At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 3, 2025, Gerd Nefzer, renowned for his work in visual effects, made history by becoming the first German to win three Oscars. Nefzer, alongside his teammates Paul Lambert, Stephen James, and Rhys Salcombe, received the coveted award for their outstanding work on Dune: Part Two at the star-studded event held at Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles.
With great joy, the 59-year-old Nefzer, who hails from Schwäbisch Hall, began his acceptance speech with heartfelt words: "Dankeschön, das ist grossartig" ("Thank you, this is great"). The moment was not only significant for him personally but also represented a new milestone for German cinema on the global stage.
Nefzer's win is particularly historic as he surpasses other distinguished German filmmakers and artists, including Luise Rainer and Hans Zimmer, who each won two Oscars during their illustrious careers. Nefzer previously won the Academy Award for Visual Effects for Blade Runner 2049 in 2018 and for the first installment of Dune in 2022.
The Oscar for Best Visual Effects was presented by actresses Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler, who are known for their upcoming Disney film Snow White. Nefzer’s commitment to excellence alongside his fellow nominees reflects the dedication prevalent within the film industry.
Despite Nefzer's triumph, this year’s Academy Awards were not as favorable for other German nominees. The film Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums, directed by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasulof and representing Germany, did not win the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Likewise, the talented German costume designer Lisy Christl and composer Volker Bertelmann, nominated for their work on Konklave, returned home empty-handed. Also left disappointed were the screenwriters, including Moritz Binder, whose film September 5 failed to secure any awards.
The evening was filled with high hopes, yet as the awards were announced, it became evident how competitive and challenging the Academy Awards can be. Each nominee poured their heart and soul, but only one could walk away with the coveted gold statuette. Nefzer’s win certainly brought pride and recognition to German filmmaking on this global platform.
Looking to the future, Nefzer has plans for his newly earned Oscar. "I already know where I’m going to place it," he shared, hinting at the personal significance of the award beyond its prestigious recognition. The heartwarming moments during his acceptance speech and the overwhelming support from fans and fellow filmmakers highlight the spirit of collaboration and creative brilliance driving the film industry.
With each award, Nefzer solidifies his legacy within the film community, representing the innovation and creativity of Germany. His relentless pursuit of excellence serves as inspiration for future generations of filmmakers eager to follow his footsteps and potentially make their mark at the Academy Awards.
This year, the Oscars spotlighted Nefzer’s achievements and marked another chapter for the recognition of German talent on the world stage.