home reviews news downloads cnet tv On The Insider: Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard Engaged
log in join CNET welcome, my profile log out Suggested searches Latest News CNET River Webware Crave Business Tech Green Tech Wireless Security Photos More Media
Cutting Edge
Apple
Politics & Law
Gaming and Culture
Microsoft
Health Tech
Blogs
Video
RSS
Markets
Home News Geek Gestalt
Geek Gestalt
February 2, 2010 10:59 AM PST
'Avatar,' 'Star Trek,' 'District 9' get visual-effects Oscar nods
by Daniel Terdiman Font size Print E-mail Share 13 comments Yahoo! BuzzShare
On Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 2010 Oscar nominations. Among them were three nominations for visual effects and five for best animated feature.
(Credit: Fox)
In case you weren't paying attention, 2009 was a banner year for big, big visual effects movies.
And the teams that crafted the most impressive work were honored Tuesday morning, along with all the best and brightest in filmmaking, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 2010 Oscars.
Here at CNET News we have a special place in our heart, as you might expect, for visual-effects-heavy movies because of the fantastic amounts of technology and computing power that goes into them.
Oscar's VFX and animation nominees (images)
As usual, the Academy chose just three films as visual-effects nominees. That number seems smaller this year, given that it's the first time that 10 movies were singled out as the potential best film of the year.
Still, to those who follow visual effects, there's probably little shock this morning in the fact that the three nominated films were: "Avatar," James Cameron's record-breaking anti-colonialism epic; "Star Trek," the latest, and some would say the best, in the long history of movies of the Gene Roddenberry franchise; and "District 9," from director Neill Blomkamp.
Perhaps the only real surprise was that "2012," Roland Emmerich's fantasy about an apocalypse long foreseen on the Mayan calendar, wasn't nominated. But in a year with several very strong candidates, it was clear that not every one of them would earn a nomination.
Also gracing the nominations was a CNET favorite, Pixar's "Up," for best animated feature. That film, Pixar's 10th straight big hit, was joined by several other strong contenders: "Coraline," Wes Anderson's "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "The Princess and the Frog," and "The Secret of Kells."
From this corner, "Avatar" looks to be as big of a sure thing to win the visual-effects Oscar as I can remember. It's not that the work ILM did on "Star Trek" or that Image Engine did on "District 9" wasn't great. It's more that "Avatar" has taken the world by storm, breaking the all-time box office record--previously held, of course, by Cameron's own "Titanic"--and pretty much blowing everyone away with the creation of the fantastical moon of Pandora. I will be completely surprised if "Avatar" doesn't walk away with the Oscar on March 7.
As I've written previously, if "Avatar" wins the Oscar, it could be the big public coming out party for Weta Digital, director Peter Jackson's visual-effects studio. Within the industry, to be quite sure, Weta is well-known for its work on Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and on his "King Kong," but my argument is that the company is not well-known by the public for its projects, which have already earned it four Oscars.
Either way, with nine nominations, including for best picture, best director, art direction, and cinematography, March 7 looks to be a big night for Cameron and the countless people who made "Avatar." After all, while 2009 was a pretty good year for movies, Hollywood loves a smash, especially one that makes people look at things in an entirely new way. And for that, visual effects may well be the true star of Oscar night 2010.
Daniel Terdiman is a staff writer at CNET News covering games, Net culture, and everything in between. E-mail Daniel.
Topics: Entertainment, Hollywood, MoviesTags: Academy Awards,Avatar,James Cameron,Pixar,Up,Visual effects,Oscar,Star Trek,ILM,Weta Digital,District 9,Fantastic Mr. Fox,CoralineShare: Digg Del.icio.us Reddit Yahoo! BuzzFacebook Twitter
Recent posts from Geek Gestalt
'Avatar,' 'Star Trek,' 'District 9' get visual-effects Oscar nods
'Avatar' Oscars could make Weta household name
Boeing puts 787 Dreamliner through stall tests
$1 million for first perfecto in MLB 2K10
How 'Avatar' may predict the future of virtual worlds
FAA wants to know Boeing 747-8 is hack-proof
Time-lapse video depicts Flight 1549's days in icy Hudson
Lenders using social networks to assess applicants? Related
'Avatar' Oscars could make Weta household name
Making movie games more faithful than ever
How 'Avatar' may predict the future of virtual worlds
Modern Warfare 2 joins 'Avatar' in ultra-elite $1 billion club
The 404 Podcast 491: Where we're all cast in new roles for 2010
3D TV FAQ
PS3 has landed at Hong Kong airport
Samsung signs RealD in nascent 3D TV market Add a Comment (Log in or register) (13 Comments) prev next by toomath February 2, 2010 11:28 AM PST
So...where is the line between "special effects" and "animation"? Avatar seems to have blurred that in a big way.
