My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Nine: Best Visual Effects in a Film)

Most visual effects tend to rely on spectacles and theatrics to prove the newest technological advances in film. And while that is not a feat that should be discouraged, a film that uses these aids to seamlessly tell a story without a viewer’s distraction is awe inspiring. The impact attributed to the early years of the titled (The Curious of) Benjamin Button is so much more rewarding than most giant robots or orchestrated war scenes.

Other Notable Nominees: Iron Man & Speed Racer

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Eight: Best Film Editing)

While various other aspects contributed also the warmth of Slumdog Millionaire, the fanatic energy of the film’s story relied a lot on the choices made in editing. From the first childhood flashback of meeting a movie star to the final moment of the title character’s realization of what his life has amounted to, the choices in what to show us never veered away from the emotional journey of the story.

Other Notable Nominees: Cassandra's Dream, Frost/Nixon, Milk & Wall-E

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Seven: Best Cinematography in a Film)

Painting an elaborate epic with many tones and shades, the job accomplished in this film by Mandy Walker in Australia captured the pure old Hollywood envisioned by the director. And while the lush canvas is a tribute, the ability to assist with the many emotional aspects of the scenes were something of a spectacle altogether for the modern world.

Other Notable Nominees: The Dark Knight, The Fall, Revolutionary Road & Slumdog Millionaire

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Six: Best Make Up Design in a Film)

Aging makeup is never easy. Accomplishing it convincingly is one thing, mastering it is another. Case in point, working with Blanchett’s palette from ages 20(!) to practically her deathbed is a hard enough task in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but doing without causing a distraction takes a new set of skills altogether. I would use Pitt as an example, but I’m convinced more than ever you can’t make that man look bad.

Other Notable Nominees: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian & The Dark Knight

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Five: Best Costume Design in a Film)

A close one, but the countless couture featured in The Fall won out. Anything worn by Sister Evelyn should be submitted to Costume Design Hall of Fame- especially the lavender floral dress. Along with the precise execution of the costumes worn by our group of heroes and those hooded henchmen, the contrast between the real world and the fantasy world became even more visually lyrical.

Other Notable Nominees: Australia, The Duchess, Revolutionary Road & Sex and the City: The Movie

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Four: Best Art Direction in a Film)

Standouts from this film of endless lavish sets include the Chinese charity ball and detailed town of Darwin and its ports. Having the range of an intimate set such as campgrounds and Faraway Downs to elaborate set pieces such as war-torn streets and Missionary Island while not missing a beat is definitely a fest for the eyes. Ever a daunting task, a Baz Luhrmann film requires the mind of Catherine Martin to carry out the scope of an epic as big as Australia.

Other Notable Nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Fall, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull & Wall-E

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Three: Best Sound Design in a Film)

Much like Speed Racer himself, closing our eyes during this visually dominant film would result in opening our mind to what else the film has to offer. You literally visualize each sharp turn from left to right, each landscape environment down to the little details and of course, the speed of the race itself as if those tricked out vehicles were actually zooming right by.

Other Notable Nominees: Cloverfield, The Dark Knight, Quantum of Solace & Wall-E

My Peterio Awards (Part Thirty-Two: Best Original Film Score)

Never letting the tension of the focused dilemma go, Philip Glass instead heightens it by his orchestrations with an abundance of string instruments for our uncomfortable pleasure. Tragic and hopeful at the same time, the closing piece allows for a reflective response from moviegoers while absorbing the story of brothers Ian & Terry in Cassandra's Dream.

Other Notable Nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Slumdog Millionaire & Wall-E