (Two Nominations)

TENET BEST PRODUCTION DESIGNBEST VISUAL EFFECTS After being dismissed from his job, a CIA agent joins a shadowy group of international espionage agents who invert time in an effort to prevent an impending global war that could destroy the planet. Production Design: Nathan CrowleySet Decoration: Kathy Lucas Walking into any Christopher Nolan film, you know the Production Design is going to be exquisite. And … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [26] “Tenet” (Two Nominations)

2021 Oscars Challenge: [19] “Love and Monsters” — Best Visual Effects

LOVE AND MONSTERS BEST VISUAL EFFECTS In a post-apocalyptic world where the planet has been overrun by monsters of every size and shape, a young man emerges from an underground compound and sets out to join his high school girlfriend in a compound some 85 miles away. Matt Sloan, Genevieve Camilleri, Matt Everitt and Brian Cox When “Love and Monsters” was announced as one … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [19] “Love and Monsters” — Best Visual Effects

2021 Oscars Challenge: [9] “The One and Only Ivan” — Best Visual Effects

THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Ivan, a silverback gorilla, is the star of a shopping mall attraction, but when baby elephant Ruby arrives, Ivan learns how to keep a promise and to be who he really is. Nick Davis, Greg Fisher, Ben Jones and Santiago Colomo Martinez Last year, Walt Disney released films like “Mulan” and “Soul,” which were impossible to … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [9] “The One and Only Ivan” — Best Visual Effects

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Films Make the Cut for 93rd Academy Award Visual Effects Nomination

VISUAL EFFECTS SHORTLIST: “Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” “Bloodshot” “Love and Monsters” “Mank” “The Midnight Sky” “Mulan” “The One and Only Ivan” “Soul” “Tenet” “Welcome to Chechnya” Where is “The Invisible Man” on this shortlist? It may have not been the front runner, but it definitely deserved to be apart of the conversation. On March 6, the Visual … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Films Make the Cut for 93rd Academy Award Visual Effects Nomination

2020 Oscars Challenge: [38] “Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker” — Three Nominations

Every time a “Star Wars” film comes out and John Williams does the score, he gets nominated. The man now has 52 Academy Award nominations. Needless to say, he will not be winning his sixth Oscar this year, as the scores for “1917” and “Joker” are the front-runners.

2020 Oscars Challenge: [37] “The Irishman” — Ten Nominations

What a year it is when we’re talking about a Martin Scorsese film being “unlikely” to win Best Picture. Top that off with a film that’s garnering ten nominations, at least as far as my projections, is “unlikely” to win all ten. I expect “The Irishman” to be completely shut out this year and that’s absolutely bonkers when you think of how prestigious Scorsese is. But it just goes to show you what kind of year we’ve had for movies.

2020 Oscars Challenge: [33] “Avengers: Endgame” — Best Visual Effects

Even though it’s clearly the film that relies on Visual Effects the most, “Avengers: Endgame” is actually considered the runner-up to “1917.” There will definitely be a lot of love for “1917,” but if you stop and think about the impact of visual effects on both films, “Avengers: Endgame” is definitely the actual front-runner. It just depends where the Academy voters land.

2020 Oscars Challenge: [22] “The Lion King” — Best Visual Effects

The experts and I think “1917” holds the front-runner status on this category, but when you actually sit down and think about it, which films are dependent on their visual effects. The titles that come to mind are “Avengers: Endgame” (which was beloved this year) and “The Lion King” (which is Disney and that name means a lot). This film would not exist without visual effects and it does a decent job of breaking some ground. That being said, I do not feel like it was popular enough to get enough members behind it.

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Films in the Final Round for Best Visual Effects at the 92nd Academy Awards

The Best Visual Effects category has been narrowed down to ten contenders.

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Oscars Shortlist: 20 Films Left in the Hunt for Best Visual Effects Nominations at 92nd Academy Awards

Here we are only two months out from the Academy Awards and a little over a month away from the nominations. Today, the Best Visual Effects category has been parred down to twenty, with the biggest budget films filling the VFX landscape. The obvious front-runner has to be “Avengers: Endgame” while the yet-to-be-seen “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” already looks visually stunning.

