Brian Van’t Hul Wins 2005 OscarLos Angeles Times Calls Visual Effects Bright Spot in King Kong The win brought at least one bright spot for the big-budget epic, which attracted respectable box office numbers but fell far short of the blockbuster that Hollywood had been hopefully anticipating. In the retelling of "King Kong," the visual artists had to create not only a realistic New York landscape but also countless creatures that did battle with the giant ape. The ape also had to fall in love convincingly with female lead Naomi Watts' character. In addition to thanking "King Kong" director Peter Jackson and other key "Kong" makers, the winners paid tribute to Andy Serkis, the actor who provided motion-captured modeling for the CGI animation that brought Kong to life as well as the expressions that registered anger, laughter, joy and heartbreak when he sacrificed himself for his soul mate. More On 2005 Oscar Nominees and Winners 3-07 |