Martin Scorsese, whose highly anticipated mob drama “The Irishman” makes its world premiere at the New York Film Festival on Sept. 27, has been named recipient of the VES Lifetime Achievement Award by the Visual Effects Society.
The award will be presented at the 18th Annual VES Awards on Jan. 29, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
While the VES Lifetime Achievement Award is presented for an entire body of work “that has significantly contributed to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry,” according to a VES release, this presentation is timed to Netflix’s “The Irishman,” which uses visual effects technology to de-age its actors, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.
The award was voted by the VES board of directors. In a statement, VES board chair Mike Chambers called Scorsese “one of the most influential filmmakers in modern history” who “has made an indelible mark on filmed entertainment … His intuitive vision and fiercely innovative direction has given rise to a new era of storytelling and has made a profound impact on future generations of filmmakers.”
Scorsese’s films include “Mean Streets,” “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Departed” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Among his past work, “Hugo” has won a VES Award and “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator” and “The Wolf of Wall Street” have been nominated.
Past winners of the VES Lifetime Achievement Award include George Lucas, James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Stan Lee and Ray Harryhausen.