Like this Reply to this comment by bookshire February 2, 2010 11:55 AM PST
Blurred yes, but I would say any film where actual human actors are on screen and acting for a certain percentage of time, and if what they're doing contributes significantly to the plot, then it can't be called an animated film. The blurr come in what minimum percentage of the film they should be on screen.
Like this by The_happy_switcher February 2, 2010 11:39 AM PST
I can't believe they nominated Inglorious Basterds. That movie was the worst thing I saw last year and that includes 'Hostel,' too. Tarantino owes me a refund for that over self-indulgent pile of crap he calls a movie.
Like this Reply to this comment by t8 February 2, 2010 1:31 PM PST
I heard it had bad reviews but once I saw it I thought it was OK.
Like this by myles taylor February 2, 2010 2:00 PM PST
I haven't really met anyone who didn't like it. Plus it was a classic Tarantino movie so you should have gone in with your eyes wide open.
Like this by The_happy_switcher February 2, 2010 2:40 PM PST
THere was nothing classic about it. It was just the director over indulging himself in some stupid anti nazi fantasy. The bar scene nearly put me to sleep. I kept waiting and waiting for someone to get shot--all the while secretly hoping it would be the director. Also, the subtitles were a terrible distraction because the viewer is too busy reading that and missing any subtle acting by the actors. Terrible movie. A friend of mine and I were tempted to walk out half way through. Brad Pitt should win a Razzie for his performance, too.
Like this by shane--2008 February 2, 2010 11:54 AM PST
Mr happy switcher, you are too kind to Inglorious, it was far worse than you make it sound.
...which is why 2012 didn't get a nod. Screw the effects, it was a pathetic show.
Like this Reply to this comment by The_happy_switcher February 2, 2010 3:22 PM PST
Right, it deserves to win all the RAZZIES, though.
Like this by rmdesign February 2, 2010 12:07 PM PST
Are we forgetting that ILM played a big part in the effects for "Avatar". It wasn't just Weta, but very successful teams from both houses.
Like this Reply to this comment by ilsthey February 2, 2010 12:38 PM PST
I do not know if you care to be completely accurate, but 2009 is not the first year that the Academy has nominated 10 movies for Best Picture of the Year. They also did this in the 1930s and 1940s. But it has been a very long time.
Like this Reply to this comment by Shinespark February 2, 2010 12:45 PM PST
Perhaps this will raise awareness of special-effects awards among the laymen, but I won't be holding my breath. Maybe I'm just naïve.
Like this Reply to this comment by myles taylor February 2, 2010 2:02 PM PST
2012 was terrible. I don't care how good your special effects were, if you can't put it in a good story it doesn't deserve any kind of award. Too many films these days fail on the acting, direction, the story, and many other things but because they have amazing special effects and giant marketing engines, they're supposed to win awards. The only reason why this isn't always true is because the ones who do the special effects often have nothing to do with the rest of the story and deserve to have their work recognized.
Like this Reply to this comment by ralph103 February 2, 2010 2:22 PM PST
I know people who didn't give the vfx in avatar a second thought and just assumed it was prosthetics
avatar wins
Like this Reply to this comment (13 Comments) prev next Add a comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.ORLog in with your Facebook account
Comment SUBMIT Click here to add another comment.
Popular discussions on CNET:
In their words: Experts weigh in on Mac vs. PC security
February 1, 2010 4:00 AM PST
(299 recent comments)
How to make the iPad a better music device
January 30, 2010 1:31 PM PST
(255 recent comments)
Report: Jobs says 'don't be evil' mantra is BS
January 31, 2010 9:59 AM PST
(189 recent comments)
Wozniak cites 'scary' Prius acceleration problem
February 1, 2010 5:55 PM PST
(111 recent comments)
Colbert starts iPad campaign at the Grammys
January 31, 2010 9:13 PM PST
(83 recent comments)
The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Click here to review our Terms of Use.
Comment reply
Submit Cancel
The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Click here to review our Terms of Use.
Report offensive content:
If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.
Select type of offense:
Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Comments (optional):
Report Cancel
E-mail this comment to a friend.
E-mail this to:
Your e-mail address:
Send me a copy of this message
Note: Your e-mail address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the e-mail and in case of transmission error. Neither your address nor the recipients's address will be used for any other purpose.
Add your own personal message: (Optional)
Hi, I found this user's comment on CNET and thought you might be interested in reading it. Send e-mail Cancel
Warning! You will be deleting this comment and all its replies (if applicable).
