Oscars Academy Awards (2000-2009) ------------------------------------ The Academy Awards, commonly known as The Oscars, is an annual American awards ceremony honoring achievements in the film industry. The awards, first presented in 1927, are overseen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The awards ceremony was first televised in 1953 and is now seen live in more than 200 countries. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2000 (73rd) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Russell Crowe -- Gladiator {"Maximus Decimus Meridius"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Benicio Del Toro -- Traffic {"Javier Rodriguez"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Julia Roberts -- Erin Brockovich {"Erin Brockovich"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Marcia Gay Harden -- Pollock {"Lee Krasner"} ART DIRECTION Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon -- Tim Yip CINEMATOGRAPHY Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon -- Peter Pau COSTUME DESIGN Gladiator -- Janty Yates DIRECTING Traffic -- Steven Soderbergh DOCUMENTARY (Feature) Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport -- Mark Jonathan Harris, Deborah Oppenheimer DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Big Mama -- Tracy Seretean FILM EDITING Traffic -- Stephen Mirrione FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon -- Taiwan MAKEUP Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas -- Rick Baker, Gail Ryan MUSIC (Original Score) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon -- Tan Dun MUSIC (Original Song) "Things Have Changed" from Wonder Boys -- Music and Lyric by Bob Dylan BEST PICTURE Gladiator -- Douglas Wick, David Franzoni and Branko Lustig, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) Father and Daughter -- Michael Dudok de Wit SHORT FILM (Live Action) Quiero Ser (I want to be...) -- Florian Gallenberger SOUND Gladiator -- Scott Millan, Bob Beemer, Ken Weston SOUND EDITING U-571 -- Jon Johnson VISUAL EFFECTS Gladiator -- John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke, Rob Harvey WRITING (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) Traffic -- Screenplay by Stephen Gaghan WRITING (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) Almost Famous -- Written by Cameron Crowe HONORARY AWARD To Jack Cardiff, master of light and color. To Ernest Lehman, in appreciation of a body of varied and enduring work. IRVING G. THALBERG MEMORIAL AWARD Dino De Laurentiis GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Irwin W. Young SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Academy Award of Merit) To ROB COOK, LOREN CARPENTER and ED CATMULL for their significant advancements to the field of motion picture rendering as exemplified in Pixar's "Renderman." Their broad professional influence in the industry continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of computer-generated imagery for motion pictures. [Special Photographic] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To AL MAYER, SR. and AL MAYER, JR., for the mechanical design, IAIN NEIL for the optical design and BRIAN DANG for the electronic design of the Panavision Millennium XL Camera System. This camera brings the full uncompromised performance of larger heavy-duty cameras to the lightest weight category with ruggedness and advanced features previously expected only in specialized or effects cameras. [Camera] To JOE WARY, GERALD PAINTER and COLIN F. MOSSMAN for the design and development of the Deluxe Laboratories Multi Roller Film Transport System. This release print system at Deluxe Laboratories utilizes a revolutionary design allowing for higher print volumes, reduced space requirements for loop racks and elevators, and safer operation. [Laboratory] To ALVAH J. MILLER and PAUL JOHNSON of Lynx Robotics for the electronic and software design of the Lynx C-50 Camera Motor System. This camera motor, operated with programmable microprocessors, achieves an unprecedented range of precisely controlled speeds in stand-alone cameras or when synchronized to motion-control systems. [Camera] To AKAI DIGITAL for the design and development of the DD8plus digital audio dubber specifically designed for the motion picture industry. [These] digital audio dubbers have afforded the post-production community a faster, more cost-effective means of playing back hundreds of digital audio tracks for pre-mixing or final mixing in creating motion picture sound tracks. They also offer individual track slipping in multiple track configurations, random access recall, and both destructive and non-destructive editing capabilities, eliminating the requirements for razor blade conforming. [Sound] To FAIRLIGHT for the design and development of the DAD digital audio dubber specifically designed for the motion picture industry. [These] digital audio dubbers have afforded the post-production community a faster, more cost-effective means of playing back hundreds of digital audio tracks for pre-mixing or final mixing in creating motion picture sound tracks. They also offer individual track slipping in multiple track configurations, random access recall, and both destructive and non-destructive editing capabilities, eliminating the requirements for razor blade conforming. [Sound] To ADVANCED DIGITAL SYSTEMS GROUP (ADSG) for the design and development of the Sony DADR 5000 digital audio dubber specifically designed for the motion picture industry. [These] digital audio dubbers have afforded the post-production community a faster, more cost-effective means of playing back hundreds of digital audio tracks for pre-mixing or final mixing in creating motion picture sound tracks. They also offer individual track slipping in multiple track configurations, random access recall, and both destructive and non-destructive editing capabilities, eliminating the requirements for razor blade conforming. [Sound] To TIMELINE, INCORPORATED for the design and development of the MMR 8 digital audio dubber specifically designed for the motion picture industry. [These] digital audio dubbers have afforded the post-production community a faster, more cost-effective means of playing back hundreds of digital audio tracks for pre-mixing or final mixing in creating motion picture sound tracks. They also offer individual track slipping in multiple track configurations, random access recall, and both destructive and non-destructive editing capabilities, eliminating the requirements for razor blade conforming. [Sound] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To LEONARD PINCUS, ASHOT NALBANDYAN, GEORGE JOHNSON, THOMAS KONG and DAVID PRINGLE for the design and development of the SoftSun low pressure xenon long-arc light sources, their power supplies and fixtures. With the ability to dim these very high powered lights at essentially constant Kelvin temperature and without flicker, these units produce a bright and even light source for general set lighting. The availability of very high wattage units allows production to extend the hours of work past the time when the crew would otherwise have "lost the light." [Lighting] To VIC ARMSTRONG for the refinement and application to the film industry of the Fan Descender for accurately and safely arresting the descent of stunt persons in high freefalls. Considered a standard of the industry, the Fan Descender provides a means for significantly increasing the safety of very high stunt falls. The system permits falls to be made under controlled deceleration and with a highly predictable stopping point without limitation of camera angles. [Stage Operations] To PHILIP GREENSTREET of Rosco Laboratories for the concept and development of the Roscolight Day/Night Backdrop. This unique photographic scenic backing allows a smooth transition from day to night views with a single backing. The Roscolight backings provide an important new creative tool to filmmakers, saving time, money and stage space. [Stage Operations] To UDO SCHAUSS, HILDEGARD EBBESMEIER and KARL LENHARDT for the optical design, and RALF LINN and NORBERT BRINKER for the mechanical design of the Schneider Super Cinelux lenses for motion picture projection. These projection lenses provide a significant improvement in the quality of the cinema viewing experience. [Lenses and Filters] To GLENN M. BERGGREN for the concept, HORST LINGE for research and development, and WOLFGANG REINECKE for the optical design of the ISCO Ultra-Star Plus lenses for motion picture projection. The unique optical design of the Ultra-Star Plus projection lenses achieves unprecedented edge-to-edge uniformity of illumination, combined with a significant increase in screen brightness, thus providing a substantial improvement in the cinema viewing experience. [Lenses and Filters] To BILL TONDREAU of Kuper Systems, ALVAH J. MILLER and PAUL JOHNSON of Lynx Robotics, and DAVID STUMP of Visual Effects Rental Services for the conception, design and development of data capture systems that enable superior accuracy, efficiency and economy in the creation of composite imagery. These systems digitally record live action camera and axis data with practically no impact on the live action production process, allowing compositing for visual effects to become faster and more cost-effective. [Systems] To VENKAT KRISHNAMURTHY for the creation of the Paraform Software for 3D Digital Form Development. This system streamlines the creation of 3D computer graphics models by allowing artists to convert the data from automatically scanned physical models into a user-specified configuration of patches well suited for use in computer applications. [Special Photographic] To GEORGE BORSHUKOV, KIM LIBRERI and DAN PIPONI for the development of a system for image-based