2019 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Christopher Robin” – Best Visual Effects

“CHRISTOPHER ROBIN”Christopher Lawrence, Michael Eames, Theo Jones and Chris Corbould Director: Marc ForsterProducers: Brigham Taylor and Kristin BurrWriters: Alex Ross Perry, Tom McCarthy, Allison Schroeder, Greg Brooker, and Mark Steven JohnsonBased On: “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne and E. H. ShepardCinematography: Matthias KoenigswieserEditor: Matt ChesséComposer: Geoff Zanelli and Jon BrionDistributors: Walt Disney PicturesRelease Date: August 3, 2018Budget: $70 millionRun-time: 104 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: As an … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Christopher Robin” – Best Visual Effects

2019 Oscars Challenge: [30] “Avengers: Infinity War” – Best Visual Effects

“AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR”Dan DeLeeuw, Kelly Port, Russell Earl and Dan Sudick Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe RussoProducer: Kevin FeigeWriters: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeelyBased On: “The Avengers” by Stan Lee and Jack KirbyCinematography: Trent OpalochEditors: Jeffrey Ford and Matthew SchmidtComposer: Alan SilvestriProduction Company: Marvel StudiosDistributors: Walt Disney PicturesRelease Date: April 27, 2018Budget: $400 millionRun-time: 149 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: The Avengers and their allies must … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [30] “Avengers: Infinity War” – Best Visual Effects

2019 Oscars Challenge: [24] “Ready Player One” – Best Visual Effects

“READY PLAYER ONE”Roger Guyett, Grady Cofer, Matthew E. Butler and David Shirk Director: Steven SpielbergProducer: Steven Spielberg, Donald De Line, Dan Farah, and Kristie Macosko KriegerWriters: Zak Penn and Ernest ClineBased On: “Ready Player One” by Ernest ClineCinematography: Janusz KamińskiEditors: Michael Kahn and Sarah BrosharComposer: Alan SilvestriDistributors: Warner Bros. PicturesRelease Date: March 29, 2018Budget: $175 millionRun-time: 140 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: In the year 2045, … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [24] “Ready Player One” – Best Visual Effects

2019 Oscars Challenge: [25] “First Man” – Four Nominations

“FIRST MAN” Director: Damien ChazelleProducers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, and Damien ChazelleWriters: Josh SingerBased On: “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong” by James R. HansenCinematography: Linus SandgrenEditor: Tom CrossComposer: Justin HurwitzDistributors: Universal PicturesRelease Date: October 12, 2018Budget: $59 millionRun-time: 141 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1961, test pilot and engineer Neil Armstrong joins NASA, which has been charged with landing an … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [25] “First Man” – Four Nominations

2019 Oscars Challenge: [23] “Solo: A Star Wars Story” – Best Visual Effects

“SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY”Rob Bredow, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Dominic Tuohy Director: Ron HowardProducers: Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon EmanuelWriters: Jonathan Kasdan and Lawrence KasdanCinematography: Bradford YoungEditor: Pietro ScaliaComposers: John Powell and John WilliamsProduction Company: Lucasfilm Ltd.Distributors: Walt Disney PicturesRelease Date: May 25, 2018Budget: $300 millionRun-time: 135 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Young thief Han Solo is forced to abandon Qi’ra, his partner-in-crime, … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [23] “Solo: A Star Wars Story” – Best Visual Effects

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Oscars Watch: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 91st Academy Awards

Ten films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 91st Academy Awards.  The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist.  All members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the shortlisted films on Saturday, January 5, 2019.  Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration. … Read More Oscars Watch: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 91st Academy Awards

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Oscars Shortlist: 20 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 91st Academy Awards

From Oscars.org: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 20 films are in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 91st Academy Awards. The films are listed below in alphabetical order: “Ant-Man and the Wasp” “Aquaman” “Avengers: Infinity War” “Black Panther” “Bumblebee” “Christopher Robin” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” “First Man” “Incredibles 2” “Isle of Dogs” “Jurassic … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 20 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 91st Academy Awards

