Rhys Salcombe, a visual effects artist from Aberystwyth, Wales, recently expressed his complex feelings after his team secured the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for Dune: Part Two.
Rhys Salcombe, a visual effects artist hailing from Aberystwyth, Wales, recently shared his mixed emotions following his team’s Oscar win for Best Visual Effects for Dune: Part Two
Salcombe, a creative professional with Welsh and Canadian roots, stood on stage alongside three of his coworkers to accept the esteemed award. Unfortunately, the short time available for speeches meant he couldn’t express his gratitude or thoughts. Looking back, he called it regrettable but recognized the need to let his team members speak, especially since some had missed chances to do so before.
Salcombe, a Welsh-Canadian creative professional, was on stage with three of his colleagues to receive the prestigious award. However, the limited time allotted for speeches meant that he did not get the opportunity to say his thanks or share his thoughts. Reflecting on the moment, he described it as unfortunate but acknowledged the importance of allowing his teammates to speak, particularly as some of them had missed similar opportunities in the past.
Speaking with BBC Radio Wales, Salcombe explained that representing the team on stage was still a significant honor. He noted how the win symbolized the hard work of nearly 2,000 people who contributed to the film’s visual effects, emphasizing the collaborative spirit required to achieve such a feat. “It’s not just about the four of us standing on that stage,” he remarked. “It’s about everyone who made it possible, and I’m proud to be part of that recognition.”
The artist confessed that the flurry of activities surrounding the Oscars has been quite overwhelming. He depicted the evening of the event and the following celebrations as a hazy experience, mentioning that the enormity of the achievement has not entirely registered yet. Despite the whirlwind, he stays positive about the future and is eager to embark on upcoming endeavors.
When inquired about the potential of a third installment in the Dune series,
series, Salcombe conveyed optimism about the team coming together once more for another movie. Although he humorously remarked that Aberystwyth, his hometown, might not serve as the perfect setting for the Dune
universe, he didn’t completely dismiss the notion, jokingly noting that a large quantity of sand would be necessary to make it feasible.
universe, he didn’t rule out the idea entirely, humorously commenting that a significant amount of sand would need to be imported to make it work.
Even though he felt disappointed about not speaking to the audience during the ceremony, Salcombe continues to appreciate the chance to represent his team on such a prominent stage. He hopes his journey will motivate other aspiring artists from Wales and elsewhere to follow careers in the creative fields.
Despite his disappointment over not being able to address the audience during the ceremony, Salcombe remains grateful for the opportunity to represent his colleagues on such a grand stage. He hopes that his story will inspire other aspiring artists from Wales and beyond to pursue careers in the creative industries.
As the dust settles from the Oscars, Salcombe is already thinking about his next steps. For now, he is taking time to reflect on the journey that brought him to this point, expressing gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and collaborators. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Salcombe’s contributions to the world of visual effects have cemented his place as a rising star in the industry.
