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Oscar nominations for BU graduates

Bournemouth University graduates are joining in this year’s Oscar celebrations after being included in the nominations for the special effects category.

The celebrated graduates from the University’s National Centre for Computer Animation worked on four out of the five nominated blockbusters including Interstellar, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Computer animation lecturer, Sofronis Efstathiou celebrated the success of BU graduates and said he was proud of the former students.

Bournemouth graduates have a history of success at the Academy Awards, with BU graduates and academics contributing to the Oscar-winning special effects in Avatar, as well as last year’s space blockbuster, Gravity which saw 50 former AUB and BU students rocket Sandra Bullock and George Clooney into space.

BU Digital Effects graduate Sam Salek contributed to the hit film Guardians of the Galaxy. He said: “It’s always nice to see the work we have put into these projects rewarded. It’s a very rewarding job as everyone is so passionate.”

Mr Salek particularly praised Bournemouth University. He said: “Bournemouth is well known and has a very good reputation with the industry in London.”

Current second year Computer Visualization and Animation student Michael Michael finds these graduates inspiring. He said: “I definitely hope to emulate their success. Studying in Bournemouth University, in my opinion, is the best way I could start my career due to the teaching methods which are based on what the industry requires.”

Fellow second year Computer Animation student Kyran Bishop highlighted the importance of industry connections when choosing a university.

He said: “The connections that Bournemouth University has within the industry, and also the reputation of the NCCA amongst the animation community are definitely going to help us get jobs after university. The Oscar success previous graduates have had proves that.

“Its pretty incredible to see how far this university can get you.”