The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, has congratulated Dublin animator, Richie Baneham on winning an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects last night in LA for his work on James Cameron’s 'Avatar'.
The Minister said "Richard is one of Ireland's most accomplished animators and winning this much-coveted award is a great personal success and a further recognition of the talent available in the Irish film industry either working at home or abroad.
"Both Richard's Academy Award and his recent BAFTA will inspire young Irish creative animators and all those working in, and committed to art, design and the digital media in Ireland."
Meanwhile Simon Perry, the Chief Executive of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ the Irish Film Board said "The Academy has already acknowledged the exceptional talent of Irish filmmakers with five Irish nominations but for Richard to win an Oscar is international recognition at the highest level.
"We are delighted for Richard and his team. It is inspiring to see that the fires of Irish talent continue to burn as brightly as ever. This award is a further reinforcement of Ireland's reputation for creativity and innovation."
