Rhys Salcombe, originally from Aberystwyth, Wales, is a visual effects artist who has recently expressed his mixed feelings after his team secured an 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.
In a conversation with BBC Radio Wales, Salcombe expressed that being on stage as the team’s representative remained a considerable honor. He highlighted that the victory was a testament to the efforts of almost 2,000 individuals who played a role in creating the film’s visual effects, underscoring the collaborative effort necessary to accomplish such success. “It’s not merely about the four of us who were on that stage,” he commented. “It’s about everyone who contributed to making it happen, and I’m proud to be included in that acknowledgment.”
Salcombe’s path to a career in visual effects was rooted in the picturesque region of Ceredigion, where he spent his childhood. He credited his love for film to the breathtaking surroundings he enjoyed growing up and his parents’ support, who exposed him to cinema from a young age. “The natural beauty around me truly motivated me to capture it with a camera,” he shared. This early interest in film, along with years of refining his skills, ultimately paved the way for his involvement in significant Hollywood projects.
Salcombe’s journey into the world of visual effects began in the scenic landscapes of Ceredigion, where he grew up. He attributed his passion for film to the natural beauty he experienced as a child and the encouragement of his parents, who introduced him to cinema at an early age. “Being surrounded by nature really inspired me to capture beauty through a camera lens,” he said. His early exposure to film, combined with years of honing his craft, eventually led him to work on major Hollywood productions.
The artist admitted that the whirlwind of events surrounding the Oscars has been overwhelming. He described the night of the ceremony and the subsequent celebrations as a blur, noting that the magnitude of the achievement has yet to sink in fully. Despite the chaos, he remains optimistic about what lies ahead and is already looking forward to future projects.
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.
Salcombe’s experience at the Oscars also highlighted the critical role teamwork plays in the film industry. He explained that visual effects require immense coordination among hundreds, sometimes thousands, of professionals. The recognition his team received, he said, was a testament to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved.
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.