2018 Oscars Challenge: [35] “Blade Runner 2049” – 5 Nominations

Director: Denis Villeneuve Producers: Andrew A. Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bud Yorkin, & Cynthia Sikes Yorkin Writers: Hampton Fancher & Michael Green Cinematography: Roger A. Deakins Composer: Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Release Date: October 6, 2017 Run-time: 163 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: In 2049, three decades after original blade runner Rick Deckard went missing, LAPD officer K is tasked with eliminating older, … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [35] “Blade Runner 2049” – 5 Nominations

2018 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – 4 Nominations

Director & Writer: Rian Johnson Producers: Kathleen Kennedy & Ram Bergman Cinematography: Steve Yedlin Composer: John Williams Editor: Bob Ducsay Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Release Date: December 15, 2017 Run-time: 152 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Resistance heroes Poe and Finn take daring measures to save their tattered fleet from extermination by the First Order. Across the galaxy, Rae pleads with Luke Skywalker to return … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – 4 Nominations

2018 Oscars Challenge: [23] “Kong: Skull Island” – Best Visual Effects

“KONG: SKULL ISLAND” Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, Scott Benza and Mike Meinardus Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts Producers: Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and Alex Garcia Writers: Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, and Derek Connolly Cinematography: Larry Fong Composer: Henry Jackman Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Release Date: March 10, 2017 Run-time: 118 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1973, the U.S. government backs an expedition to Skull Island, an … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [23] “Kong: Skull Island” – Best Visual Effects

2018 Oscars Challenge: [12] “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2” – Best Visual Effects

“GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner and Dan Sudick Director: James Gunn Producer: Kevin Feige Writer: James Gunn Cinematography: Henry Braham Composer: Tyler Bates Distributors: Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios Release Date: May 5, 2017 Run-time: 137 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Peter Quill and his band of misfits — Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Baby Groot — are still combing the … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [12] “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2” – Best Visual Effects

2018 Oscars Challenge: [4] “War For The Planet Of The Apes” – Best Visual Effects

“WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES” Joe Letteri, Daniel Barrett, Dan Lemmon and Joel Whist Director: Matt Reeves Producers: Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, & Amanda Silver Cinematography: Michael Seresin Editors: William Hoy & Stan Salfas Composer: Michael Giacchino Distributors: 20th Century Fox Release Date: July 14, 2017 Run-time: 140 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: The fragile truce between humans and apes is broken by … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [4] “War For The Planet Of The Apes” – Best Visual Effects

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 90th Academy Awards

The Academy’s Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist. All members of the Visual Effects Branch will now be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the shortlisted films on Saturday, January 6, 2018. Following the screenings, the members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar® consideration. “Alien: Covenant” “Blade Runner 2049” “Dunkirk” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” “Kong: … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 90th Academy Awards

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Oscars Shortlist: 20 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 90th Academy Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have announced twenty films as their short for the Best Visual Effects category. Of the twenty, six of them are of the Marvel and DC universe. A few, like “Dunkirk” and “The Shape Of Water are the big Oscar contenders in other categories so they could easily make the final cut. “Alien: Covenant” “Beauty and the … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 20 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 90th Academy Awards

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 89th Academy Awards

“Arrival” “The BFG” “Captain America: Civil War” “Deepwater Horizon” “Doctor Strange” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” “The Jungle Book” “Kubo and the Two Strings” “Passengers” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” 2016’s Best Visual Effects have been shortlisted to ten, with some definite standouts. But first, let’s look over the past few winners to show where this category has been in the … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 89th Academy Awards

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Oscars Shortlist: 20 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 89th Academy Awards

“Alice through the Looking Glass” “Arrival” “The BFG” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” “Captain America: Civil War” “Deadpool” “Deepwater Horizon” “Doctor Strange” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” “Independence Day: Resurgence” “The Jungle Book” “Kubo and the Two Strings” “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” “Passengers” “Rogue One” “Star Trek Beyond” “Suicide Squad” “Sully” “Warcraft” “X-Men: Apocalypse”

2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Visual Effects

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Andrew Jackson, Tom Wood, Dan Oliver and Andy Williams Watch the VFX breakdowns above and you’ll see that most of the film was created through visual effects, adding landscapes and the giant storm that they enter, the tint to the entire film to make it feel post apocalyptic, and enhancements to the characters, specifically Furiosa (Charlize Theron) and her missing … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Visual Effects

