What does it take for a visual effects studio to win an Oscar? For Namit Malhotra, the mastermind behind DNEG, it took vision, dedication, and an exceptional team that pushed the boundaries of cinematic creativity. At the 97th Academy Awards, DNEG clinched its 7th Oscar for Best Visual Effects for its groundbreaking work on Dune: Part Two.
But that’s not all—this award marks yet another milestone for Namit Malhotra and his studio, and with this victory, they have once again proven that they are at the top of the VFX world. But what does this victory mean for the future of visual effects in film? Let’s dive into this incredible achievement!
The Oscars: Dune’s Moment of Glory
In the heart of Hollywood, at the Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, DNEG was celebrated with the prestigious Oscar for Best Visual Effects for their work on Dune: Part Two, a film that dazzled audiences with its immersive visuals and groundbreaking effects. As Paul Lambert, Stephen James, and Rhys Salcombe took the stage, alongside Gerd Nefzer, to accept the award, the recognition was not just for a film, but for the tireless efforts of the DNEG team spread across the globe.
For Namit Malhotra, the Founder of Prime Focus and CEO of DNEG, this win is more than just a personal triumph; it’s the culmination of years of dedication and leadership. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Malhotra credited the visionary leadership of Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune: Part Two, and the collaborative efforts of the entire crew.
DNEG’s Legacy of Excellence
Since 2011, DNEG has collected 7 Oscars for Visual Effects, solidifying its position as the go-to partner for filmmakers seeking cinematic innovation. With past wins for films like Inception (2011), Interstellar (2015), and Blade Runner 2049 (2018), DNEG’s journey from a humble studio to an industry titan has been marked by continuous creative excellence. The victory for Dune: Part Two adds to their already impressive list of accomplishments.
And the accolades didn’t stop at the Oscars—DNEG also walked away with multiple awards at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards, the Visual Effects Society Awards, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance Astra Awards. These awards prove that DNEG has not only earned recognition but is also setting new benchmarks in the world of visual effects.
Behind the Scenes: Dune’s Stunning VFX
What makes the visual effects in Dune: Part Two stand out? It’s the seamless blend of creativity and technology that brings this cinematic universe to life. From the vast deserts of Arrakis to the intricate details of futuristic architecture, the VFX team at DNEG elevated Denis Villeneuve’s vision, pushing boundaries of what’s possible in film.
Rhys Salcombe, VFX Supervisor for Dune: Part Two, expressed his excitement, acknowledging the hard work of the team. He said, “It’s a direct result of the passion and effort that went into the project and speaks to the skill and craft of the hundreds of artists and technicians around the world that contributed.”
What’s Next for DNEG?
As DNEG continues to receive recognition and praise, the future looks incredibly bright for the company. Namit Malhotra and his team have proven once again that they are leaders in the VFX industry, and their work will only continue to shape the future of cinema. With upcoming projects like the highly anticipated Ramayana film, DNEG is poised to once again captivate global audiences with stunning visual effects that will leave a lasting impact on the industry.
The 97th Academy Awards marked a historic moment for DNEG as they triumphed with their 7th Oscar win for Best Visual Effects for Dune: Part Two. With visionary leadership from Namit Malhotra, DNEG continues to set new standards for visual storytelling in cinema. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of film will continue to be shaped by the groundbreaking work coming out of DNEG—and we can’t wait to see what they’ll bring next.