Revel in the Oscar fever with these visual masterpieces

With films such as Alien: Covenant, Dunkirk, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Kong: Skull Island in the running for an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, we take a look at some earlier recipients of this award

AVATAR

James Cameron’s first feature film since Titanic (1997), Avatar raised the bar for visual effects forever. A visual masterpiece, the film won Best Visual Effects in 2009 at the 81st Academy Awards and secured nine nominations, the highest ever, alongside the film Hurt Locker. Set on a far-away planet, Avatar enthralled the audience with cutting edge technology and extensive use of new motion capture filming techniques.

SPIDER MAN 2

Leaving strong contenders like I, Robot and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban behind, SpiderMan 2 grabbed the honour of Best Visual Effects at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film features an epic battle between the villain and Spider-Man.

HUGO

Hugo (2011) was a masterpiece directed by Martin Scorsese with a sensitive portrayal of a boy who wants to keep his father’s memory alive. The film collected 11 Academy Award nominations and five wins, including Best Visual Effects for its beautifully created scenes.

ALIEN

The 1980 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects was presented to this Ridley Scott directorial, which follows a space crew and their encounter with a deadly alien life form. The award acknowledged the masterfully executed special effects which enhanced the mood of the science-fiction horror film.

LIFE OF PI

Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, about a shipwrecked Indian boy, registered early wins at the 85th Academy awards, taking home the trophies for best cinematography and visual effects. The film involved a CG animated tiger, so lifelike that it took the audience off guard. It also brought the breathtaking ocean alive with finesse.

Text: Samarth Goyal