Wellington-based Wētā FX has earned two nominations at the BAFTAs for their groundbreaking visual effects work on Better Man and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Better Man, a biopic of Robbie Williams directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), reimagines the British pop star as a CGI chimpanzee. Wētā FX artists Luke Millar, David Clayton, and Keith Herft were nominated in the Best Special Visual Effects category for their remarkable work in translating actor Jonno Davies’ movements into a chimpanzee embodying Williams’ distinct mannerisms and voice. The team also recreated 226 costumes and 50 hairstyles from various stages of Williams’ life, all through digital artistry.
Another Wētā FX team—comprising Erik Winquist, Paul Story, and Stephen Unterfranz—secured a nomination in the same category for their contributions to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner), the film features intricately designed ape characters and digitally crafted environments.
“We are incredibly proud of our teams’ work and are delighted to see their commitment, innovative thinking, and creativity recognised on the global stage by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts,” said Wētā FX interim chief executive David Wright.
Both films will compete in the Best Special Visual Effects category against formidable contenders, including Dune: Part Two, Wicked, and Gladiator II.
This year, the Papal thriller Conclave leads the nominations at Britain’s prestigious film awards, following a trend where BAFTA winners often go on to claim Oscars as well.