rendering allowing choreographed camera movements through computer graphic reconstructed sets. This component of the Manex Visual Effects Virtual Cinematography System provides theatrical-quality virtual settings. [Special Photographic] To JOHN P. PYTLAK for the development of the Laboratory Aim Density (LAD) system. The LAD system has become the standard method used by film laboratories and digital film recording facilities for the effecient and uniform control of color and exposure in camera negatives, interpositives and duplicate negatives. [Laboratory] AWARD OF COMMENDATION To Ioan Allen for the concept, Robin Bransbury for the design and Mark Harrah for the implementation of the Trailer Audio Standards Association (TASA) Loudness Standard. The adoption of the TASA loudness standard has led directly to better sound in the cinema for trailers and features alike. JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To N. Paul Kenworthy, Jr. in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2001 (74th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Denzel Washington -- Training Day {"Alonzo"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Jim Broadbent -- Iris {"John Bayley"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Halle Berry -- Monster's Ball {"Leticia Musgrove"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Jennifer Connelly -- A Beautiful Mind {"Alicia Nash"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Shrek -- Aron Warner ART DIRECTION Moulin Rouge -- Art Direction: Catherine Martin; Set Decoration: Brigitte Broch CINEMATOGRAPHY The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Andrew Lesnie COSTUME DESIGN Moulin Rouge -- Catherine Martin, Angus Strathie DIRECTING A Beautiful Mind -- Ron Howard DOCUMENTARY (Feature) Murder on a Sunday Morning -- Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, Denis Poncet DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Thoth -- Sarah Kernochan, Lynn Appelle FILM EDITING Black Hawk Down -- Pietro Scalia FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM No Man's Land -- Bosnia & Herzegovina MAKEUP The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Peter Owen, Richard Taylor MUSIC (Original Score) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Howard Shore MUSIC (Original Song) "If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc. -- Music and Lyric by Randy Newman BEST PICTURE A Beautiful Mind -- Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) For the Birds -- Ralph Eggleston SHORT FILM (Live Action) the accountant -- Ray McKinnon, Lisa Blount SOUND Black Hawk Down -- Michael Minkler, Myron Nettinga, Chris Munro SOUND EDITING Pearl Harbor -- George Watters II, Christopher Boyes VISUAL EFFECTS The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- Jim Rygiel, Randall William Cook, Richard Taylor, Mark Stetson WRITING (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) A Beautiful Mind -- Written by Akiva Goldsman WRITING (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) Gosford Park -- Written by Julian Fellowes JEAN HERSHOLT HUMANITARIAN AWARD Arthur Hiller HONORARY AWARD To Sidney Poitier in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human being. To Robert Redford: Actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere. GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Edmund M. Di Giulio SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To JOHN M. EARGLE, D.B. "DON" KEELE and MARK E. ENGEBRETSON for the concept, design and engineering of the modern constant-directivity, direct radiator style motion picture loudspeaker systems. The work of John M. Eargle, D.B. "Don" Keele and Mark E. Engebretson has resulted in the over 20-year dominance of constant-directivity, direct radiator bass style cinema loudspeaker systems. [Sound] To IAIN NEIL for the concept and optical design and AL SAIKI for the mechanical design of the Panavision Primo Macro Zoom Lens (PMZ). This compact, wide-angle, macro focus lens enhances and expands the picture-capturing ability, both technically and artistically, of the cinematographer. It is the first cine lens that allows macro photography while still being able to zoom. [Lenses and Filters] To FRANZ KRAUS, JOHANNES STEURER and WOLFGANG RIEDEL for the design and development of the ARRILASER Film Recorder. The ARRILASER film recorder demonstrates a high level of engineering resulting in a compact, user-friendly, low-maintenance device while at the same time maintaining outstanding speed, exposure ratings and image quality. [Special Photographic] To PETER KURAN for the invention, and SEAN COUGHLIN, JOSEPH A. OLIVIER and WILLIAM CONNER for the engineering and development of the RCI-Color Film Restoration Process. This photo-chemical process restores color to faded color negative using off-the-shelf film stocks with a unique approach. The resulting film intermediate can be used to create a new internegative. [Laboratory] To MAKOTO TSUKADA, SHOJI KANEKO and the TECHNICAL STAFF OF IMAGICA CORPORATION, and DAIJIRO FUJIE of Nikon Corporation for the engineering excellence and the impact on the motion picture industry of the Imagica 65/35 Multi-Format Optical Printer. This liquid-gate optical printer offers ease of set-up and change-over to various formats from 35mm to 65mm 15-perf with both additive and subtractive lamp houses. [Special Photographic] To STEVEN GERLACH, GREGORY FARRELL and CHRISTIAN LURIN for the design, engineering and implementation of the Kodak Panchromatic Sound Recording Film. Allowing all four soundtrack systems to be exposed on a single negative with relative ease, this stock has allowed single inventory prints, facilitating the more economic distribution of motion pictures. [Sound] To PAUL J. CONSTANTINE and PETER M. CONSTANTINE for the design and development of the CELCO Digital Film Recorder products. CELCO recorder products have had a significant impact on the industry through continual improvements in their technology. [Special Photographic] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To PETE ROMANO for the design and development of the Remote AquaCam, an underwater camera housing system for use in motion pictures. The Remote AquaCam brings to the industry an underwater camera housing specifically designed for remote and high-speed operation. Its hydro-dynamic shape facilitates ease of operation for surface hand-held filming, and its remote capabilities allow it to film in confined areas or in situations where an operator cannot be near the camera. [Photography] To JORDAN KLEIN for his pioneering efforts in the development and application of underwater camera housings for motion pictures. With over 50 years of involvement in the design and development of underwater camera housings, Jordan Klein's work has had significant influence in the field of underwater photography. [Photography] To BERNARD M. WERNER and WILLIAM GELOW for the engineering and design of filtered line arrays and screen speading compensation as applied to motion picture loudspeaker systems. Employing both tapered line array and filtered line array technologies and unique passive and active filter networks, their work with cinema loudspeakers was both innovative and dedicated specifically to cinema applications. [Sound] To TOMLINSON HOLMAN for the research and systems integration resulting in the improvement of motion picture loudspeaker systems. For over 20 years Tomlinson Holman has been involved in the research and integration of the constant-directivity, direct radiator bass type of cinema loudspeaker systems. [Sound] To GEOFF JACKSON and ROGER WOODBURN for their DMS 120S Camera Motor. This well-engineered camera motor features built-in time-lapse programmability and is useful in an unusually wide range of applications, including MOS production filming, high-speed photography, animation and motion control. [Camera] To THOMAS MAJOR BARRON for the overall concept and design; CHAS SMITH for the structural engineering; and GORDON SEITZ for the mechanical engineering of the Bulldog Motion Control Camera Crane. This motion control camera crane represents an unprecedented combination of long reach, high speed, and a novel approach to its transport, which allows a very rapid setup on location. [Camera Cranes] To JOHN R. ANDERSON, JIM HOURIHAN, CARY PHILLIPS and SEBASTIAN MARINO for the development of the ILM Creature Dynamics System. This system makes hair, clothing, skin, flesh and muscle simulation both directable and integrated within a character animation and rigging environment. [Digital Imaging Technology] To STEVE SULLIVAN and ERIC R.L. SCHAFER for the development of the ILM Motion and Structure Recovery System (MARS). The MARS system provides analysis of camera motion and object motion, and their dimensions. It employs a rich set of user-interface tools and sophisticated algorithms. [Digital Imaging Technology] To CARL LUDWIG and JOHN M. CONSTANTINE, JR. for their contributions to CELCO Digital Film Recorder products. CELCO recorder products have had a significant impact on the industry through continual improvements in their technology. [Special Photographic] To BILL SPITZAK, PAUL VAN CAMP, JONATHAN EGSTAD and PRICE PETHEL for their pioneering effort on the NUKE-2D Compositing Software. The Nuke-2D compositing software allows for the creation of complex interactive digital composites using relatively modest computing hardware. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. LANCE J. WILLIAMS for his pioneering influence in the field of computer-generated animation and effects for motion pictures. The ongoing influence of Lance Williams is exemplified in his three seminal papers "Casting Shadows on Curved Surfaces," "Pyramidal Parametrics" and "View Interpolation for Image Synthesis." [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. UWE SASSENBERG and ROLF SCHNEIDER for the development of "3D Equalizer," an advanced and robust camera and object match-moving system. This dominant commercial tracking system provides "survey-free" tracking, which significantly reduces the need for painstaking, error-prone measurements on sets. