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-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