"Transformers" and Industrial Light & Magic were the big winners at the sixth annual Visual Effects Society awards Sunday night in Hollywood.
The giant-robot blockbuster from Paramount and helmer Michael Bay took four awards, more than any other project in any medium.
Pic took the top movie prize, outstanding visual effects in a visual effects-driven motion picture, as well as best single visual effect of the year for its desert highway sequence.
ILM's big night did not end there, however, as George Lucas' San Francisco-based vfx factory took home two additional awards, for Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."
In something of an upset, the runner-up to "Transformers" for most wins on Sunday was Pixar's "Ratatouille," with three awards: supporting visual effects in a motion picture, outstanding animated character in a motion picture (for Colette) and effects in an animated picture.
The only other feature to receive an award was "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the sole entry in the special effects category.
Only one other project in any medium was a multiple winner: Vidgame "Halo 3" took two awards. "World of Warcraft" took one.
On the TV side, the VES spread the wealth, giving mini/made-for honors to "Battlestar Galactica: Razor," series vfx honors to "Fight for Life -- Episode 4" and top supporting vfx honors to "Rome 2 -- Episode 6 - 'Phillippi.' "
Steven Spielberg, who counts executive producer credit on "Transformers" among his many vfx epics, was the VES lifetime achievement award honoree. Spielberg's longtime vfx supervisor Dennis Muren presented Spielberg with his award, and "Transformers" star Megan Fox presented a tribute reel from ILM.
Complete list of winners...
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Motion Picture
Awarded to "Transformers"
Scott Farrar, Shari Hanson, Russell Earl, Scott Benza
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Motion Picture
Awarded to "Ratatouille"
Michael Fong, Apurva Shah, Christine Waggoner, Michael Fu
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Miniseries, Movie or Special
Awarded to "Battlestar Galactica - Razor"
Mike Gibson, Gary Hutzel, Sean Jackson, Pierre Drolet
Outstanding Visual Effects in aBroadcast Series
Awarded to "Fight for Life - Episode 4"
Philip Dobree, Nicola Instone, Marco Iozzi, Matt Chandler
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program
Awarded to "Rome 2 - Episode 6 - 'Philippi'"
James Madigan, Barrie Hemsley, Duncan Kinnard, Gary Brozenich
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Commercial
Awarded to "Smirnoff - Sea"
William Bartlett, Scott Griffin, Dan Seddon, David Mellor
Best Single Visual Effect of the Year
Awarded to "Transformers - Desert Highway Sequence"
Scott Farrar, Shari Hanson, Shawn Kelly, Michael Jamieson
Outstanding Real Time Visuals in a Video Game
Awarded to "Halo 3 - Halo 3 Footage"
Marcus Lehto, Jonty Barnes, Stephen Scott, CJ Cowan
Outstanding Pre-Rendered Visuals in a Video Game
Awarded to "World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade - Cinematic Intro"
Jeff Chamberlain, Scott Abeyta (Scott A-Beta)
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project
Awarded to "Sea Monsters"
Sean Phillips, Jack Geist, Robin Aristorenas, Mark Dubeau
Outstanding Animated Characterin a Live Action Motion Picture
Awarded to "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - Davy Jones"
Hal Hickel, Marc Chu, Jakub Pistecky, Maia Kayser
Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Motion Picture
Awarded to "Ratatouille - Colette"
Janeane Garofalo, Jamie Landes, Sonoko Konishi, Paul Aichele
Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Broadcast Program or Commercial
Awarded to "Chemical Brothers - Salmon Dance - Fatlip shots"
Nicklas Andersson, Mike Mellor, Sylvain Marc, Florent DeLa Taille
Outstanding Effects in an Animated Motion Picture
Awarded to "Ratatouille - Food"
Jon Reisch, Jason Johnston, Eric Froemling, Tolga Gæketkin
Outstanding Created Environment in a Live Action Motion Picture
Awarded to "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - The Maelstrom"
Frank Losasso Petterson, Paul Sharpe, Joakim Arnesson, David Meny
Outstanding Created Environment in a Live Action Broadcast Program or Commercial
Awarded to "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee - 002—05"
Phi Tran, Matthew Lee, Martin Hilke, Justin Mitchell
Outstanding Models or Miniatures in a Motion Picture
Awarded to "Transformers"
Dave Fogler, Ron Woodall, Alex Jaeger, Brian Gernand
Outstanding Models or Miniatures in a Broadcast Program or Commercial
Awarded to "Halo 3 Believe Campaign - John 117 Monument Miniature"
Matthew Gratzner, Alan Scott, Seth Curlin, Greg Boettcher
Outstanding Compositing in a Motion Picture
Awarded to "Transformers"
Pat Tubach, Beth D'Amato, Todd Vaziri, Mike Conte
Outstanding Compositing in a Broadcast Program or Commercial
Awarded to "Nike - Leave Nothing"
James Allen, Rob Trent
Outstanding Special Effects in a Motion Picture
Awarded to "Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix"
John Richardson, Stephen Hamilton, Richard Farns, Stephen Hutchinson
Outstanding Special Effects in a Broadcast Program or Commercial
Awarded to "Actively Safe - Lexus Hydrant"
Dave Peterson, Anthony De La Cruz
Not sure if any of the "analysts" use these awards as a gauge for the Oscars or not, but it's a good sign for starters.
