09/03/2010

In a year where Europe was largely shut out, compared to a stellar Slumdog [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Danny Boyle
film profile]-fuelled 2009, the British and Irish industries are taking comfort from the three Oscars that have come their way.

Dubliner Richard Baneham, who was Animation Supervisor on Avatar, won the Visual Effects Oscar along with Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum and Andrew Jones.

Irish Film Board CEO Simon Perry said, “The Academy has already acknowledged the exceptional talent of Irish filmmakers with five Irish nominations but for Richard to win an Oscar is international recognition at the highest level. We are delighted for Richard and his team. It is inspiring to see that the fires of Irish talent continue to burn as brightly as ever. This award is a further reinforcement of Ireland’s reputation for creativity and innovation.”

Britain saw a brace of wins with Sandy Powell winning Costume Design for The Young Victoria [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Ray Beckett sharing the Sound Design Oscar with Paul N.J. Ottosson for the night’s big winner, The Hurt Locker.

UK Film Council CEO John Woodward said, “Our warmest congratulations go to Sandy Powell and Ray Beckett for their well-deserved Oscar wins, adding to their successes at the BAFTAs two weeks ago. There were 16 British Oscar nominations this year, a level of recognition of British creative excellence, which is a real cause for celebration.

“We can also celebrate the British winners at the US Indie Spirit Awards: cinematographer Roger Deakins for A Serious Man, and the filmmaker teams behind An Education [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] and Anvil! The Story of Anvil.”