Last night at the 79th Academy Awards the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” was given to John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and Allen Hall of ILM.
To mark this incredible accomplishment the folks at Lucasfilm arranged to have as many of the previously won Oscars, BAFTA’s and Lifetime Achievement awards gathered for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at the Presidio. The only thing more brilliant than the awards themselves was the sheer talent in the room. Luminaries past and present were on hand to celebrate and they extended the honor to each of us to hold and pose with these incredible awards.
I’ll admit, I was pretty freaked out by even touching an Oscar let alone holding it. I hope one day I’ll have another chance to do so and maybe bring one back here for the collection.