Not every big Star Wars story is a trailer, a casting reveal, or somebody saying one vague sentence in Empire and sending the fandom into orbit for three days. Sometimes the interesting stuff is deeper in the machine. That is the case with Industrial Light & Magic’s layered shading system Lama, which has now picked up one of the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards. ILM says 2026 marks its 39th Sci-Tech Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and this one goes specifically to the team behind Lama — a production-ready layered materials system that has become a key part of how ILM builds believable digital surfaces. This Is Not a Movie Award in the Usual Sense To be clear, this is not “ILM won an Oscar for one specific Star Wars project.” This is one of the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards, which recognize the tools…
Visual Effects
98th Academy Award Nominations: ILM, Skywalker Sound, and Star Wars Alumni Show Up All Over the List
The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are in — and once again, Star Wars is all over the technical side of the industry… even when Star Wars itself isn’t the movie being nominated. Because when the Oscars get to categories like Visual Effects and Sound, two names keep showing up behind the scenes: In other words: Star Wars craftsmanship, still quietly carrying half of Hollywood on its back. ILM’s Presence at the Oscars Is Basically a Tradition Now Even when there isn’t a Star Wars film in the race, ILM is usually involved in multiple projects getting Academy recognition — and the 98th Oscars are no different. The Academy’s process for Visual Effects typically includes a shortlist/bake-off stage before final nominees are locked in, and ILM talent is involved across a wide range of major titles competing in the category. If you’ve ever watched a modern blockbuster and thought…
Andor Season 2 Lands Four Creative Arts Emmys—and We’re All Here for It
Let’s just say: Andor Season 2 didn’t just show up—it showed out at the Creative Arts Emmys. Four trophies later, and this Star Wars offshoot is getting more love than a limited edition lightsaber. The Four Wins That Made the Galaxy Go “Ooooh” Bold moves—and proof that technical craft can steal the scene. Why It Matters (Far Beyond the Credits) When a show nails editing, design, effects, and costumes? That’s the kind of precision that turns “just another streaming show” into bona fide world-building gold. Fans—especially those deep in Star Wars lore—feel it in their bones. It’s not just about looks; it’s about immersion. And hey, even in realms like esports and gambling, where visuals and aesthetics sell the experience, you see the same principle: phenomenal design and pacing are what pull people in and keep eyes glued. Breaking Down the Wins: What Was So Special, Anyway? Sprinkle of Star…