Click to delete FOREVER Cancel
Most Popular
In their words: Experts weigh in on Mac vs. PC security
Wozniak cites 'scary' Prius acceleration problem
Google shows off Chrome OS tablet ideas
How to make the iPad a better music device
Report: Jobs says 'don't be evil' mantra is BS
Google shows off Chrome OS tablet ideas
Mock-ups of a Chrome OS tablet emerge much more quietly than Apple's iPad did. In some ways, Google's Chrome OS could be a better fit for tablets than for Netbooks.
Mac vs. PC: Which is more secure?
CNET asks a host of security experts which of the major operating-system platforms is more secure for consumers. Here's what they have to say.
About Geek GestaltDaniel Terdiman, uniquely positioned to take you into the middle of another side of technology, chronicles his explorations of the "fun beat," from cultural phenomena such as Burning Man to cutting-edge aircraft to game conventions.
Subscribe via RSS
Click this link to view as XML.
Add this feed to your online news reader
Google Yahoo MSN Geek Gestalt topicsAirplanes
Alternative fuel
Apple
Burning Man
Energy efficiency
Entertainment
Fabrication
Games
Green buildings
Green tech
Hollywood
Internet
Legal Issues
Makers
Movies
Music
News
Road Trip at Home
Road trip
Science
Science and biotech
Silicon Valley
Social Media
Solar
Space
Sports
Toys
Virtual Worlds
Wi-Fi
Inside CNET News
Scroll Left Scroll Right Software, Interrupted
How the enterprise is going social
Social networking and media has affected the enterprise in different ways than it has consumers. Analyst firm Gartner has some interesting ideas on what happens next.
Gallery
Oscar's VFX and animation nominees (images) Digital Noise: Music and Tech
Vevo's Grammys channel misses the mark
If you want to catch actual performances from Sunday's music awards show, YouTube's still your best bet, says Matt Rosoff.
Beyond Binary
Office 2010 hits the release candidate stage
Microsoft has given select testers a release candidate version of Office 2010. Meanwhile, an updated build of Windows 7 has been spotted outside Redmond.
Video
Apple iPad: Is it for you? Relevant Results
Wanted at Google: Nexus One phone support
After smartphone's launch, Google's online support model was jammed with frustrated customers. It's now looking for someone to build a phone support operation.
Video
Apple iPad announcement wrap-up Geek Gestalt
'Avatar,' 'Star Trek,' 'District 9' get visual-effects Oscar nods
Although no one should be surprised about the three films that were nominated for visual effects, the folks behind '2012' are probably feeling pretty sore today.
Health Tech
Magnetic nanoparticles target human cancer cells
Georgia Tech scientists follow up their 2008 study on mice with findings that these nanoparticles target and attach themselves to human cancer cells just as effectively, then remove them from the body.
Gallery
NASA dims lights for Constellation program (photos) Crave
Hands-on preview: Olympus E-PL1
We take a look at the E-PL1, Olympus' latest Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens camera. It offers an aggressive price and newbie-friendly features designed to attract point-and-shoot upgraders.
Green Tech
High-tech aerogels wrap homes with insulation
Aspen Aerogels is selling aerogels--a high-tech insulating material used in oil and gas pipelines and in aerospace--to retrofit older homes to be more energy efficient.
News
News site map
Latest headlines
Contact News
News staff
Corrections
CNET blogs
Popular topics
Apple iPhone
Apple iPod
Cell phones
CES 2010
GPS
LCD TV
Other popular topics Netbooks Palm Pre PlayStation 3 Security software Wii Windows 7 CNET sites
CNET Site map
CNET TV
Downloads
News
Reviews
Shopper.com
Other CNET sites CNET Content Solutions Crave Forums iPhone Atlas MacFixIt Tips & tricks Version Tracker Webware More information
Newsletters
CNET Mobile
Customer Help Center
RSS
CNET Widgets
About CNET
About CBS Interactive Careers Editorial Press Popular on CBS sites: College Signing Day Olympics Lost iPhone Cell Phones Video Game Reviews Free Music
© 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy (UPDATED) Terms of Use Mobile User Agreement Visit other CBS Interactive sites:
Select Site BNET CBS Cares CBS College Sports CBS Films CBS Radio CBS.com CBSInteractive CBSNews.com CBSSports.com CHOW CNET Find Articles GameSpot Help.com Last.fm MaxPreps Metacritic.com Moneywatch MovieTome MP3.com mySimon NCAA Radio.com Search.com Shopper.com Showtime SmartPlanet TechRepublic The Insider TV.com UrbanBaby.com ZDNet
My Lists My software updates log in | join CNET
Who Voted for this Story
MEROLINKS is link/url /story submitting site where users can earn revenue by submitting links!!!
Comments