The 2024 Academy Awards promise an exciting race for Best Visual Effects, a category consistently showcasing remarkable technical achievements across diverse filmmaking styles. Recent years have established a pattern of nominations encompassing practical effects-driven films, CGI-heavy spectacles, and those pioneering new visual frontiers. Last year’s victor, Godzilla Minus One, exemplified this trend, recognized for its groundbreaking VFX alongside other worthy contenders like The Creator, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, and Napoleon. This established pattern, where a frontrunner emerges alongside films representing different approaches to visual effects, provides a framework for analyzing this year’s contenders. The precedent set by the wins for visually striking films like Avatar: The Way of Water and Dune reinforces the Academy’s appreciation for both innovation and impactful visuals.
This year’s potential nominees present a fascinating mix of established franchises and fresh entries. Dune: Part Two, with its breathtaking scope and realism crafted by DNeg, stands as a frontrunner, carrying the momentum of its predecessor’s win. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, continuing the franchise’s tradition of cutting-edge motion capture and environmental design, offers a compelling alternative. Meanwhile, Gladiator II, despite mixed critical reception, is undeniable in its visual grandeur, promising a visceral spectacle reminiscent of its Oscar-winning predecessor. Wicked, a big-budget fantasy adaptation, taps into the familiar appeal of Disney’s live-action remakes and Marvel’s superhero sagas, offering a visual feast enhanced by elaborate production design and costuming. Alien: Romulus, surprisingly, emerges as a strong contender despite its modest budget, showcasing impressive practical effects blended seamlessly with high-quality CGI.
Beyond these top contenders, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, while visually impressive, faces the challenge of exceeding the groundbreaking work of Fury Road. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, despite its visual spectacle, faces the hurdle of its franchise’s previous lack of Oscar recognition. Lastly, Blitz, a grounded World War II drama, might struggle to stand out against the more fantastical and sci-fi heavy competition, despite its masterful blend of practical and CGI effects. The ultimate selection will likely come down to not just technical prowess but also the broader appeal and impact of the films themselves.
Predicting the winner is a more complex exercise, involving not just the quality of the effects but also historical context and potential narratives within the Academy. The race appears to be primarily between Dune: Part Two and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, with Gladiator II posing a potential upset. Dune: Part Two benefits from the first film’s win and the undeniable impact of its vast, realistically rendered world. However, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has a compelling argument for recognition, given the franchise’s previous nominations and its consistent innovation in motion capture technology, seamlessly integrating CGI characters into real-world environments.
The possibility of a historical corrective also comes into play. The Planet of the Apes franchise, despite multiple nominations, has yet to secure a win in this category, losing to films like Hugo, Interstellar, and Blade Runner 2049. This history of near-misses could sway voters towards recognizing the franchise’s enduring legacy and its consistent push for visual effects advancements. Dune, on the other hand, has already secured one Oscar for its visuals, potentially lessening the urgency for another win so soon.
The remaining contenders, while unlikely to win, still represent significant achievements in visual effects. Gladiator II, with its massive set pieces and historical setting, could appeal to voters seeking a more traditional spectacle. Wicked, with its fantastical imagery and established brand recognition, might garner support for its overall visual package. Alien: Romulus offers a unique blend of old-school practical effects and cutting-edge CGI, potentially resonating with voters who appreciate both innovation and a nod to the history of visual effects.
Ultimately, the Best Visual Effects award often reflects a balance between technical achievement, artistic impact, and the overall reception of the film. While Dune: Part Two holds a strong position as the frontrunner, the Academy’s appreciation for innovation and historical context could lead to a well-deserved win for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The remaining contenders, while facing an uphill battle, each offer compelling examples of the power of visual effects to enhance storytelling and create immersive cinematic experiences.
The Academy’s decision will ultimately reflect its current priorities: recognizing groundbreaking technical innovation exemplified by Dune: Part Two, acknowledging the consistent excellence and historical significance of a franchise like Planet of the Apes, or rewarding the sheer spectacle and technical proficiency of a film like Gladiator II. The outcome remains uncertain, promising a suspenseful reveal on Oscar night. The eventual winner, however, will undoubtedly deserve the accolade, representing the pinnacle of visual effects artistry in 2024.
