Gerd Nefzer: On the Cusp of Oscar Glory Again
Gerd Nefzer, a name synonymous with groundbreaking special effects in cinema, is once again poised to grace the Oscar stage. The German special effects artist, fresh from wrapping up filming in Budapest, is embarking on a whirlwind journey from his home in Schwäbisch Hall to Los Angeles, accompanied by his wife, Regina. The anticipation is palpable as he prepares for the 96th Academy Awards, where he stands a strong chance of adding another golden statuette to his already impressive collection.
"I hope the flight isn’t delayed," the 59-year-old shared with dpa in a brief telephone interview, highlighting the tight schedule he’s navigating. The prospect of claiming a third Oscar on Sunday is a thrilling possibility, a feeling he is already familiar with.
Nefzer’s previous Oscar wins cemented his status as a master of his craft. In 2018, he and his team earned the coveted award for their extraordinary work on "Blade Runner 2049," triumphing over the then frontrunner, "War for the Planet of the Apes." This victory highlighted their skill in creating immersive and believable futuristic environments. His second Oscar arrived in 2022 for the visually stunning science fiction epic, "Dune."
Now, after his third collaboration with visionary director Denis Villeneuve, Nefzer is once again in the running for his contributions to "Dune: Part Two." The film, lauded for its breathtaking visuals and immersive world-building, has already earned him and his team the prestigious BAFTA Award for Best Visual Effects in London just two weeks prior.
Industry insiders are optimistic about the team’s chances at the Oscars. "Yes, things look very good for us, but anything can happen," Nefzer cautiously acknowledges. He playfully notes the stiff competition, adding, "After all, we have ‘many apes’ as competition," referring to "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," one of the other nominees in the category.
Approaching his third potential Oscar appearance, the Swabian-born artist feels notably more relaxed. He explains that the experience is less daunting now that he is aware of the "crazy experience" that awaits on the red carpet and at the gala itself. "The first time, of course, was overwhelming, and you felt a little lost or anxious," he admits. This time around, he says, he is particularly looking forward to reuniting with Villeneuve and the rest of the "Dune" team.
"Dune: Part Two" has garnered a total of ten nominations, including Best Picture, showcasing its widespread critical acclaim and impact on the cinematic landscape. The visually arresting science fiction epic, starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, transports audiences to the desert planet Arrakis, where a fierce battle unfolds between powerful factions vying for control of the invaluable substance known as "spice." Filming took place in the vast deserts of Jordan and Abu Dhabi, as well as in studios in Budapest, providing a diverse and authentic backdrop for the film’s sprawling narrative. Nefzer and his crew were primarily responsible for crafting practical special effects, favoring hands-on techniques over relying solely on computer-generated imagery.
Describing the biggest challenge of the project, Nefzer points to the exhilarating action sequences involving a colossal sandworm ridden by Chalamet through the desert. To achieve this spectacle, they constructed an artificial dune atop four massive tubes, collapsing it precisely as the actor and stunt performers navigated the terrain. Villeneuve insisted on the visual authenticity of these scenes, aiming to create a truly believable cinematic experience.
The effects "worked wonderfully," Nefzer states, adding that the actors and stunt team endured considerable amounts of dust during filming. He recounts one particular day where they deployed an entire ton of sand to create the necessary visual impact.
Nefzer’s career in the film industry spans over three decades. A trained agricultural technician, he entered the business through his father-in-law’s company, which initially focused on renting out film cars and other props. The company subsequently expanded into special effects, becoming a successful family operation. "with the best team in the world," as Nefzer proudly proclaims.
Nefzer is constantly on the move, dividing his time between the company headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall, the branch office at the Babelsberg Studios in Potsdam, and film sets around the world. Currently, he keeps his two Oscars locked away in a safe. He admits that he occasionally takes them out, experiencing a wave of emotion each time he holds them.
"Eventually, they’ll stand on our tiled stove. There’s still a little space," the Oscar nominee jokes. That space might soon be filled if he brings home a third golden statuette on Sunday, adding another chapter to his extraordinary career in special effects. Nefzer’s dedication to his craft, combined with his innovative approach and collaborative spirit, has solidified his position as a leading figure in the film industry. He represents the power of practical effects to create immersive and unforgettable cinematic experiences.