2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Visual Effects

THE MARTIAN Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Chris Lawrence and Steven Warner Anytime you’re filming a science fiction film, especially one in space, the visual effects and what they will accomplish become almost a front-runner in determining how your film is going to be perceived. “The Martian” places its characters on Mars. Obviously they are not filming on Mars, so whatever desert plain they do … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Visual Effects

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2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – 10 nominations

“MAD MAX: FURY ROAD” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Doug Mitchell, George Miller, and P. J. Voeten // Directed by George Miller // // Dated Viewed: Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 // BLU-RAY //  6 films – 6 days //

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2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – 7 nominations

“THE MARTIAN” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Aditya Sood, Michael Schaefer, and Mark Huffam // Directed by Ridley Scott // // Dated Viewed: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016 // BLU-RAY //  18 films – 26 days //

2016 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Ex Machina” – Best Visual Effects

EX MACHINA Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett The biggest visual effect that “Ex Machina” takes part in is turning actress Alicia Vikander into an Artificial Intelligence robot, with a human face, but a robotic body. As shown in the featurette, the creators stayed away from green screens as much as possible as to be able to film in a real … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Ex Machina” – Best Visual Effects

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2016 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Ex Machina” – 2 nominations

“EX MACHINA” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich //Directed by Alex Garland // // Dated Viewed: Friday, January 29th, 2016 // AMAZON PRIME //  24 films – 31 days //

2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Visual Effects

THE REVENANT Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer Although not as prominent as say the visual effects in “Mad Max: Fury Road” or “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the effects used in “The Revenant” are still pertinent to the story. The highlight moment of the effects is the bear attack, combining a life action Leonardo DiCaprio with a CGI bear which … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Visual Effects

2016 Oscars Challenge: [3] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – Best Visual Effects

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould If anything can tell you how far visual effects have come, all you have to do is watch the “Star Wars” series. From the originals of Episode 4 to Episode 6 and from the prequels of Episode 1 to Episode 3 to the latest in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [3] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – Best Visual Effects

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2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – 12 nominations

“THE REVENANT” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon //Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu // // Dated Viewed: Sunday, January 17th, 2016 // LAEMMLE NOHO 7 //  37 films – 43 days //

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2016 Oscars Challenge: [3] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – 5 nominations

“STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams, & Bryan Burk //Directed by J.J. Abrams // // Dated Viewed: Saturday, January 16th, 2016 // AMC CITYWALK 19 – IMAX 3D //  39 films – 44 days //

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 88th Academy Awards

Ten films continue on the journey for being the final five for Best Visual Effects. Both Marvel films released this year, “Ant-Man” and “The Avengers: Age Of Ultron” are honored as are the favorites “Jurassic World,” “The Martian,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. “Ex Machina” could find itself a nomination if it rallies the support. But “Mad Max: Fury Road with all it’s … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 88th Academy Awards

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2015 Oscars Challenge: [15] Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes – Best Visual Effects

“DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES” Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett and Erik Winquist Here’s how good the visual effects team on “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” is: for two straight films now, critics and audiences alike have been rooting for Andy Serkis to be nominated for an acting award for his motion capture performance as Caesar the ape. Let … Read More 2015 Oscars Challenge: [15] Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes – Best Visual Effects

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2015 Oscars Challenge: [14] X-Men: Days Of Future Past – Best Visual Effects

“X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST” Richard Stammers, Lou Pecora, Tim Crosbie and Cameron Waldbauer Even if it does showcase prominent visual effects, “X-Men: Days Of Future Past” was a surprise nomination in the Best Visual Effects category (I had picked “The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies” or “Transformers: Age Of Extinction” for the fifth spot). The reason for surprise is not because … Read More 2015 Oscars Challenge: [14] X-Men: Days Of Future Past – Best Visual Effects

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2015 Oscars Challenge: [9] Interstellar – Best Visual Effects

“INTERSTELLAR” Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter and Scott Fisher Dust clouds and robots, the visual effects team behind “Interstellar” literally created other worlds. And not just one, several. From a giant tidal wave planet to a completely ice covered planet with a sky that mirrors the ground, not only did these worlds captivate on the big screen, they also became some of the … Read More 2015 Oscars Challenge: [9] Interstellar – Best Visual Effects

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2015 Oscars Challenge: [7] Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Best Visual Effects

“CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER” Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill and Dan Sudick Every punch. Every missile. Every helicarrier. These are just a hand full of effects that go into making a superhero film these days. Watch any Marvel film with the visual effects in mind and it will leave you speechless by how much work goes into each and every sequence. There … Read More 2015 Oscars Challenge: [7] Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Best Visual Effects

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Best Visual Effects Shortlisted for 87th Academy Awards

Looking at this list of films in contention for the Best Visual Effects nominations shows you exactly how good of a year it was in film, especially where visual effects were concerned. Consisting of three superhero films, four sequels, a reboot, a re-imagining, and one original science fiction fare, this is also a perfect dissection of where the Hollywood blockbuster is at. I question … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Best Visual Effects Shortlisted for 87th Academy Awards

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [38] Iron Man 3 – One Nomination

Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick “Iron Man 3” was one of my favorite films of 2013 and a lot of that had to do with the amazing visual effects. Whether you’re watching missiles being shot from helicopters and destroying Tony Stark’s Malibu mansion, knocking it off the hillside into the ocean, or whether it’s the amazing visuals of Iron Man … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [38] Iron Man 3 – One Nomination

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [22] The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug – Three Nominations

Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds Last year, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” only received two nominations, one of which was for Best Visual Effects to which it lost to “Life Of Pi”, which also took home Best Directing for Ang Lee. This year, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” garners three nominations, losing the Best Makeup nomination from last year … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [22] The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug – Three Nominations

2014 Oscars Challenge: [17] Gravity – Ten Nominations

Alfonso Cuarón & David Heyman “Gravity” surprised everyone this year, bringing a female driven, original screenplay, big budget blockbuster to the masses. Warner Brothers probably couldn’t be more pleased and could mark a back to back year for the studio with “Argo” winning last year. “Gravity” lands an amazing ten nominations, with a high chance of winning most of them including Best Visual Effects, … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [17] Gravity – Ten Nominations

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [6] Star Trek Into Darkness – One Nomination

Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton Most Oscar followers will agree that there is almost no beating “Gravity” in the Best Visual Effects category this year. The stage is set much like last year, where “Life Of Pi” was the definite winner of the bunch longer before the awards were announced. Plus you had “The Avengers” whose place is now taken … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [6] Star Trek Into Darkness – One Nomination

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [1] The Lone Ranger – Two Nominations

Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny For being one of the most underrated films of 2013, “The Lone Ranger” pulled in two nominations from the Academy and proved that it wasn’t so universally panned after all. Now, of the two nominations, the film’s chances rest mostly in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category. Not only are there only two other competitors in that category (“Jackass … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [1] The Lone Ranger – Two Nominations

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For Your Consideration 2013: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Expect about the same showing, or even less, from this year’s “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”. With the same nominations it had last, the film could easily slide into Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. As with more characters involved and the visual effects of a dragon, there’s absolutely no reason this film can’t harness those same nominations, … Read More For Your Consideration 2013: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

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For Your Consideration 2013: Gravity

Get out your pen and paper because “Gravity” will be kicking ass and taking names at this year’s Oscars, becoming one of the biggest box office successes and most critically acclaimed films of the year. Not only with this be shoveling in the critic’s awards, as one of the most successful original screenplays on the market this year, but it will also land in … Read More For Your Consideration 2013: Gravity

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For Your Consideration 2013: Pacific Rim

Falling in the same boat as fellow Warner Brothers film “Man Of Steel”, the same sort of guidelines apply to “Pacific Rim”. Backed by a major studio award contender as of late, more attention can be placed on films under the umbrella, but with “Pacific Rim” not bringing in the greatest numbers or critical acclaim, the film could easily fall on the wayside. It … Read More For Your Consideration 2013: Pacific Rim

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For Your Consideration 2013: Man Of Steel

With Warner Brothers backing it and the Christopher Nolan factor at play, “Man Of Steel” could make a slightly bigger impact at the Oscars than one would expect. Not to say it will land in any major categories, but there is a possibility it could garner some attention in at least Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing, but those categories … Read More For Your Consideration 2013: Man Of Steel

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [31] Life Of Pi – Eleven Nominations

