Los Angeles (California) [US]: Indian film producer Namit Malhotra‘s production company, DNEG, has made history by winning its eighth Oscar for Visual Effects at the Academy Awards for its outstanding work on the Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya-starrer, ‘Dune: Part Two’. This victory also marks the seventh Oscar win for India in the same category.
The award was accepted by DNEG VFX Supervisors Stephen James and Rhys Salcombe, along with Production VFX Supervisor Paul Lambert and Special Effects Supervisor Gerd Nefzer. DNEG has previously been recognized for its VFX mastery with Oscar wins for:
- ‘Dune: Part One’ (2022)
- ‘Tenet’ (2021)
- ‘First Man’ (2019)
- ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2018)
- ‘Ex Machina’ (2016)
- ‘Interstellar’ (2015)
- ‘Inception’ (2011)
This string of wins cements DNEG’s status as a leading force in the visual effects (VFX), animation, and creative technology industry.
Namit Malhotra’s Vision and Upcoming Projects
Namit Malhotra, who is also the founder of Prime Focus, has been pivotal in putting Indian talent on the global VFX map. He is currently producing the much-anticipated film ‘Ramayana’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.
About ‘Dune: Part Two’
Based on the latter half of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science-fiction novel, ‘Dune: Part Two’ continues the journey of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he allies with the Fremen to liberate the galaxy from the oppressive Harkonnen empire. The film introduces new cast members Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux, joining returning stars Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Stellan Skarsgård.
The film’s predecessor, ‘Dune: Part One’, was a critical and commercial success, earning ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and winning awards for original music, sound, film editing, cinematography, production design, and visual effects. It grossed over $400 million at the global box office.
A Proud Moment for India
DNEG’s continued success at the Oscars highlights the global impact of Indian talent in the VFX industry. Malhotra’s achievements showcase the potential of Indian creativity and technology on the world stage.