The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented its 2021 Scientific and Technical Awards on Saturday (Feb. 13). It recognized 17 technologies represented by 55 individuals in a virtual ceremony hosted by filmmaker Nia DaCosta.
James Cameron paid tribute to the honorees, stating: “The motion picture innovation train never stops. Its progress is in fact vital to the art form. Technical advancement is disrupting the creative process at a breakneck pace. Filmmaking shouldn’t merely keep up, it has the power to lead.”
The honorees also included three women: Hayley Iben of Pixar Animation Studios and Kelly Ward Hammel and Maryann Simmons of Walt Disney Animation Studio. This is particularly noteworthy as the technical achievements are mostly dominated by men. During the virtual ceremony, Kathleen Kennedy highlighted the achievements of women working in technical roles.
Oscars: Three Women From Disney and Pixar Among SciTech Awards Honorees Carolyn Giardina Oscar Statuettes
Seventeen scientific and technical developments representing 55 individuals including three women, which may be a first in a single season will be honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with Scientific and Technical Awards. The honorees and their work, which includes advancement in hair simulation and sound tech, will be recognized during a virtual presentation hosted by filmmaker Nia DaCosta (
Little Woods) on Feb. 13 starting at 1 p.m. PT on the Oscars’ website.
Science and technology for filmmaking is an area still largely dominated by men. In fact, since 1961, only 20 women have received Scientific and Technical Awards. This year three women will join that list: Hayley Iben, a simulation research engineer at Pixar Animation Studios, who will be honored as part of the Taz hair simulation tech team, as well as Kelly Ward Hammel,