The Visual Effects Society has announced that renowned film producer Jerry Bruckheimer will receive the VES Lifetime Achievement Award and Wētā Workshop co-founder and chief creative officer Sir Richard Taylor will receive the VES Visionary Award at the 24th Annual VES Awards.
Taking place on 25 February at The Beverly Hilton, the event “recognises exceptional contributions to the visual effects industry, including outstanding work, technological innovation, and pioneering leadership”, the VES said.
Actor-comedians Randy and Jason Sklar – the Sklar Brothers – will host the gala again this year.
“The VES Awards are our marquee event, honouring exceptional creative achievement and recognised as one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious celebrations,” said VES Board chair, Kim Davidson.
“We’re immensely appreciative of the respective and sustained industry contributions of Jerry Bruckheimer and Sir Richard Taylor, and look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements at this year’s awards ceremony.
“We’re also thrilled to welcome back the Sklar Brothers, who bring a healthy dose of levity while honouring the talent and craft of visual effects.”
Bruckheimer added: “I have been a filmmaker for over 50 years and have seen firsthand how the evolution of the VFX industry has unlocked amazing new types of storytelling time and time again.
“From Armageddon, to the Pirates of the Caribbean series, to F1: The Movie, and dozens of other films and television series, some of the most memorable collaborations of my career have been on projects where the VFX artists and technologists bring their magic to the screen.
“I am in awe of your talent, and am very grateful to the VES for this tremendous recognition.”
Meanwhile, Taylor revealed: “I’m honoured by this recognition from the Visual Effects Society, a community of artists and practitioners that I feel blessed to have been a part of since its inception.
“I accept this award on behalf of all of our crew at Wētā Workshop, whose work has always been in creative service – using practical effects, design, and physical craftsmanship to help expand what’s possible in collaboration with VFX and film-making teams around the world.
“For me, this award reflects the dedication, ingenuity, and generosity of spirit by so many of our artists that have joined me on this journey over the past 38 years.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the VES for celebrating the creative and collaborative journey that I have been on (with my colleagues) in our efforts to bring imagined worlds to life.”
Bestowed by the VES Board of Directors, the VES Lifetime Achievement Award recognises significant and lasting contributions to the art and science of the VFX industry by way of vision, artistry, invention, and innovation.
Previous recipients of the VES Lifetime Achievement Award include George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall, James Cameron, Sir Ridley Scott, and Martin Scorsese.
The VES Visionary Award recognises an individual who has uniquely and consistently employed the art and science of VFX to foster imagination and ignite future discoveries by way of artistry, invention, and groundbreaking work.
Previous recipients of the VES Visionary Award include Christopher Nolan, Ang Lee, Alfonso Cuaron, J.J. Abrams, Syd Mead, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Nolan, and Roland Emmerich. The 2025 VES Visionary Award recipient was Academy Award-winning filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki (Godzilla Minus One).
Bruckheimer and Taylor will receive their awards at the 24th Annual VES Awards, which will present prizes in 25 categories for outstanding VFX.
