'Life of Pi' and 'Brave' rule the 11th annual Visual Effects Society Awards

'The Avengers,' 'The Hobbit' and 'The Impossible' also pick up prizes

By Kristopher TapleyWednesday, Feb 6, 2013 1:39 AM

"Life of Pi"

Credit: 20th Century Fox

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It was a predictably great night for "Life of Pi" at tonight's Visual Effects Society Awards as the film picked up four prizes, including the big daddy, Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Motion Picture. Not only that, but as previously announced, the film's director, Ang Lee, received the Society's Visionary Award. "It's not visual effects. It's visual art," Lee said upon receiving the prize.

On the animated side of things, Pixar's "Brave" swept the board, picking up four prizes as well. Elsewhere, "The Impossible" beat out the only real competition, "Flight," in the supporting visual effects department, while "The Avengers" picked up a pair of honors and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" claimed one.

I think it's safe to say this is the easiest category to predict on Oscar night. "Life of Pi" has it wrapped up with a bow on top. And it'll be a nice shot in the arm for the Rhythm & Hues effects house as it staves off bankruptcy.

Check out the full list of winners below, and as always, keep track of the ups and downs of the 2012-2013 film awards season via The Circuit.

Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture
"Life of Pi"

Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture
"The Impossible"

Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture
"Brave"

Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture
"Life of Pi" - Richard Parker

Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture
"Brave" - Merida

Outstanding Created Environment in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture
"The Avengers" - Midtown Manhattan

Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Motion Picture
"Brave" - The Forest

Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

Outstanding Models in a Feature Motion Picture
"The Avengers" - Helicarrier

Outstanding FX Simulation Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture
"Brave"

Outstanding FX Simulation Animation in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture
"Life of Pi" - Storm of God

Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture
"Life of Pi" - Storm of God

Visionary Award
Ang Lee

Lifetime Achievement Award
Richard Edlund

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Kristopher Tapley
Editor-at-Large

Kristopher Tapley has covered the film awards landscape for over a decade. He founded In Contention in 2005. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Times of London and Variety. He begs you not to take any of this too seriously.

Jacob S.

You mean "Brave," not "Brage."
February 6, 2013 at 3:10AM EST Reply to Comment
forg

Say what you want about the story, but Brave's technical aspects are very impressive. Well-deserved awards

And yay Life of Pi!
February 6, 2013 at 12:06PM EST Reply to Comment
Danny

"It's not visual effects. It's visual art."

Nicely put.

February 6, 2013 at 2:59PM EST Reply to Comment
JLPatt

"I think it's safe to say this is the easiest category to predict on Oscar night. "Life of Pi" has it wrapped up with a bow on top."

I agree it'll win, but... remember "Rise of the Planet of the Apes?"
February 6, 2013 at 7:47PM EST Reply to Comment
- Kristopher Tapley Yeah and I remember fretting over it to the last minute. Never had the confidence in it everyone else did. This one is just a given.
  February 6, 2013 at 10:42PM EST