Cleaning up: AI-powered denoisers win Academy Sci-Tech Awards

The Academy Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony is spotlighting significant behind-the-scenes innovations transforming Hollywood’s technical landscape. These awards recognize 37 recipients for 14 achievements spanning crucial film production technologies—from enhanced fire stunt safety systems to machine learning denoisers that streamline rendering processes. The recognition comes as the Academy also establishes new guidelines for human creative authorship in the era of Generative AI, highlighting the evolving relationship between technological innovation and traditional filmmaking craftsmanship.

The big picture: The 2025 Scientific and Technical Awards will honor innovations across multiple film production disciplines that directly enhance creative possibilities and improve on-set safety protocols.

• Hosted by “Andor” star Diego Luna, the April 29 ceremony at the Academy Museum will recognize achievements ranging from fire stunt safety to camera stabilization and ML-powered rendering tools.
• The Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the organization’s mission to “celebrate artistry and innovation in filmmaking” through these recognitions.

Key innovations recognized: The Scientific and Engineering Awards (plaques) highlight transformative technologies enhancing film production workflows and safety.

• Jayson Dumenigo’s Action Factory Hydrogels enable stunt performers to safely experience longer burns at higher temperatures, expanding creative possibilities for action sequences.
• Disney’s ML Denoiser team (Thijs Vogels, Fabrice Rousselle, David Adler, Gerhard Röthlin, and Mark Meyer) is being honored for their machine learning solution that significantly speeds up rendering processes.
• Camera stabilization systems receiving recognition include the ARRI Trinity 2, the Steadicam Volt, and the hand-held Stabileye three-axis motorized system.

Technical Achievement Awards: Certificate recipients are being recognized for advancements in physical simulation, rendering technology, and specialized production equipment.

• The Ziva VFX team (Essex Edwards, James Jacobs, Jernej Barbic, Crawford Doran, and Andrew van Straten) developed improved skin and muscle simulation technology for digital characters.
• Burn gel innovations from Neeme Vaino (Fireskin360) and the team of Dustin Brooks and Colin Decker created safer stunt systems for performers.
• Camera movement technologies receiving recognition include the NACMO series of modular motion bases, the Ronin 2 gimbal system, and Mōvi gimbals.

Behind the scenes: The Academy recently updated its rules regarding AI tools in filmmaking, demonstrating how the organization is addressing technological innovation alongside creative human contributions.

• The Academy’s Science and Technology Council has approved new rules specifically addressing human creative authorship in relation to Generative AI and other digital production tools.
• This regulatory update underscores the film industry’s ongoing negotiation between embracing technological advancement and preserving the human artistic elements of filmmaking.