Today, the Visual Effects Society (VES), the industry’s global professional honorary society, announced that award-winning actor/comedian/author Patton Oswalt will serve as host of the 12th Annual VES Awards on February 12, 2014 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. This marks Oswalt’s third engagement as host of the prestigious annual celebration that recognizes outstanding visual effects artistry and innovation.
"Look, no one drinks more or parties harder than visual effects artists. They've promised to green screen a vat of bourbon into my stomach. I had to say yes, " said Oswalt on his return engagement.
Oswalt continues to find success in all areas of entertainment, from his Grammy-nominated comedy specials to his many memorable TV guest roles (including Parks and Recreation, for which he received a TV Critics Choice Award). He is also currently featured in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, stars in Adult Swim’s The Heart, She Holler and is the narrator on ABC’s breakout comedy The Goldbergs. In 2013, Oswalt was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for his performance in Young Adult and previously earned a Gotham Award nomination for his performance in Big Fan.
Funnyman Oswalt is currently promoting his fifth television special, Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time, to add to his four critically acclaimed albums, including the Grammy-nominated albums Finest Hour (2012) and My Weakness is Strong (2009). He provided the unforgettable voice for ‘Remy,’ the rat, in Pixar’s Oscar® winner Ratatouille and has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, Word Girl and Neighbors from Hell.
Oswalt’s impressive roster of guest starring and recurring roles include appearances on United States of Tara, Justified, Burn Notice, Bored to Death, Flight of the Concords, Sarah Silverman Show and Real Time with Bill Maher.
“Patton Oswalt is family to the VES”, said Jeffrey A. Okun, VES Chair, “His timing, wit, recognition and love of VFX and the industry make him the perfect master of ceremonies for us and we are grateful to have him.”
As previously announced: The Visionary Award will be presented to Alfonso Cuarón, acclaimed filmmaker and Academy Award nominated director of the film Gravity. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to John Dykstra, Academy Award winning visual effects pioneer and innovator. For the full list of VES Awards nominees, visit www.visualeffectssociety.com.
About the Visual Effects Society
The Visual Effects Society is a professional honorary society dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences and applications of visual effects and to upholding the highest standards and procedures for the visual effects profession. It is the entertainment industry's only official organization representing the extended global community of visual effects practitioners, including supervisors, artists, producers, technology developers, educators and studio executives. VES’ almost 3,000 members in 32 countries worldwide contribute to all areas of entertainment – film, television, commercials, animation, music videos, games and new media. To learn more about the VES, visit www.visualeffectssociety.com.
