Toronto-based Alias
Wavefront, a Silicon Graphics Ltd. company, has been awarded an Academy Award for its development of Maya software. This professional 3D animation and special effects package has been used in many movies.
Oscar recipients for scientific and technical awards were announced in early February.
Maya has been used in almost every film nominated by the Academy in the best visual effects category since its inception five years ago, according to the vendor. This year the tool was used in such films as Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Spider-Man, Ice Age and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
While this is Alias
Wavefront’s first Oscar, the company and its employees have been honoured by the Academy in the past for achievements in the scientific and technical category.
Kevin Tureski, general manager of Maya engineering for Alias
Wavefront, said on the company’s Web site that Alias is very proud of the recognition. “To have our innovation recognized with an Oscar is truly an incredible honour.”