The visual effects community gathered at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on February 25, 2026, to celebrate the boundary-pushing artistry of the past year. Hosted by the Sklar Brothers, the 24th Annual Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards proved once again that the line between imagination and reality is thinner than ever.

From the glowing reefs of Pandora to the immersive spectacle of the Las Vegas Sphere, here are the major moments that defined the night.

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Avatar: Fire and Ash Sets the Room Ablaze

It was a historic night for James Cameron’s latest masterpiece. Avatar: Fire and Ash absolutely dominated the field, taking home seven awards, including the evening’s top prize: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.

The film was also recognized for its technical leaps, winning the Emerging Technology Award for its “Kora” fire toolset and Outstanding Character for the leader of the Ash Clan, Varang. With this sweep, the film has firmly cemented itself as the heavy favorite for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Animation’s New Golden Anthem: KPop Demon Hunters

In the world of animation, Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters proved it is a force to be reckoned with. After a record-breaking sweep at the Annie Awards just days prior, it secured three VES trophies, including Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature. The character Rumi also danced away with the award for Outstanding Character in an Animated Feature.

Small Screens, Big Impacts

Television categories saw fierce competition, with Andor and Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age emerging as multiple winners. Meanwhile, a unique category captured everyone’s attention: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project. The win went to The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, an immersive experience that reimagined the 1939 classic for the world’s most advanced screen.

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Legends Among Us: Lifetime Achievement & Visionary Awards

The night wasn’t just about the projects; it was about the pioneers.

• Jerry Bruckheimer received the VES Lifetime Achievement Award. With a career spanning over 50 years—from Top Gun to Pirates of the Caribbean—Bruckheimer’s influence on how VFX is used as a core storytelling tool is unparalleled.
• Sir Richard Taylor, co-founder of Wētā Workshop, was honored with the VES Visionary Award. Taylor, a five-time Oscar winner, delivered a touching speech reminding the audience that great work stems from “love of what you do and who you do it with.”

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What’s Next?

As the biggest winners often predicts the Academy’s choice, all eyes are now on Avatar: Fire and Ash. Will James Cameron’s latest epic claim the gold, or can a dark horse pull off an upset?

We want to hear from you!

1. Which of the winning projects had the most “how did they do that?” moment for you this year?
2. Do you think Avatar: Fire and Ash is a lock for the Best Visual Effects Oscar, or is there another film that deserves the win?