CALIFORNIA January 13, 2026 – In a testament to the innovative visual storytelling in modern superhero cinema, DC Studios’ “Superman,” directed by James Gunn, has secured four nominations at the 24th Annual Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards.
The awards, set to take place on February 25, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, celebrate excellence in visual effects across film, television, and other media.
Released in 2025, the film reimagines the iconic Man of Steel with a fresh blend of heart, action, and cutting-edge VFX, earning praise for its seamless integration of photorealistic elements. The nominations highlight specific achievements by the visual effects team, including contributions from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), which received a total of 16 nods across various projects this year.
The recognized categories for “Superman” are:
- Outstanding Character in a Photoreal Feature – Krypto: This nomination spotlights the creation of Krypto the Superdog, brought to life by VFX artists Xiying Zhai, Enrique Mateo-Sagasta, Loic Mireault, Martine Chartrand, and Marianne Morency. vesglobal.org The adorable yet powerful canine companion adds emotional depth and whimsy to the narrative.
- Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project – The Fortress of Solitude: Credited to Michael Smale, Sam Sharplin, Joe W. Churchill, Jacqi Dillon, Crystal Bretz, Martin Pelissier, Klaudio Ladavac, and Conner Wessinger, this category honors the intricate design and rendering of Superman’s icy Arctic sanctuary.
- Outstanding Effects Simulations in a Photoreal Feature – Metropolis City Destruction: The team of Rick Hankins, Marcel Kern, Eric Hollands, Masoud Aziminajjar, Nicholas Illingworth, Sarah C. Farmer, James Robinson, and Ryan Bowden is recognized for the dynamic and realistic depiction of urban chaos and destruction.
- Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in a Feature – Fights and Metropolis City Destruction: Amaury Rospars, Can Chang, Nicolas Caillier, and Bryan Smeall are nominated for their masterful work in blending live-action footage with digital elements during intense battle sequences.
While “Avatar: Fire and Ash” leads the pack with 10 nominations, “Superman’s” strong showing underscores DC’s commitment to pushing visual boundaries in the superhero genre. Other notable contenders include “The Lost Bus” and “Tron: Ares,” reflecting a diverse year in VFX innovation.
James Gunn, who also serves as co-CEO of DC Studios, has yet to comment publicly on the nominations, but industry insiders anticipate this recognition could boost the film’s awards season momentum. Fans and critics alike have lauded the movie’s effects for elevating classic Superman lore into a visually stunning spectacle.
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