Richard Baneham's Oscar success was being marked today in the Dublin college where he began studying animation over 30 years ago.
In the halls of Ballyfermot College today there was a sense of excitement. This is where Richard Baneham set out to learn his craft.
Since then, he has now established himself at the top of his game.
His win last night, for visual effects for Avatar: The Way Of Water, is the second time he's won an Academy Award.
"It's just amazing," said Cecilia Munro, Principal of Ballyfermot College of Further Education.
"We're a small college in the middle of Dublin that has international success. We're in a very disadvantaged area, economically, in Dublin, yet we turn out students that can achieve success.
"And that's because we let them do what they like to do. We let them be creative, let them develop and foster and nurture them," she said.
The college is well used to success. Beside the Avatar poster that hangs on the wall, is a picture of the crew from the renowned Cartoon Saloon. All were students there in the early 1990s.
For Richard Baneham, his time there stretched from 1990-1994.
At the desks where he once sat, today's students said he is someone to look up to.
"It's kind of amazing," says Daniel Kennedy. "It's the biggest film in the world and it comes from a fella from Tallaght who went to college in Ballyfermot. Yeah, it's kind of inspiring."
For former classmates, the now two-time Oscar winner is remembered fondly.
"He was a nice guy, a friendly guy," says Tracy Gill. "I think it's just a great inspiration for the students here now that anything's possible... So well done Richie!"
