We are proud to announce that DAVE School graduates have worked on four of the five projects nominated for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best Visual Effects category. The Oscars, widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the film industry, honor the incredible talent and dedication that goes into creating cinematic magic. We are thrilled to see our graduates’ contributions recognized at this level.
In the Best Visual Effects category, the following nominated films feature the work of DAVE School alumni:
Alien: Romulus (Directed by Fede Álvarez) Graduates: Hugo Gamboa and Thomas Lefebvre
These talented alumni contributed their expertise to this suspenseful new chapter in the Alien saga, helping craft its stunning, otherworldly visuals.
Dune: Part Two (Directed by Denis Villeneuve)
Graduates: April Singleton, Selena Farkas, Brad Henke, and Lin Fan Liu
Our graduates helped bring to life the expansive and visually breathtaking world of Dune, continuing the legacy of this sci-fi epic.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Directed by Wes Ball)
Graduate: Justin Stockton
Justin’s work played a pivotal role in the seamless integration of cutting-edge effects in this gripping continuation of the Planet of the Apes franchise.
Wicked (Directed by Jon M. Chu)
Graduates: Carlos Barrios and Les Foor
Carlos and Les lent their skills to the visual splendor of this highly anticipated musical adaptation, transforming it into a vibrant, magical experience.
While Better Man, the fifth nominee, does not feature DAVE School graduates, we applaud all the nominees for their achievements and innovation in the field of visual effects.
Our alumni’s remarkable work reflects the comprehensive training and hands-on experience they received at The DAVE School. Their contributions to these groundbreaking films showcase the artistry, technical skill, and dedication that define our graduates.
We are honored to see their names tied to projects celebrated on the global stage and look forward to cheering them on at the Academy Awards ceremony. Congratulations to all the nominees and our alumni for their outstanding achievements!
About the Oscars
The Oscars, or the Academy Awards, are an annual event recognizing excellence in the film industry. Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the awards celebrate achievements in a variety of categories, including visual effects, animation, and cinematography.
Visual Effects Production Diploma Program
The Visual Effects Production program at The DAVE School equips students with the skills needed in the computer graphics industry. From feature films and television to video games and simulations, our program prepares graduates in diverse and dynamic creative industries.
The FX Production Diploma combines the full Visual Effects Production curriculum with two advanced blocks focused on Houdini FX workflows, preparing students to create professional-grade visual effects for film, television, and video games.!