The Visual Effects Society (VES) has named award-winning creators-executive producers-writers-directors David Benioff and D.B. Weiss as the forthcoming recipients of the VES Award for Creative Excellence in recognition of their valuable contributions to filmed entertainment. The award will be presented at the 17th Annual VES Awards on February 5, 2019 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The VES Award for Creative Excellence, bestowed by the VES Board of Directors, recognizes 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 VES will honor Benioff and Weiss, creative visionaries who have pushed the boundaries of filmed entertainment. Through their creation of Game of Thrones, a seminal television series emblematic of the golden age of television visual effects, they have advanced the artistry and craft of expansive storytelling and already left an indelible mark on the industry.
“David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are groundbreaking storytellers who have redefined the relationship between the viewer and the story,” said Mike Chambers, VES Board chair. “You can easily see this from the epic following of Game of Thrones, a pop culture phenomenon, which is a testament to their expert blending of visual effects, evocative characters and a remarkable imagination. As individuals, David and D.B. are exemplary creative talents; and together they have forged a partnership that exemplifies the VES Award for Creative Excellence. We are proud to honor them with this recognition.”
Benioff adapted his first novel, ”The 25th Hour,” into a feature film directed by Spike Lee. His second novel, “City of Thieves,” was on The New York Times bestseller list for 13 weeks and has been translated into 35 languages. His screenplays include The Kite Runner, Brothers, Troy and Stay.
Weiss is the author of “Lucky Wander Boy” and has worked on numerous film projects such as Halo, Ender’s Game and The Game.
Together, Benioff and Weiss created and executive produce the Emmy Award-winning Game of Thrones for HBO, which will debut its final season in April 2019.
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More