The Visual Effects Society (VES) has made several significant additions to its 18th Annual VES Awards, which will be held on January 29, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The Society has introduced a new category recognizing Outstanding Special (Practical) Effects in a Photoreal Project. It has also expanded the number of categories open to animation projects, which are now eligible to compete for top honors in Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a CG Project and all three compositing categories (Outstanding Compositing in a Feature, Episode and Commercial).
The VES strives to keep the Awards fair, meaningful and open to as many artistic specialties as possible, while being responsive to trends in the field. The Special Effects category was introduced after careful consideration by the VES Awards Committee and collaborative discussion with prominent members of the special effects community. As well, the expanded eligibility of animation projects reflects meaningful conversations with animation industry leaders, and is in recognition of trends where live action and animation production are blending and of the legions of outstanding compositors working in animation.
“Special effects is not only a legacy craft, it is in use as much now as ever before, and is a critical element of filmmaking and creating cinematic illusion,” said Mike Chambers, VES chair. “Aligned with our mission to recognize and elevate the full breadth of creativity and innovation across our industry, it was due time to bring this category back to our awards program.”
Neil Corbould, VES, special effects supervisor and newly named VES Fellow, added, “Special effects is stronger than it has ever been, working in close conjunction with visual effects, and there is a lot of interest and enthusiasm around this new opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of our peers. It’s gratifying that the special effects award is coming back this VES Awards season and that we have this highly visible platform to keep special effects at the forefront of modern day film production.”
As previously announced, Martin Scorsese, Oscar, DGA and Emmy Award winning director-producer-screenwriter, is the forthcoming recipient of the VES Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his valuable contributions to filmed entertainment. Additional honorees will be announced.
