Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Receives Top Prize.
Complete list of winners…
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 19, 2004) – The Visual Effects Society (VES) held its 2nd Annual 2004 VES Awards event on Wednesday, February 18. The black-tie gala sold out its venue at the cavernous Hollywood Palladium .
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Visual Effects Society to visionary filmmaker George Lucas, who received a prolonged standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd. Academy Award winning director James Cameron spoke eloquently of his friend as he presented the award to Lucas, which honors Lucas’ significant and long lasting contribution to the art and science of visual effects by way of artistry, invention and groundbreaking work.
VES Executive Director Tom Atkin was the recipient of the first ever Board of Directors Award for his tireless efforts over the past seven years in the creation of the society and its signature events and international festivals. Because of his seminal role at the inception of the organization, Atkin was given a VES membership card numbered 0000 and was also acknowledged with a warm standing ovation.
Taking home the top prize for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Motion Picture was The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
2nd ANNUAL VES AWARDS RECIPIENTS:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Motion Picture
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Jim Rygiel, Dean Wright, Joe Letteri, Randall William Cook
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Motion Picture
The Last Samurai
Jeffrey A. Okun, Thomas Boland, Bill Mesa, Ray McIntyre, Jr.
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Television Miniseries, Movie or a Special
Battlestar Galactica
Gary Hutzel, Kristen L. Branan, Emile E. Smith, Lee Stringer
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Television Series
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Season 7, Episode #22
Loni Peristere, Patti Gannon, Ronald Thornton, Chris Zapara
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Commercial
Johnnie Walker “Fish”
Murray Butler, William Bartlett, Jake Mengers, Helen Mackenzie
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Music Video
Missy Elliott “Pass That Dutch”
Jonathan Keeton, Aladino Debert, Andy McKenna, Scott Rader
Best Single Visual Effect of the Year in any Medium
The Matrix Reloaded “Trailer Top Crash”
John Gaeta, Dan Glass, Adrian DeWet, Greg Juby
Outstanding Character Animation in a Live Action Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Steven Hornby, Andy Serkis, Matthias Menz, Greg Butler
Outstanding Character Animation in an Animated Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Finding Nemo “Speaking Whale”
Andrew Gordon, Brett Coderre
Outstanding Special Effects in Service to Visual Effects in a Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Geoff Heron, Robert Clot, Jason Brackett, John McLeod
Outstanding Special Effects in Service to Visual Effects in a Televised Program, Music Video or Commercial
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Carnivale “Pilot”
Thomas L. Bellissimo, Charles Belardinelli
Outstanding Matte Painting in a Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Yanick Dusseault, Susumu Yukuhiro, Jonathan Harb
Outstanding Matte Painting in a Televised Program, Music Video or Commercial
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Smallville “Insurgence”
Eli Jarra, Joseph Brattesani, Brian Bell
Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Richard Taylor, Paul Van Ommen, Eric Saindon
Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Televised Program, Music Video or Commercial
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Helen of Troy
Anthony Ocampo
Outstanding Visual Effects Photography in a Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
The Matrix Reloaded “U-Cap Facial Photography”
Kim Libreri, George Borshukov, Paul Ryan, John Gaeta
Outstanding Compositing in a Motion Picture
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World “Storm”
Philip R. Brennan
Outstanding Compositing in a Televised Program, Music Video or Commercial
This is a “Specific Arts” category. The award is based on the work of a single shot.
Smallville “Accelerate”
Eli Jarra, Ivan DeWolf, Brian Harding
Outstanding Performance by a Male or Female Actor in an Effects Film
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Sean Astin