The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the six scientific and technical investigations it’s launched for 2026, ahead of its Scientific and Technical Awards in April.
Awarded since 1931, the awards honour the individuals and companies whose discoveries and innovations have contributed in significant and lasting ways to motion pictures. The awards include the Scientific and Technical Service Award, Technical Achievement Award and the Scientific and Engineering Award.
The investigations invite individuals and companies with devices or claims of innovation in the specified areas to submit achievements for review. The Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards Committee is currently investigating:
- Artist-friendly tools for the construction of large-scale water simulations
- Audio spectrum segmentation and editing software
- Colour-accurate LED lighting suitable for on-set photography
- Digitally-controlled performer flying systems
- Rigging systems for direct manipulation of CG characters
- Solvers for markerless facial capture
“We are excited to explore this year’s six selected areas for consideration, which reflect the ingenuity of our filmmaking community across production, visual effects, animation and sound,” said Scientific and Technical Awards Committee co-chairs Darin Grant and Rachel Rose. “From tools that give artists greater creative control to technologies that enhance on-set precision, safety and performance, our committee looks forward to investigating the innovation, impact and industry adoption of these achievements.”
The deadline to submit additional entries is Tuesday, Sept. 8.
After thorough investigations in each technology category, the committee will meet to vote on recommendations to the Academy’s Board of Governors, which will make the final awards decisions. The Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation is set for Tuesday, April 20.