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. GARLAND STERN for the concept and implementation of the Cel Paint Software System. All current cel painting applications in the motion picture industry can be traced back to the original idea and pioneering implementation of Garland Stern. [Digital Imaging Technology] To MIC RODGERS and MATT SWEENEY for the concept, design and realization of the "Mic Rig." This self-contained, low bed picture car carrier and camera platform enables the safe, economic and realistic filming of action sequences that may involve principal actors and dialogue. [Stage Operations] AWARD OF COMMENDATION To Rune Ericson for his pioneering development and 30 years of dedication to the Super 16mm format for motion pictures. The Super 16mm film format has achieved a significant impact on the worldwide film industry by playing a major role in empowering low budget films to be produced for theatrical release. To the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) for the continued publication of the "American Cinematographer Manual." Born from "The Cinematographic Annual," first published by the ASC in 1930, the "American Cinematographer Manual" has become an essential bible for cinematographers. Currently in its eighth edition, this premier reference manual has had a significant impact on decades of motion picture photography around the world. JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To Ray Feeney in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2002 (75th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Adrien Brody -- The Pianist {"Wladyslaw Szpilman"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Chris Cooper -- Adaptation {"John Laroche"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Nicole Kidman -- The Hours {"Virginia Woolf"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Catherine Zeta-Jones -- Chicago {"Velma Kelly"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Spirited Away -- Hayao Miyazaki ART DIRECTION Chicago -- Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim CINEMATOGRAPHY Road to Perdition -- Conrad L. Hall COSTUME DESIGN Chicago -- Colleen Atwood DIRECTING The Pianist -- Roman Polanski DOCUMENTARY (Feature) Bowling for Columbine -- Michael Moore, Michael Donovan DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Twin Towers -- Bill Guttentag, Robert David Port FILM EDITING Chicago -- Martin Walsh FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Nowhere in Africa -- Germany MAKEUP Frida -- John Jackson, Beatrice De Alba MUSIC (Original Score) Frida -- Elliot Goldenthal MUSIC (Original Song) "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile -- Music by Eminem, Jeff Bass and Luis Resto; Lyric by Eminem BEST PICTURE Chicago -- Martin Richards, Producer SHORT FILM (Animated) The ChubbChubbs! -- Eric Armstrong SHORT FILM (Live Action) This Charming Man (Der Er En Yndig Mand) -- Martin Strange-Hansen, Mie Andreasen SOUND Chicago -- Michael Minkler, Dominick Tavella, David Lee SOUND EDITING The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers -- Ethan Van der Ryn, Michael Hopkins VISUAL EFFECTS The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers -- Jim Rygiel, Joe Letteri, Randall William Cook, Alex Funke WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) The Pianist -- Screenplay by Ronald Harwood WRITING (Original Screenplay) Talk to Her -- Written by Pedro Almodóvar HONORARY AWARD To Peter O'Toole, whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable characters. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Academy Award of Merit) To ALIAS/WAVEFRONT for the development of a 3D animation, dynamics, modeling and rendering production tool known as Maya. With its significant and dominant impact on the motion picture industry, the Maya software package offers a robust and widely used commercial visual effects tool with a rich infrastructure for extension and customization. [Digital Imaging Technology] To ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK and PANAVISION INC., for their continuing development and innovation in the design and manufacturing of advanced camera systems specifically designed for the motion picture entertainment industry. With a commitment that lies beyond the usual commercial considerations, these two manufacturers continue to lead the industry in developing and introducing products that have defined the state of the art in motion picture camera technology. [Camera] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To GLENN SANDERS and HOWARD STARK of Zaxcom for the concept, design and engineering of the portable Deva Digital Audio Disk Recorder. This innovative design employs advanced hard disk recording technology and digital audio techniques for use in both production and post-production recording applications. [Sound] To MARK ELENDT, PAUL H. BRESLIN, GREG HERMANOVIC and KIM DAVIDSON for their continued development of the procedural modeling and animation components of their Prisms program, as exemplified in the Houdini software package. Through a procedural building-block process, the Houdini software is used to simulate natural phenomena using particle effects and complex three-dimensional models. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. LESLIE GUTIERREZ, DIANE E. KESTNER, JAMES MERRILL and DAVID NIKLEWICZ for the design and development of the Kodak Vision Premier Color Print Film, 2393. This film stock provides filmmakers with enhanced color saturation, higher contrast and darker blacks, producing a bold, colorful 'look' on the theater screen. [Film] To DEDO WEIGERT for the concept, DR. DEPU JIN for the optical calculations, and FRANZ PETTERS for the mechanical construction of the Dedolight 400D. This uniquely designed set light provides superior performance, reliability and ease of use. Combined with its excellent array of accessories, the Dedolight 400D is an outstanding engineering achievement. [Lighting] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To DICK WALSH for the development of the PDI/DreamWorks Facial Animation System. This effective software simulation system is used to create and control natural, expressive, highly-nuanced facial animation on a wide range of computer-generated characters. [Digital Imaging Technology] To THOMAS DRIEMEYER and to the TEAM OF MATHEMATICIANS, PHYSICISTS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERS OF MENTAL IMAGES for their contributions to the Mental Ray rendering software for motion pictures. Mental Ray is a highly programmable computer-graphics renderer incorporating ray tracing and global illumination to realistically simulate the behavior of light in computer-generated imagery. [Digital Imaging Technology] To ERIC DANIELS, GEORGE KATANICS, TASSO LAPPAS and CHRIS SPRINGFIELD for the development of the Deep Canvas rendering software. The Deep Canvas software program captures the orginal brush strokes of the traditional background artist to render elements in three dimensions for animated films. [Digital Imaging Technology] To JIM SONGER for his contributions to the technical development of video-assist in the motion picture industry. The work of Jim Songer from 1968 through 1973 led directly to the more widespread acceptance of video-assist in the motion picture industry. [Systems] To PIERRE CHABERT of Airstar for the introduction of balloons with internal light sources to provide set lighting for the motion picture industry. These helium-filled balloons with internal arrangements for tungsten halogen and HMI light sources, are usable indoors or out, quick to set up, require essentially no rigging and provide a soft light that can cover a very large area. [Lighting] To RAWDON HAYNE and ROBERT W. JEFFS of Leelium Tubelites for their contributions to the development of internally lit balloons for motion picture lighting. These helium-filled balloons with internal arrangements for tungsten halogen and HMI light sources, are usable indoors or out, quick to set up, require essentially no rigging and provide a soft light that can cover a very large area. [Lighting] JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To Curt R. Behlmer in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. To Richard B. Glickman in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 (76th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Sean Penn -- Mystic River {"Jimmy Markum"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Tim Robbins -- Mystic River {"Dave Boyle"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Charlize Theron -- Monster {"Aileen Wuornos"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Renée Zellweger -- Cold Mountain {"Ruby Thewes"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Finding Nemo -- Andrew Stanton ART DIRECTION The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Art Direction: Grant Major; Set Decoration: Dan Hennah and Alan Lee CINEMATOGRAPHY Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World -- Russell Boyd COSTUME DESIGN The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Ngila Dickson and Richard Taylor DIRECTING The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Peter Jackson DOCUMENTARY (Feature) The Fog of War -- Errol Morris and Michael Williams DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Chernobyl Heart -- Maryann DeLeo FILM EDITING The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Jamie