Andy Serkis, famous for playing Gollum in the Lord of the Rings and upcoming Hobbit franchise, was considered for an Oscar nomination for his role of Ceasar the chimp in the latest Planet of the Apes movie. Many feel that he was snubbed by the Academy because his performance was a motion capture performance rather than his own image, prompting the discussion of adding a Best Motion Capture Performance category to the Oscars. The following article discusses Andy Serkis’ various motion capture roles, which he has made famous. Enjoy
Andy Serkis discusses the Art of Motion Capture Acting
Despite having the due recognition by the Academy for his performance capture technology as a tool for acting, he gets the unlimited public recognition.
January 28, 2012 at 4:05 am
It’s a fuzzy line but I’m beginning to believe there should not be separate categories, because where exactly do you draw the line? Brad Pitt was nominated for an Oscar in his role in Benjamin Button and that was no less motion captured than Ceasar the Chip or even Gollum on all but a small number of scenes. They already alter scenes and actors in “non-fx” films to enhance color, eyes, smiles, add tears, etc..
January 29, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Moranae and cheeseshirecat I think you’re right. I wonder how they make the distinction – which I think is arbitrary. Serkis is a great actor. I liked his performance in a past adaptation of Oliver Twist. I don’t think he needs their validation.
January 30, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@Victoria: I agree completely
January 30, 2012 at 7:47 pm