Rhys Salcombe, originally from Aberystwyth, Wales, is a visual effects artist who has recently expressed his mixed feelings after his team secured an Oscar for Best Visual Effects for Dune: Part Two.
. Although he conveyed pride in their achievement and appreciation for the acknowledgment of his team’s efforts, he confessed to feeling let down by not getting the chance to deliver a speech at the ceremony.
Salcombe, a creative professional with Welsh-Canadian roots, was present on stage alongside three of his coworkers to accept the esteemed award. However, due to the brief time allowed for speeches, he was unable to express his gratitude or thoughts. Looking back on the event, he termed it as regrettable but recognized the significance of letting his colleagues speak, especially since some had missed out on such chances previously.
In a conversation with BBC Radio Wales, Salcombe mentioned that being on stage as a team representative was a considerable honor. He highlighted that the victory represented the dedication of almost 2,000 individuals who worked on the film’s visual effects, underscoring the teamwork essential for such success. “It’s not merely about the four of us on that stage,” he stated. “It’s about everyone who contributed, and I’m proud to be part of that acknowledgment.”
Speaking with BBC Radio Wales, Salcombe explained that representing the team on stage was still a significant honor. He noted how the win symbolized the hard work of nearly 2,000 people who contributed to the film’s visual effects, emphasizing the collaborative spirit required to achieve such a feat. “It’s not just about the four of us standing on that stage,” he remarked. “It’s about everyone who made it possible, and I’m proud to be part of that recognition.”
The artist confessed that the flurry of activities surrounding the Oscars has been quite overwhelming. He depicted the evening of the event and the following celebrations as a hazy experience, mentioning that the enormity of the achievement has not entirely registered yet. Despite the whirlwind, he stays positive about the future and is eager to embark on upcoming endeavors.
When inquired about the potential of a third installment in the Dune series,
When asked about the possibility of a third installment in the Dune
universe, he did not dismiss the possibility altogether, playfully remarking that bringing in a vast amount of sand would be necessary to make it feasible.
Salcombe’s Oscar experience underscored the essential role of collaboration in the film industry. He noted that producing visual effects demands extensive coordination among hundreds, if not thousands, of professionals. The acknowledgment his team earned, he remarked, served as a tribute to the dedication and creativity of all those involved.
Even though he felt disappointed about not speaking to the audience during the ceremony, Salcombe continues to appreciate the chance to represent his team on such a prominent stage. He hopes his journey will motivate other aspiring artists from Wales and elsewhere to follow careers in the creative fields.
Despite his disappointment over not being able to address the audience during the ceremony, Salcombe remains grateful for the opportunity to represent his colleagues on such a grand stage. He hopes that his story will inspire other aspiring artists from Wales and beyond to pursue careers in the creative industries.
As the dust settles from the Oscars, Salcombe is already thinking about his next steps. For now, he is taking time to reflect on the journey that brought him to this point, expressing gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and collaborators. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Salcombe’s contributions to the world of visual effects have cemented his place as a rising star in the industry.
