The Visual Effects Society (VES) Board of Directors has bestowed VFX Supervisor Robert Legato with its VES Award for Creative Excellence, recognizing individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the art and science of the visual effects industry by uniquely and consistently creating compelling and creative imagery in service to story. The Society will honor Legato for breaking new ground in translating virtual production into live-action filmmaking with stunning photographic realism. He has been at the forefront of embracing and advancing technology to enhance the cinematic experience, and his creative vision and inventive techniques have paved the way for future generations of filmmakers.
Legato has received numerous accolades for his pioneering work, including three Academy Awards (Titanic, Hugo, The Jungle Book), two BAFTAs, five VES awards, three Satellite Awards and a Tesla Award. He has most recently been in the spotlight for his groundbreaking live-action animation on Disney’s The Lion King and The Jungle Book with director Jon Favreau. Legato is also credited with conceiving and creating the breakthrough virtual cinematography pipeline and virtual production techniques used by James Cameron on the game-changing blockbuster Avatar. Legato’s most recent film was the acclaimed Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, where he served as Co-Second Unit Director and VFX consultant.
Previous winners of the VES Award for Creative Excellence include Visual Effects Supervisor Sheena Duggal and Creators-Executive Producers-Writers-Directors David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
