The Visual Effects Society (VES) announced on Tuesday (January 13) its nominees for the 13th Annual VES Awards, set to take place on February 4 in Los Angeles.

Nominees were selected by VES members via events hosted by its nine sections: Australia, Bay Area, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York, New Zealand, Toronto and Vancouver.

As previously announced, the Visionary Award will be presented to JJ Abrams. Due to a change in his production schedule, Ridley Scott will not receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night. VES executives said they would find another occassion to honour the film-maker.

“Visual effects in and by themselves are nothing unless they serve the story,” said VES chair Jeffrey A Okun. “This year, more than ever, we are seeing amazing work that not only serves the story but tells the story in a manner never before seen. 

“The VES Awards is proud that we are the only organization that showcases and honours these amazing artists in depth and across a wide range of fields. We are extremely proud of our nominees.”

Nominees in key motion pictures catagories for the 13th Annual VES Awards follow below. For the full list of nominations click here.  

Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Interstellar
Maleficent
The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies
X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture

Birdman
Divergent
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Unbroken

Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

Big Hero 6
How To Train Your Dragon 2
Rio 2
The Boxtrolls
The Lego Movie.

  • The Writers Guild Of America, West will honour the late Harold Ramis with the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement at the Writers Guild Awards ceremony on February 14. Erica Mann Ramis and family will accept the award on his behalf.