Earlier this week, the nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards were announced, which will take place on April 25th 2021. One film in particular continued to make history with their six Oscar Nominations: Judas and the Black Messiah, an American biographical drama, which tells the story of the Black Panther Party Illinois chapter in the late 60’s. With global VFX company Zoic Studios contributing to invisible visual effects that shape the story, the drama was nominated for ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Supporting Actor’(Daniel Kaluuya and LeKeith Stanfield),’Best Original Screenplay’, ‘Best Cinematography’, and ‘Best Original Song’. Not only does this Film have the second most nominations for this year’s Oscars, but it’s also the first time a film with an all-Black production team has been nominated for Best Picture.
Synopsis
FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands? Click HERE to see the effects in action.
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world’s largest group of Black film critics, named “Judas and the Black Messiah” as Best Picture. In addition to Best Picture, the film also earned two additional awards for Best Actor for Daniel Kaluuya and Best Supporting Actress for Dominique Fishback.
About Zoic Studios
Zoic Studios is an entertainment company based in Culver City, California, New York, NY and Vancouver, B.C., which creates computer-generated visual effects for film, television, commercials and video games.
“Visual Evolution” is their mission: to evolve the story, art, and technology of the moving image. Zoic’s accomplished artists and producers understand story, process, technique and relationships. Their team has a proven track record of success in a range of media including episodic, film, commercials and gaming. Masters in the fields of 3D, Compositing, and Production Management, their elite reputation attracts additional talent and encourages a strong work ethic. Zoic’s relationships with its clients are deep and long-lasting. The company is known for results-driven excellence in all endeavors.