LIFE OF PI BEST PICTURE As strong of a film as “Life Of Pi” is, I do not see it winning Best Picture. In my opinion it’s down to “Argo” and “Lincoln”, with one of them taking the major award. But that doesn’t mean “Life Of Pi” won’t clean up. It’s going to win several awards out of its eleven nominations and it will … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [31] Life Of Pi – Eleven Nominations

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [17] Prometheus – One Nomination

PROMETHEUS If the Visual Effects award was given to the film with the most use of visual effects (quantity), “Prometheus” would be the odds-on favorite. But since they must also (and should also) take into consideration is quality and creativity, the nominees earn themselves an equal playing field. However, as with any science fiction film, it’s hard to separate the film from the visual … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [17] Prometheus – One Nomination

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [11] Snow White and the Huntsman – Two Nominations

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN BEST VISUAL EFFECTS The visual effects category could be a tough egg to crack this year. With such amazing films falling into the category this year, it could be a tough call for all the films involved. Creating something from nothing is an art in itself and any film that can do so effectively and throughout an entire film, … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [11] Snow White and the Huntsman – Two Nominations

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [10] Marvel’s The Avengers – One Nomination

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS As far as visual effects go, if superhero films didn’t at least invent them, they sure as hell reinvented them. And “Marvel’s The Avengers” is no different. Creating an Incredible Hulk that resembles Mark Ruffalo, an alien race that invades Manhattan, countless sets and set pieces, including a hovering carrier ship, the Stark tower, and the Tesseract; all of these make … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [10] Marvel’s The Avengers – One Nomination

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For Your Consideration 2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

What is it about Peter Jackson’s latest venture into the world of Middle Earth that doesn’t have critics and awards season followers expecting any major wins from “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”? All three of “The Lord Of The Rings” films were nominated for Best Picture and “The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King” even won the prestigious award, along with 11 … Read More For Your Consideration 2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

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Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 85th Academy Awards

The big news today is that the huge list of films with visual effects has been narrowed down to just 10: “The Amazing Spider-Man” “Cloud Atlas” “The Dark Knight Rises” “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” “John Carter” “Life of Pi” “Marvel’s The Avengers” “Prometheus” “Skyfall” “Snow White and the Huntsman” The next step includes the Visual Effects Branch of the Academy sitting down on … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 10 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 85th Academy Awards

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For Your Consideration 2012: Cloud Atlas

“Cloud Atlas” is quite the ambitious undertaking, but I’m afraid most of these categories will be overlooked when thinking of the film. However, some strong chances of nominations that it does have are in the Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects categories, bringing some of the best of the year for each of those categories. Never count out Best Film Editing, Best Makeup, … Read More For Your Consideration 2012: Cloud Atlas

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For Your Consideration 2012: Ted

More of a Golden Globes nominee than Academy Awards, the only categories I could see even the slightest potential is Best Original Song, with the “anything goes” mentality that lives in the that current category, and Best Visual Effects, as CGI-ing a stuffed bear as believable as in “Ted” is award-worthy in my book. There are three potential ways this film could break through … Read More For Your Consideration 2012: Ted

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For Your Consideration 2012: Snow White and the Huntsman

The best shot “Snow White and the Huntsman” has of getting nominated for an Academy Award is through its technical aspects, specifically Costume Design, Production Design, and Visual Effects. With some of the best visual effects of the year, including Charlize Theron’s milk bath, the swarms of crows, and a liquid gold mirror mirror, there’s a fairly strong chance this film breaks into that … Read More For Your Consideration 2012: Snow White and the Huntsman

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [38] Hugo & 11 Nominations

[9 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[7 DAYS TO OSCARS] If there is one film in the Best Picture category that could possibly knock out “The Artist” (which seems unlikely at this point), it would be “Hugo”. With Martin Scorsese at the helm (who has an Academy Award for Best Director from “The Departed”) and a stellar screenplay, “Hugo” has the most nominations of any … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [38] Hugo & 11 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [37] Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part Two & 3 Nominations

[9 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[7 DAYS TO OSCARS] With as good a film that “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two” is, it deserved much more than just the three nominations it received this year at the Oscars. The franchise has been nominated 12 times throughout the years and has never won a single award. Aside from that, in wanting it to … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [37] Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part Two & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [13] Transformers: Dark Of The Moon & 3 Nominations