Selkirk FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Barbarian Invasions -- Canada MAKEUP The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Richard Taylor and Peter King MUSIC (Original Score) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Howard Shore MUSIC (Original Song) "Into The West" from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox BEST PICTURE The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Barrie M. Osborne, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) Harvie Krumpet -- Adam Elliot SHORT FILM (Live Action) Two Soldiers -- Aaron Schneider and Andrew J. Sacks SOUND EDITING Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World -- Richard King SOUND MIXING The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges and Hammond Peek VISUAL EFFECTS The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Jim Rygiel, Joe Letteri, Randall William Cook and Alex Funke WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King -- Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson WRITING (Original Screenplay) Lost in Translation -- Written by Sofia Coppola HONORARY AWARD To Blake Edwards in recognition of his writing, directing and producing an extraordinary body of work for the screen. GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Peter D. Parks SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Academy Award of Merit) To DIGIDESIGN for the design, development and implementation of the Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. The efficient algorithms, extensible architecture and intuitive interface have enabled Pro Tools to become the worldwide standard for the creation and editing of motion picture soundtracks. [Sound] To BILL TONDREAU of Kuper Controls for his significant advancements in the field of motion control technology for motion picture visual effects. Measuring his valuable contributions to the invention and implementation of robotic camera systems in decades rather than years, his efforts have aided motion control in becoming a core technology that has supported the renaissance of visual effects. [Systems] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To KINOTON GmbH for the engineering and development of the Kinoton FP 30/38 EC II Studio Projector. This high-speed studio projector produces an image quality equal to projectors with Geneva movements. With its unparalleled shuttle speed, reversibility and acceleration, this projector has set a new standard for post-production viewing as well as in traditional screening facilities. [Projection] To KENNETH L. TINGLER, CHARLES C. ANDERSON, DIANE E. KESTNER and BRIAN A. SCHELL of the Eastman Kodak Company for the successful development of a process-surviving antistatic layer technology for motion picture film. This technology successfully controls the static charge buildup on processed intermediate and sound negative films during high speed printing operations. [Laboratory] To CHRISTOPHER ALFRED, ANDREW J. CANNON, MICHAEL C. CARLOS, MARK CRABTREE, CHUCK GRINDSTAFF and JOHN MELANSON for their significant contributions to the evolution of digital audio editing for motion picture post production. Through their respective pioneering efforts with AMS AudioFile, Waveframe and Fairlight, the work of these gentlemen contributed significantly to the development and realization of digital audio workstations with full editing capabilities for motion picture soundtracks. [Digital Imaging Technology] To STEPHEN REGELOUS for the design and development of Massive, the autonomous agent animation system used for the battle sequences in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Massive takes a new approach in simulating behaviors of large numbers of computer-generated extras a.k.a. "agents." Each "agent" contains a primitive software "brain" used to develop behavioral rules simulating a wide range of behaviors. In "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, over 200,000 agents were controlled in several scenes. [Digital Imaging Technology] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To KISH SADHVANI for the concept and optical design, PAUL DUCLOS for the practical realization and production engineering and CARL PERNICONE for the mechanical design and engineering of the portable cine viewfinder system known as the Ultimate Director's Finder (UDF). This versatile, modular and widely accepted cine viewfinder system is capable of properly displaying images in multiple formats ranging from 35mm anamorphic to super 16. [Photography] To HENRIK WANN JENSEN, STEPHEN R. MARSCHNER and PAT HANRAHAN for their pioneering research in simulating subsurface scattering of light in translucent materials as presented in their paper "A Practical Model for Subsurface Light Transport." This mathematical model contributed substantially to the development and implementation of practical techniques for simulating subsurface scattering of light in translucent materials for computer-generated images in motion pictures. [Digital Imaging Technology] To CHRISTOPHE HERY, KEN McGAUGH and JOE LETTERI for their groundbreaking implementations of practical methods for rendering skin and other translucent materials using subsurface scattering techniques. These groundbreaking techniques were used to create realistic-looking skin on digitally created characters. [Digital Imaging Technology] JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To Douglas Greenfield in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2004 (77th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Jamie Foxx -- Ray {"Ray Charles"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Morgan Freeman -- Million Dollar Baby {"Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Hilary Swank -- Million Dollar Baby {"Maggie Fitzgerald"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Cate Blanchett -- The Aviator {"Katharine Hepburn"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM The Incredibles -- Brad Bird ART DIRECTION The Aviator -- Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo CINEMATOGRAPHY The Aviator -- Robert Richardson COSTUME DESIGN The Aviator -- Sandy Powell DIRECTING Million Dollar Baby -- Clint Eastwood DOCUMENTARY (Feature) Born into Brothels -- Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Mighty Times: The Children's March -- Robert Hudson and Bobby Houston FILM EDITING The Aviator -- Thelma Schoonmaker FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Sea Inside -- Spain MAKEUP Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events -- Valli O'Reilly and Bill Corso MUSIC (Original Score) Finding Neverland -- Jan A.P. Kaczmarek MUSIC (Original Song) "Al Otro Lado Del Río" from The Motorcycle Diaries -- Music and Lyric by Jorge Drexler BEST PICTURE Million Dollar Baby -- Clint Eastwood, Albert S. Ruddy and Tom Rosenberg, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) Ryan -- Chris Landreth SHORT FILM (Live Action) Wasp -- Andrea Arnold SOUND EDITING The Incredibles -- Michael Silvers and Randy Thom SOUND MIXING Ray -- Scott Millan, Greg Orloff, Bob Beemer and Steve Cantamessa VISUAL EFFECTS Spider-Man 2 -- John Dykstra, Scott Stokdyk, Anthony LaMolinara and John Frazier WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) Sideways -- Screenplay by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor WRITING (Original Screenplay) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind -- Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman; Story by Charlie Kaufman & Michel Gondry & Pierre Bismuth JEAN HERSHOLT HUMANITARIAN AWARD Roger Mayer HONORARY AWARD To Sidney Lumet in recognition of his brilliant services to screenwriters, performers and the art of the motion picture. GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Takuo Miyagishima SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Academy Award of Merit) To HORST BURBULLA for the invention and continuing development of the Technocrane telescoping camera crane. With its electronically driven leveling head, adjustable moveable weight carriage, and lightweight, extremely precise telescoping beam elements that allow camera movement during shots, the Technocrane has redefined the state-of-the-art in camera crane technology. [Camera Cranes] To JEAN-MARIE LAVALOU, ALAIN MASSERON and DAVID SAMUELSON for the engineering and development of the Louma Camera Crane and remote system for motion picture production. The Louma pioneered a remotely-operated camera head combined with a lightweight and portable modular crane. Its design has proved to be the inspiration for numerous subsequent remote camera systems. [Camera Cranes] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To GYULA MESTER (electronic systems design) and KEITH EDWARDS (mechanical engineering) for their significant contributions to and continuing development of the Technocrane telescoping camera crane. With its electronically driven leveling head, adjustable moveable weight carriage, and lightweight, extremely precise telescoping beam elements that allow camera movement during shots, the Technocrane has redefined the state-of-the-art in camera crane technology. [Camera Cranes] To LINDSAY ARNOLD, GUY GRIFFITHS, DAVID HODSON, CHARLIE LAWRENCE and DAVID MANN for their development of the Cineon Digital Film Workstation. Cineon pioneered a commercial node-graph compositing system establishing a new visual method for direct manipulation of the compositing process, which influenced and defined modern digital compositing workflows. [Digital Imaging Technology] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To GREG CANNOM and WESLEY WOFFORD for the development of their special modified silicone material for makeup appliances used in motion pictures. This proprietary modified silicone