We follow Bilbo Baggins on his quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Due to advancements in performance capture technology at the time, Weta Digital was able to capture facial performance in greater detail than ever before and applied this in the creation of creatures such as Gollum, Goblin King, and Azog. Alongside the creatures work, Weta Digital’s effects work covered entirely digital environment builds in the case of Rivendell and large-scale effects simulations.
Weta Digital has always shined when it comes to Gollum, but here the character's riddle-off with Bilbo is astounding, and yet another reminder that the effects company is one of the very best in the world.
Bryan Bishop, The Verge
Goblin King
Rivendell
Azog
Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture
Matt Aitken, Victor Huang, Christian Rivers, R. Christopher White
Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation in a Live Action Production - Gollum
Jeff Capogreco, Jedrzej Wojtowicz, Kevin Estey, Alessandro Bonora, Gino Acevedo
Feature Film VFX