In England, the BAFA (British Academy Film Awards) have been awarded for the best visual effects since 1983. They also have an Oscar that has been reserved for them since the last century. In Mexico, the Premios Ariel have been rewarding the achievements of the industry since the 2000s. In France, the 47th César ceremony, which will take place this Friday 25 February, will for the first time reward the “Best visual effects”.

“The Academy is finally honouring our filiation with Georges Méliès. Like him, we find tricks to give substance to our imagination” says Guillaume Pondard, MPC VFX supervisor on the feature film Annette (Leos Carax, 2021), nominated in this new category.

“The more our profession is recognised, the more aid and funding is likely to develop” says Arnaud Fouquet, MPC VFX Supervisor, “Above all, directors will perhaps have a slightly less negative view of our work”.

For Guillaume Pondard, the winner, this recognition will undoubtedly help to deconstruct preconceptions: “This César brings us closer to the rest of French cinema and can also bring us closer to the general public, and encourage vocations.”

Read the full article in Télérama here.