makeup system allows for the creation of either partial or full-face appliances for motion picture makeup effects that move like real flesh, have translucency similar to skin and will accept standard makeup materials. [Systems] To JERRY COTTS for the original concept and design and ANTHONY SEAMAN for the engineering of the Satellight-X HMI Softlight. With its large radiating surface and thin profile, this collapsible, self-contained HMI softlight provides a diffuse light to simulate daylight in location interiors, where space is often limited. [Lighting] To STEVEN E. BOZE for the design and implementation of the DNF 001 multi-band digital audio noise suppressor. Designed in the early 1990s when digital signal processing was in its early stages, the real-time digital approach of the DNF 001 provided accurate filter response with minimal interaction, allowing noise attenuation with fewer artifacts. [Sound] To DR. CHRISTOPHER HICKS and DAVE BETTS for the design and implementation of the Cedar DNS 1000 multi-band digital noise suppressor. The Cedar DNS 1000 is specifically designed to reduce background noise from recorded motion picture dialog. With its precise filters it allows the frequency ranges to be altered or even cascaded to pinpoint and reduce the offending noise. [Sound] To NELSON TYLER for the development of the Tyler Gyroplatform boat mount stabilizing device for motion picture photography. As a pioneer in this area of motion picture technology, Tyler's 2-axis, hydraulically-powered camera mount successfully eliminates the pitch and roll associated with camera shots taken from a boat in the water. [Photography] To DR. JULIAN MORRIS, MICHAEL BIRCH, DR. PAUL SMYTH and PAUL TATE for the development of the Vicon motion capture technology. Vicon Motion Systems developed special-purpose cameras for motion capture with software systems that maximized their impact on the motion picture industry. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. JOHN O.B. GREAVES, NED PHIPPS, ANTONIE J. VAN DEN BOGERT and WILLIAM HAYES for the development of the Motion Analysis motion capture technology. Motion Analysis Corporation developed special-purpose cameras for motion capture with software systems that maximized their impact on the motion picture industry. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. NELS MADSEN, VAUGHN CATO, MATTHEW MADDEN and BILL LORTON for the development of the Giant Studios motion capture technology. The software solution created by Giant Studios applied a unique biometric approach that has influenced the development of motion capture technology for motion pictures. [Digital Imaging Technology] To ALAN KAPLER for the design and development of "Storm," a software toolkit for artistic control of volumetric effects. "Storm" employs an efficient method for directly manipulating volumetric data to create effects such as clouds, water and avalanches with familiar operators inspired by image compositing and painting operations. [Digital Imaging Technology] AWARD OF COMMENDATION To Arthur Widmer for his lifetime of achievement in the science and technology of image compositing for motion pictures as exemplified by his significant contributions to the development of the Ultra Violet and the "bluescreen" compositing processes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2005 (78th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Philip Seymour Hoffman -- Capote {"Truman Capote"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE George Clooney -- Syriana {"Bob Barnes"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Reese Witherspoon -- Walk the Line {"June Carter"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Rachel Weisz -- The Constant Gardener {"Tessa Quayle"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit -- Nick Park and Steve Box ART DIRECTION Memoirs of a Geisha -- Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gretchen Rau CINEMATOGRAPHY Memoirs of a Geisha -- Dion Beebe COSTUME DESIGN Memoirs of a Geisha -- Colleen Atwood DIRECTING Brokeback Mountain -- Ang Lee DOCUMENTARY (Feature) March of the Penguins -- Luc Jacquet and Yves Darondeau DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin -- Corinne Marrinan and Eric Simonson FILM EDITING Crash -- Hughes Winborne FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Tsotsi -- South Africa MAKEUP The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe -- Howard Berger and Tami Lane MUSIC (Original Score) Brokeback Mountain -- Gustavo Santaolalla MUSIC (Original Song) "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" from Hustle & Flow -- Music and Lyric by Jordan Houston, Cedric Coleman and Paul Beauregard BEST PICTURE Crash -- Paul Haggis and Cathy Schulman, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation -- John Canemaker and Peggy Stern SHORT FILM (Live Action) Six Shooter -- Martin McDonagh SOUND EDITING King Kong -- Mike Hopkins and Ethan Van der Ryn SOUND MIXING King Kong -- Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges and Hammond Peek VISUAL EFFECTS King Kong -- Joe Letteri, Brian Van't Hul, Christian Rivers and Richard Taylor WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) Brokeback Mountain -- Screenplay by Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana WRITING (Original Screenplay) Crash -- Screenplay by Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco; Story by Paul Haggis HONORARY AWARD To Robert Altman in recognition of a career that has repeatedly reinvented the art form and inspired filmmakers and audiences alike. GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Gary Demos SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To DAVID GROBER for the concept and mechanical design and SCOTT LEWALLEN for the electronic and software design of the Perfect Horizon camera stabilization head. Perfect Horizon effectively neutralizes the extraneous motion encountered in boats, camera cars, snowmobiles or other vehicles, leaving the pan/tilt head and camera stable and level with the horizon. [Photography] To ANATOLIY KOKUSH, YURIY POPOVSKY and OLEKSIY ZOLOTAROV for the concept and development of the Russian Arm gyro-stabilized camera crane and the Flight Head. The Russian Arm and Flight Head opened new possibilities for filmmakers. With the ability to be mounted on the roof of almost any car, this remotely-operated crane and camera head can move smoothly in a 360 degree circle around the car, even while it is being driven at high speeds by actors, creating heretofore impossible perspectives. [Camera Cranes] To ANATOLIY KOKUSH for the concept and development of the Cascade series of motion picture cranes. The lightweight structure of the Cascade and Traveling Cascade Cranes enables the filmmaker to achieve heights of up to 70 feet, allowing for the placement of the camera in otherwise impossible locations. [Camera Cranes] To GARRETT BROWN for the original concept of the Skycam flying camera system -- the first use of 3-D volumetric cable technology for motion picture cinematography. In creating the first remote-controlled, cable-supported flying camera system, Garrett Brown's pioneering efforts have influenced all subsequent development in this area of technology. [Camera Cranes] To DAVID BARAFF, MICHAEL KASS and ANDREW WITKIN for their pioneering work in physically-based computer-generated techniques used to simulate realistic cloth in motion pictures. Their 1998 paper titled "Large Steps in Cloth Simulation" was a seminal work, providing the key in demonstrating to the industry that the calculations necessary to simulate realistic, complex cloth could be achieved efficiently and robustly. Their work provided the conceptual foundation for many cloth simulation systems in use today. [Digital Imaging Technology] To LAURIE FROST, PETER HANNAN and RICHARD LONCRAINE for the development of the remote camera head known as the Hot-Head. In use for over a quarter of a century, the Hot-Head has brought the possibility of safe, remotely-operated shots to every filmmaker. [Photography] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To GARY THIELTGES for the design and development of the remotely-operated, lightweight camera head known as the Sparrow Head. This well-integrated remote system enables filmmakers to remotely pan and tilt their camera from virtually any moving vehicle, giving the opportunity for unprecedented dynamic camera angles. [Photography] To FRANK FLETCHER and DAVE SHERWIN for the introduction and continuing development of the Power Pod modular camera head system. The Power Pod system enables filmmakers to configure a remote controlled head to meet their own unique requirements. [Photography] To ALVAH MILLER, MICHAEL SORENSEN and J. WALT ADAMCZYK for the design and development of the Aerohead motion control camera head and the J-Viz Pre-Visualization system. This remote head not only serves the needs of the live-action filmmaker, but also provides the functionality of a motion-controlled head, allowing for sophisticated tiling and pre-visualization techniques. [Photography] To SCOTT LEVA for the design and development of the Precision Stunt Airbag for motion picture stunt falls. The Precision Stunt Airbag is designed to envelop the stunt jumper, even on off-center hits. This feature serves to enhance the safety of stunt performers in falls from up to 200 feet. [Stage Operations] To LEV YEVSTRATOV, GEORGE PETERS and VASILIY ORLOV for the development of the Ultimate Arm Camera Crane System for specialized vehicle photography. Representing a significant evolutionary improvement in camera car technology, this remotely-controlled, gyro-stabilized and flexible camera crane offers a highly stable platform for high-speed, rough terrain action shots. Its ingenious applications of