Alias|Wavefront’s Kevin Tureski, GM Maya engineering, and Doug Walker, president, were presented an Oscar by actress Kate Hudson in Los Angeles on March 1. The Toronto 3D animation and F/X software provider received the award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for scientific and technical achievement for the development of Maya software.

In his acceptance speech, Tureski thanked A|W staffers past and present. ‘You’ve created a tool that has helped remove barriers to creative storytelling,’ he said.

Walker praised the company’s customers: ‘You have helped us to define, refine and extend Maya over the years… With you, Maya has become the tool of choice for bringing 3D magic to the movies.’

A|W is planning a large presence at NAB2003 (see story, p. 16).