[33 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[25 DAYS TO OSCARS] Few things would be please me more than the “Transformers” franchise finally getting the praise it deserves (but perhaps all the money it makes is reward enough). As one of my favorite film series, the original Michael Bay “Transformers” garnered the same three awards at the 2007 Academy Awards.(Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, & Sound Editing), … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [13] Transformers: Dark Of The Moon & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [9] Rise of the Planet of the Apes & Visual Effects

[37 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[29 DAYS TO OSCARS] Marked by myself as the front-runner for the Best Visual Effects category, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” brings the masterpiece of motion capture to a whole new level. The same team that brought you Gollum from “Lord of the Rings” and the James Cameron world of “Avatar” bring to life the reboot of … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [9] Rise of the Planet of the Apes & Visual Effects

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [3] Real Steel & Visual Effects

[43 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[33 DAYS TO OSCARS] “Real Steel” was the one film in the Visual Effect category that took me by surprise (my prediction had gone to “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” because of the amazing sequences on the skyscraper and in the dust storm). I was able to nail all four remaining films, but for some reason, I did not see … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [3] Real Steel & Visual Effects

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

If there is one film (besides “Super 8” and “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part Two”) that screams Best Visual Effects this year, it is “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”. Using the same CGI technology as the beloved “Avatar”, the monkeys/apes are given the define characteristics of their human counterparts with this technology. Expect to see this in the Visual Effects … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

Imagining “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” nominated for Best Picture is rather comical. Though it is one of my favorite action franchises, the idea of the film getting considered for Best Picture is humorous. Expect the film to get the normal Visual Effects and Sound Mixing/Editing nominations and not much more. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN ALL CATEGORIES INCLUDING BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR Produced … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Super 8”

“Super 8” is easily one of the most original films of the year, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by J.J. Abrams. Though I do not see any huge awards coming out of this film, visual effects and screenplay should definitely be honored. How nice would it be to see Elle Fanning nominated for her performance, however, she may be too young and this … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Super 8”

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2011 Oscars Challenge: Inception

2011 Oscar Challenge: “Inception” (2010)
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2011 Oscars Challenge: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows – Part One

2011 Oscar Challenge: “Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part One” (2010)
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2011 Oscars Challenge: Iron Man 2

2011 Oscar Challenge: “Iron Man 2” (2010)
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2011 Oscars Challenge: Hereafter

2011 Oscar Challenge: “Hereafter” (2010)
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2011 Oscars Challenge: Alice In Wonderland

2011 Oscar Challenge: “Alice In Wonderland” (2010)
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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 83rd Academy Awards

A little over a month before the nominees are released, the Academy teases us with the contenders for the Best Visual Effects. What exactly gets a film nominated for Best Visual Effects? Wikipedia supplies the answer: According to the official Academy Award rules, the criteria are: (a) consideration of the contribution the visual effects make to the overall production and (b) the artistry, skill … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Visual Effects Shortlisted for 83rd Academy Awards

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2010 Oscars Challenge: Avatar

AVATAR Up For: Best Motion Picture of the Year Best Achievement in Directing Best Achievement in Cinematography Best Achievement in Editing Best Achievement in Art Direction Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score Best Achievement in Sound Mixing Best Achievement in Sound Editing Best Achievement in Visual Effects For a long time, I waited to say my piece about Avatar (if … Read More 2010 Oscars Challenge: Avatar

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2010 Oscars Challenge: District 9

DISTRICT 9 Up For: Best Motion Picture of the Year Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published Best Achievement in Editing Best Achievement in Visual Effects Hype… Hype can ruin a movie. Trailers for this film made me somewhat want to view this film before it hit theaters. The hype after the film hit theaters was phenomenal. A “must’ see film. … Read More 2010 Oscars Challenge: District 9

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2010 Oscars Challenge: Star Trek

STAR TREK Up For: Best Achievement in Sound Mixing Best Achievement in Sound Editing Best Achievement in Visual Effects Ask me back when I first saw this on Blu Ray if I thought this would get any Oscar nods, let alone three, I would have simply said “no way”. Not saying the film wasn’t great, because it was by far the best Star Trek … Read More 2010 Oscars Challenge: Star Trek