sophisticated technology solve many of the problems inherent in chase vehicle filming. [Camera Cranes] To JAMES RODNUNSKY, ALEX MacDONALD and MARK CHAPMAN for the development of the Cablecam 3-D volumetric suspended cable camera technologies. The evolution of the Cablecam technology has made it possible to move a camera safely and accurately anywhere through a three-dimensional space. [Camera Cranes] To TIM DRNEC, BEN BRITTEN SMITH and MATT DAVIS for the development of the Spydercam 3-D volumetric suspended cable camera technologies. The evolution of the Spydercam technology has made it possible to move a camera safely and accurately anywhere through a three-dimensional space. [Camera Cranes] To JOHN PLATT and DEMETRI TERZOPOULOS for their pioneering work in physically-based computer-generated techniques used to simulate realistic cloth in motion pictures. Their 1987 paper "Elastically Deformable Models" was a milestone in computer graphics, introducing the concept of physically-based techniques to simulate moving, deforming objects. [Digital Imaging Technology] To ED CATMULL, for the original concept, and TONY DeROSE and JOS STAM for their scientific and practical implementation of subdivision surfaces as a modeling technique in motion picture production. Subdivision surfaces have become a preferred modeling primitive for many types of motion picture computer graphics. [Digital Imaging Technology] To HAROLD RATTRAY, TERRY CLABORN, STEVE GARLICK, BILL HOGUE and TIM REYNOLDS for the design, engineering and implementation of the Technicolor Real Time Answer Print System. This system provides a method by which filmmakers can preview real-time color corrections using actual film prints, reducing both the turnaround time and the number of reprints required. [Laboratory] To UDO SCHAUSS and HILDEGARD EBBESMEIER for the optical design and NICOLE WEMKEN and MICHAEL ANDERER for the mechanical design of the Cinelux Premiere Cinema Projection Lenses. The Cinelux Premiere Lenses incorporate an iris and aspheric elements which provide a more uniform modulation transfer function and better light transmission to the sides and corners of the theater projection screen. This reduces the traditional problems of softness in the corners, hot-spotting and varying brightness between film formats. [Projection] JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To Don Hall in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2006 (79th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Forest Whitaker -- The Last King of Scotland {"Idi Amin"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Alan Arkin -- Little Miss Sunshine {"Grandpa"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Helen Mirren -- The Queen {"The Queen"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Jennifer Hudson -- Dreamgirls {"Effie White"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Happy Feet -- George Miller ART DIRECTION Pan's Labyrinth -- Art Direction: Eugenio Caballero; Set Decoration: Pilar Revuelta CINEMATOGRAPHY Pan's Labyrinth -- Guillermo Navarro COSTUME DESIGN Marie Antoinette -- Milena Canonero DIRECTING The Departed -- Martin Scorsese DOCUMENTARY (Feature) An Inconvenient Truth -- Davis Guggenheim DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) The Blood of Yingzhou District -- Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon FILM EDITING The Departed -- Thelma Schoonmaker FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Lives of Others -- Germany MAKEUP Pan's Labyrinth -- David Martí and Montse Ribé MUSIC (Original Score) Babel -- Gustavo Santaolalla MUSIC (Original Song) "I Need To Wake Up" from An Inconvenient Truth -- Music and Lyric by Melissa Etheridge BEST PICTURE The Departed -- Graham King, Producer SHORT FILM (Animated) The Danish Poet -- Torill Kove SHORT FILM (Live Action) West Bank Story -- Ari Sandel SOUND EDITING Letters from Iwo Jima -- Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman SOUND MIXING Dreamgirls -- Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton VISUAL EFFECTS Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest -- John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and Allen Hall WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) The Departed -- Screenplay by William Monahan WRITING (Original Screenplay) Little Miss Sunshine -- Written by Michael Arndt JEAN HERSHOLT HUMANITARIAN AWARD Sherry Lansing HONORARY AWARD To Ennio Morricone in recognition of his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music. GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Ray Feeney SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To PHILLIP J. FEINER, JIM HOUSTON, DENIS LECONTE and CHRIS BUSHMAN of Pacific Title and Art Studio for the design and development of the Rosetta process for creating digital YCM archival masters for digital film restoration. With elements that may be recombined either digitally or optically, the Rosetta Separations process offers a uniquely great versatility in achieving high-quality results for digital YCM archiving. [Laboratory] To STEVE SULLIVAN, COLIN DAVIDSON, MAX CHEN and FRANCESCO CALLARI for the design and development of the ILM Image-based Modeling System. This highly integrated system facilitates interactive construction and editing of 3D models from digital photographs and addresses the three-dimensional scanning needs of motion pictures in unique and innovative ways. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. BILL COLLIS, SIMON ROBINSON, BEN KENT and DR. ANIL KOKARAM for the design and development of the Furnace integrated suite of software tools that robustly utilizes temporal coherence for enhancing visual effects in motion picture sequences. The Furnace toolset's modularity, flexibility and robustness has set a high standard of quality for optical flow-based image manipulation. [Digital Imaging Technology] To HOWARD PRESTON and MIRKO KOVACEVIC for the design and engineering of the Preston Cinema Systems FI+Z wireless remote system. Pioneering unprecedented reliability and flexibility in wireless lens and camera operation, the FI+Z has continued to be a leader in innovation since its introduction in 1994. [Photography] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To JOSHUA PINES and CHRIS KUTCKA of Technicolor Digital Intermediates for the design and development of the TDI process for creating archival separations from digital image data. The TDI process is based on the production of digital separation negatives creating archival elements that can be scanned and digitally recombined in the future. [Laboratory] To WILLIAM FEIGHTNER and CHRIS EDWARDS of E-Film for the design and development of the E-Film process for creating archival separations from digital image data. The E-Film process is based on the production of digital separation negatives creating archival elements that can be scanned and digitally recombined in the future. [Laboratory] To ALBERT RIDILLA, PAPKEN SHAHBAZIAN, RONALD BELKNAP and JAY McGARRIGLE for the design and development of the Hollywood Film Company Brumagic MPST Densitometer. The Brumagic MPST was designed specifically to measure density in the motion picture soundtrack and has become the densitometer of choice for reading soundtrack negative and positive densities worldwide. [Sound] To KLEMENS KEHRER, JOSEF HANDLER, THOMAS SMIDEK and MARC SHIPMAN MUELLER for the design and development of the Arriflex 235 Camera System. Designed for handheld photography, the features of this small, lightweight MOS camera also allow it to be used as a secondary production camera. [Camera] To FLORIAN KAINZ for the design and engineering of OpenEXR, a software package implementing 16-bit, floating point, high dynamic range image files. Widely adopted, OpenEXR is engineered to meet the requirements of the visual effects industry by providing for lossless and lossy compression of tiered and tiled images. [Digital Imaging Technology] To WALTER TRAUNINGER and ERNST TSCHIDA for the design and engineering of the Arri WRC wireless remote lens control system. This highly modular system permits accurate and reliable wireless control with multiple hand controls of all lens functions. [Photography] To CHRISTIAN TSCHIDA and MARTIN WAITZ of cmotion for the design and engineering of the cmotion Wireless Remote System. The graphical user interface of the cmotion System eases the difficult task of following focus, and the unique lens tag system recalls the calibration for each lens. [Photography] To PETER LITWINOWICZ and PIERRE JASMIN for the design and development of the RE:Vision Effects family of software tools for optical flow-based image manipulation. A unique user interface and relatively low cost have made these tools ubiquitous in the visual effects community. [Digital Imaging Technology] AWARD OF COMMENDATION To Ioan Allen, J. Wayne Anderson, Mary Ann Anderson, Ted Costas, Paul R. Goldberg, Shawn Jones, Thomas Kuhn, Dr. Alan Masson, Colin Mossman, Martin Richards, Frank Ricotta and Richard C. Sehlin for their contributions to the environmentally responsible industry conversion from silver-based to cyan dye analog soundtracks. JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To Richard Edlund in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2007 (80th) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Daniel Day-Lewis -- There Will Be Blood {"Daniel Plainview"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Javier Bardem -- No Country for Old Men {"Anton Chigurh"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Marion Cotillard -- La Vie en Rose {"Edith Piaf"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Tilda Swinton -- Michael Clayton {"Karen Crowder"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Ratatouille -- Brad Bird ART DIRECTION Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street -- Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo CINEMATOGRAPHY There Will Be Blood -- Robert Elswit COSTUME DESIGN Elizabeth: The Golden Age -- Alexandra Byrne DIRECTING No Country for Old Men -- Joel Coen and Ethan Coen DOCUMENTARY (Feature) Taxi to the Dark Side -- Alex Gibney and Eva Orner DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Freeheld -- Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth FILM EDITING The Bourne Ultimatum -- Christopher Rouse FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Counterfeiters -- Austria MAKEUP La Vie en Rose -- Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald MUSIC (Original Score) Atonement -- Dario Marianelli MUSIC (Original Song) "Falling Slowly" from Once -- Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova BEST PICTURE No Country for Old Men -- Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) Peter & the Wolf -- Suzie Templeton and Hugh Welchman SHORT FILM (Live Action) Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets) -- Philippe Pollet-Villard SOUND EDITING The Bourne Ultimatum -- Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg SOUND MIXING The Bourne Ultimatum -- Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis VISUAL EFFECTS The Golden Compass -- Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) No Country for Old Men -- Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen WRITING (Original Screenplay) Juno -- Written by Diablo Cody HONORARY AWARD To Robert Boyle in recognition of one of cinema's great careers in art direction. GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD David A. Grafton SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Academy Award of Merit) To the EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY for the development of photographic emulsion technologies incorporated into the Kodak Vision2 family of color negative films. These new technologies are breakthroughs in film speed, grain and sharpness that have made a significant impact on the motion picture industry. The Vision2 family allows wider use of high-speed color negative film, lower light levels on set and faster set-ups. Most importantly, Vision2 improves the overall picture quality in theatrical presentation. [Laboratory] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To DR. DOUG ROBLE, NAFEES BIN ZAFAR and RYO SAKAGUCHI for the development of the fluid simulation system at Digital Domain. This influential and flexible production-proven system incorporates innovative algorithms and refined adaptations of published methods to achieve large-scale water effects. [Digital Imaging Technology] To NICK RASMUSSEN, RON FEDKIW and FRANK LOSASSO PETTERSON for the development of the Industrial Light & Magic fluid simulation system. This production-proven simulation system achieves large-scale water effects within ILM's Zeno framework. It includes integrating particle level sets, parallel computation, and tools that enable the artistic direction of the results. [Digital Imaging Technology] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To CHRISTIEN TINSLEY for the creation of the transfer techniques for creating and applying 2D and 3D makeup known as "Tinsley Transfers." These techniques allow quick and precisely repeatable application of 2D makeup such as tattoos, bruises and birthmarks, as well as 3D prosthetic appliances ranging in size from small wounds to entire torsos. They utilize self-adhesive material that features an unprecedented combination of tissue-thin edges, resilience, flexibility and water resistance, while requiring no dangerous solvents. [Systems] To JÖRG PÖHLER and RÜDIGER KLEINKE of OTTEC Technology GmbH for the design and development of the battery-operated series of fog machines known as "Tiny Foggers." The operating characteristics of this compact, well-engineered and remote-controllable package make possible a range of safe special effects that would be totally impractical with larger, more conventional fog units. [Stage Operations] To SEBASTIAN CRAMER for the invention and general design, and ANDREAS DASSER, head of development at P&S Technik GmbH, for the mechanical design, of the Skater Dolly and its family of products. This small, portable, camera-only dolly allows low lens positions, movement in restricted places and tight offset circular maneuvers with rapid set-up. [Camera Cranes] To VICTOR GONZALEZ, IGNACIO VARGAS and ANGEL TENA for the creation of the RealFlow software application. RealFlow was the first widely adopted, commercially available, easy-to-use system for the simulation of realistic liquids in motion picture visual effects. [Digital Imaging Technology] To JONATHAN M. COHEN, DR. JERRY TESSENDORF, DR. JEROEN MOLEMAKER and MICHAEL KOWALSKI for the development of the system of fluid dynamics tools at Rhythm & Hues. This system allows artists to create realistic animation of liquids and gases using novel simulation techniques for accuracy and speed, as well as a unique scripting language for working with volumetric data. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DUNCAN BRINSMEAD, JOS STAM, JULIA PAKALNS and MARTIN WERNER for the design and implementation of the Maya Fluid Effects system. This system is used to create simulations of gaseous phenomena integrated into the widely available Maya tool suite, using an unconditionally stable semi-Lagrangian solver. [Digital Imaging Technology] To STEPHAN TROJANSKY, THOMAS GANSHORN and OLIVER PILARSKI for the development of the Flowline fluid effects system. Flowline is a flexible system that incorporates highly parallel computation, allowing rapid iteration and resulting in detailed, realistic fluid effects. [Digital Imaging Technology] AWARD OF COMMENDATION To Jonathan Erland in recognition of his leadership and efforts toward identifying and solving the problem of High-Speed Emulsion Stress Syndrome in motion picture film stock. By coordinating and conducting tests for and with the industry, and by sharing results openly, Mr. Erland clearly demonstrated the value and effectiveness of independent research and industry-wide cooperation. JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To David Inglish in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2008 (81st) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Sean Penn -- Milk {"Harvey Milk"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Heath Ledger -- The Dark Knight {"Joker"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Kate Winslet -- The Reader {"Hanna Schmitz"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Penélope Cruz -- Vicky Cristina Barcelona {"Maria Elena"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM WALL-E -- Andrew Stanton ART DIRECTION The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -- Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt; Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo CINEMATOGRAPHY Slumdog Millionaire -- Anthony Dod Mantle COSTUME DESIGN The Duchess -- Michael O'Connor DIRECTING Slumdog Millionaire -- Danny Boyle DOCUMENTARY (Feature) Man on Wire -- James Marsh and Simon Chinn DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Smile Pinki -- Megan Mylan FILM EDITING Slumdog Millionaire -- Chris Dickens FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Departures -- Japan MAKEUP The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -- Greg Cannom MUSIC (Original Score) Slumdog Millionaire -- A.R. Rahman MUSIC (Original Song) "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire -- Music by A.R. Rahman; Lyric by Gulzar BEST PICTURE Slumdog Millionaire -- Christian Colson, Producer SHORT FILM (Animated) La Maison en Petits Cubes -- Kunio Kato SHORT FILM (Live Action) Spielzeugland (Toyland) -- Jochen Alexander Freydank SOUND EDITING The Dark Knight -- Richard King SOUND MIXING Slumdog Millionaire -- Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty VISUAL EFFECTS The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -- Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) Slumdog Millionaire -- Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy WRITING (Original Screenplay) Milk -- Written by Dustin Lance Black JEAN HERSHOLT HUMANITARIAN AWARD Jerry Lewis GORDON E. SAWYER AWARD Ed Catmull SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To ERWIN MELZNER for the overall concept including the optical and cooling systems, VOLKER SCHUMACHER for the optical design, and TIMO MÜLLER for the mechanical design, of the Arrimax 18/12 lighting fixture for use in motion picture production. With its choice of vari-focus and specular reflectors, the superior optical and mechanical design of this lighting fixture allows it to operate at 18,000 watts, producing unsurpassed light quality while its innovative cooling system keeps the housing safe to touch. [Lighting] To JACQUES DELACOUX for the concept and electronic design, and ALEXANDRE LEUCHTER for the software and electronic design, of the Transvideo video-assist monitors for the motion picture industry. Using color LCD screens, the Transvideo monitors provide flicker-free video assist bright enough for use in sunlight and have become a ubiquitous tool in both spherical and anamorphic cinematography. [Systems] To BRUNO COUMERT and JACQUES DEBIZE for the optical design, and DOMINIQUE CHERVIN and CHRISTOPHE REBOULET for the mechanical design, of the compact and lightweight Angenieux 15-40 and 28-76 zoom lenses for handheld motion picture photography. With focus and zoom functions that can be easily controlled by either the operator or focus puller while filming handheld, these lightweight zoom lenses demonstrate a very high degree of engineering, supporting both ease of