Selected by the VES Board of Directors, these distinguished honorees join a legacy of their peers who have profoundly impacted the craft and technology of visual effects. 

The Visual Effects Society announced this year’s honorees for its annual VES Honors Celebration, taking place September 4th at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The member-submitted candidates join a selected group that has, says VES, “profoundly impacted the craft and technology of visual effects, and continue to inspire future generations of artists and practitioners.” 

“The VES Honors Celebration is a highlight for us every year, as our community gathers to recognize these incredible pioneers and the range of impacts they’ve had on the visual effects industry,” said VES Board Chair, Kim Davidson. “It makes it all the more special that these honorees were submitted for consideration by VES members themselves. We look forward to honoring them in person in September.” 

This year’s event will recognize Susan Zwerman, VES with the VES Founders Award for her sustained contributions to the art, science, and business of VFX and distinguished service to the Society. She will additionally receive a Lifetime VES Membership for her longtime dedication. Jeff Kleiser, VES was also selected to receive a Lifetime VES Membership this year, for furthering the interests and values of VFX artists worldwide. Additionally, the VES will welcome two Honorary Members at this year’s celebration: Sir William Sargent and Scott Stokdyk. This year’s VES Fellows, recognized for outstanding contributions to VFX and dedicated service over ten of the last twenty years, are Neishaw Ali, VES; Rita Cahill, VES; Barbara Ford Grant, VES; and Susan Thurmond O’Neal, VES. 

This year, Jon Landau (1960-2024), Gerry Anderson (1929-2012), Ishiro Honda (1911-1993), and Tomoyuki Tanaka (1910-1997) were each selected to join the VES Hall of Fame for their pioneering contributions that advanced the art, science, and technology of VFX. 

Lastly, the VES membership spans nearly 6,000 members worldwide, with 18 dedicated Sections in key industry hubs. This year’s event will recognize the following Section leaders for their exceptional dedication, having served three consecutive terms on their local Section Boards of Managers and several years as a Section Chair or Co-Chair: Aditya Talwar (Australia), Michael Conte, VES (Bay Area), Jose Marin (New York), Rico Dober (Germany), and Mark Spatny (Los Angeles). 

Follow the link to learn more about the honorees, and the VES.