The Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, introduced as a competitive category in 1940 at the 12th Academy Awards, is presented annually for the best achievement in visual effects in a film from the previous year.
At the 1st Academy Awards, an award was given for Best Engineering Effects. From 1940 to 1963, the award encompassed audio effects in addition to visual effects. The award in its current form was established in 1964 at the 36th Academy Awards.
Sorted Chronologically by Awards Year. Winners in BOLD. Acceptance speech linked in Notes (where available).
UPDATED: May 2026
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AWARD RECORDS:
Most Awards: Dennis Muren (8)
Most Nominations: Dennis Muren (15)
Most Nominations Without a Win: Dan Sudick (13)
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CATEGORY NAME HISTORY:
1929: Engineering Effects
1940–1964: Special Effects*
1965–1972: Special Visual Effects*
1978–Present: Visual Effects*
*Special Achievement Awards were given in the following years: 1939, 1952–54, 1973–77, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1991