use and quick interchange. [Lenses and Filters] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To STEVE HYLÉN for the concept and his continued leadership in the further development of the Hylén Lens System for motion picture effects photography. When attached to a film or digital production camera, this versatile aerial image device can produce a wide variety of optical effects interactively, on set and in real time without post-production image manipulation. [Lenses and Filters] JOHN A. BONNER MEDAL OF COMMENDATION To Mark Kimball in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2009 (82nd) ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Jeff Bridges -- Crazy Heart {"Bad Blake"} ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Christoph Waltz -- Inglourious Basterds {"Col. Hans Landa"} ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Sandra Bullock -- The Blind Side {"Leigh Anne Tuohy"} ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Mo'Nique -- Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire {"Mary"} ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Up -- Pete Docter ART DIRECTION Avatar -- Production Design: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair CINEMATOGRAPHY Avatar -- Mauro Fiore COSTUME DESIGN The Young Victoria -- Sandy Powell DIRECTING The Hurt Locker -- Kathryn Bigelow DOCUMENTARY (Feature) The Cove -- Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) Music by Prudence -- Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett FILM EDITING The Hurt Locker -- Bob Murawski and Chris Innis FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Secret in Their Eyes -- Argentina MAKEUP Star Trek -- Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow MUSIC (Original Score) Up -- Michael Giacchino MUSIC (Original Song) "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)" from Crazy Heart -- Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett BEST PICTURE The Hurt Locker -- Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, Producers SHORT FILM (Animated) Logorama -- Nicolas Schmerkin SHORT FILM (Live Action) The New Tenants -- Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson SOUND EDITING The Hurt Locker -- Paul N.J. Ottosson SOUND MIXING The Hurt Locker -- Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett VISUAL EFFECTS Avatar -- Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones WRITING (Adapted Screenplay) Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire -- Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher WRITING (Original Screenplay) The Hurt Locker -- Written by Mark Boal HONORARY AWARD To Lauren Bacall in recognition of her central place in the golden age of motion pictures. To Roger Corman for his rich engendering of films and filmmakers. To Gordon Willis for unsurpassed mastery of light, shadow, color and motion. IRVING G. THALBERG MEMORIAL AWARD John Calley SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Scientific and Engineering Award) To PER CHRISTENSEN, MICHAEL BUNNELL and CHRISTOPHE HERY for the development of point-based rendering for indirect illumination and ambient occlusion. Much faster than previous ray-traced methods, this computer graphics technique has enabled color bleeding effects and realistic shadows for complex scenes in motion pictures. [Digital Imaging Technology] To DR. RICHARD KIRK for the overall design and development of the Truelight real-time 3D look-up table hardware device and color management software. Through the use of color management software and hardware, this complete system enables accurate color presentation in the digital intermediate preview process. The Truelight system is widely utilized in digital intermediate production environments around the world. [Laboratory] To VOLKER MASSMANN, MARKUS HASENZAHL, DR. KLAUS ANDERLE and ANDREAS LOEW for the development of the Spirit 4K/2K film scanning system as used in the digital intermediate process for motion pictures. The Spirit 4K/2K has distinguished itself by incorporating a continuous-motion transport mechanism enabling full-range, high-resolution scanning at much higher frame rates than non-continuous transport scanners. [Laboratory] To MICHAEL CIESLINSKI, DR. REIMAR LENZ and BERND BRAUNER for the development of the ARRISCAN film scanner, enabling high-resolution, high-dynamic range, pin-registered film scanning for use in the digital intermediate process. The ARRISCAN film scanner utilizes a specially designed CMOS array sensor mounted on a micro-positioning platform and a custom LED light source. Capture of the film's full dynamic range at various scan resolutions is implemented through sub-pixel offsets of the sensor along with multiple exposures of each frame. [Laboratory] To WOLFGANG LEMPP, THEO BROWN, TONY SEDIVY and DR. JOHN QUARTEL for the development of the Northlight film scanner, which enables high-resolution, pin-registered scanning in the motion picture digital intermediate process. Developed for the digital intermediate and motion picture visual effects markets, the Northlight scanner was designed with a 6K CCD sensor, making it unique in its ability to produce high-resolution scans of 35mm, 8-perf film frames. [Laboratory] To STEVE CHAPMAN, MARTIN TLASKAL, DARRIN SMART and DR. JAMES LOGIE for their contributions to the development of the Baselight color correction system, which enables real-time digital manipulation of motion picture imagery during the digital intermediate process. Baselight was one of the first digital color correction systems to enter the digital intermediate market and has seen wide acceptance in the motion picture industry. [Laboratory] To MARK JASZBERENYI, GYULA PRISKIN and TAMAS PERLAKI for their contributions to the development of the Lustre color correction system, which enables real-time digital manipulation of motion picture imagery during the digital intermediate process. Lustre is a software solution that enables non-linear, real-time digital color grading across an entire feature film, emulating the photochemical color-timing process. [Laboratory] To BRAD WALKER, D. SCOTT DEWALD, BILL WERNER and GREG PETTITT for their contributions furthering the design and refinement of the Texas Instruments DLP Projector technology, achieving a level of performance that enabled color-accurate digital intermediate previews of motion pictures. Working in conjunction with the film industry, Texas Instruments created a high-resolution, color-accurate, high-quality digital intermediate projection system that could closely emulate film-based projection in a theatrical environment. [Projection] To FUJIFILM CORPORATION, RYOJI NISHIMURA, MASAAKI MIKI and YOUICHI HOSOYA for the design and development of Fujicolor ETERNA-RDI digital intermediate film, which was designed exclusively to reproduce motion picture digital masters. The Fujicolor ETERNA-RDI Type 8511/4511 digital intermediate film has thinner emulsion layers with extremely efficient couplers made possible by Super-Nano Cubic Grain Technology. This invention allows improved color sensitivity with the ability to absorb scattered light, providing extremely sharp images. The ETERNA-RDI emulsion technology also achieves less color cross-talk for exacting reproduction. Its expanded latitude and linearity provides superior highlights and shadows in a film stock with exceptional latent image stability. [Film] To PAUL DEBEVEC, TIM HAWKINS, JOHN MONOS and DR. MARK SAGAR for the design and engineering of the Light Stage capture devices and the image-based facial rendering system developed for character relighting in motion pictures. The combination of these systems, with their ability to capture high fidelity reflectance data of human subjects, allows for the creation of photorealistic digital faces as they would appear in any lighting condition. [Digital Imaging Technology] SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AWARD (Technical Achievement Award) To MARK WOLFORTH and TONY SEDIVY for their contributions to the development of the Truelight real-time 3D look-up table hardware system. Through the use of color management software and hardware, this complete system enables accurate color presentation in the digital intermediate preview process. The Truelight system is widely utilized in digital intermediate production environments around the world. [Laboratory] To DR. KLAUS ANDERLE, CHRISTIAN BAEKER and FRANK BILLASCH for their contributions to the LUTher 3D look-up table hardware device and color management software. The LUTher system was one of the first color look-up table processors to be widely adopted by the pioneering digital intermediate facilities in the industry. This innovation enabled accurate color presentation by facilities that had analyzed projected film output and built 3D look-up tables in order to emulate print film. [Laboratory] To STEVE SULLIVAN, KEVIN WOOLEY, BRETT ALLEN and COLIN DAVIDSON for the development of the Imocap on-set performance capture system. Developed at Industrial Light & Magic and consisting of custom hardware and software, Imocap is an innovative system that successfully addresses the need for on-set, low-impact performance capture. [Digital Imaging Technology] To HAYDEN LANDIS, KEN McGAUGH and HILMAR KOCH for advancing the technique of ambient occlusion rendering. Ambient occlusion has enabled a new level of realism in synthesized imagery and has become a standard tool for computer graphics lighting in motion pictures. [Digital Imaging Technology] To BJÖRN HEDÉN for the design and mechanical engineering of the silent, two-stage planetary friction drive Hedén Lens Motors. Solving a series of problems with one integrated mechanism, this device had an immediate and significant impact on the motion picture industry. [Photography]