Gulid special honors: Alfonso Cuarón; James Schamus

The Visual Effects Society (VES), the industry’s professional honorary society, named acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón as the recipient of its Visionary Award in recognition of his extraordinary career, most recently including his landmark achievement on this year’s hugely acclaimed “Gravity.” The award will be presented at the 12th Annual VES Awards on February 12, 2014 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“Alfonso pushes the known boundaries of filmmaking,” said Jeffrey A. Okun, VES Board Chair. “He has been at the forefront in using visual effects to tell remarkable, highly nuanced stories that change the way we think about what is possible to achieve. Throughout his career, Alfonso has shown a rare talent for using cutting-edge technology to engage us in his deeply visceral storytelling and create unforgettable cinematic experiences.

 Cuarón made his feature film directorial debut in 1992 with “Sólo Con Tu Pareja,” the biggest box office hit in Mexico that year, which brought him an Ariel Award as the film’s co-writer. Cuarón made his American feature film debut in 1995 with the widely acclaimed “A Little Princess,” followed in 1998 by “Great Expectations.” He then wrote and directed “Y Tu Mamá También,” for which he received his first Oscar® nomination, for Best Original Screenplay, as well as BAFTA Award nominations for Best Foreign Film and Best Original Screenplay. He went on to helm “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the third film in the most successful motion picture franchise of all time. Cuarόn’s 2006 hit, “Children of Men,” was celebrated by critics and film fans for its groundbreaking techniques. The film brought two Oscar® nominations to Cuarón, for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing.

The co-founder and Former CEO of the Universal specialty division, Focus Features, and award-winning screenwriter, James Schamus, to be honoured with Evelyn F. Burkey Award at this year's Writers Guild of America awards ceremony on Feb  1.

During his time as Focus head Schamus championed writers who tackled important issues through films like Milk, Brokeback Mountain and Dallas Buyers Club. He is a beloved figure in the art-house world.

“As a writer, teacher and studio executive, James Schamus has honored the art of screenwriting and championed the work of his colleagues with commitment and taste, making him an excellent choice to receive the Burkey Award,” WGAE president Michael Winship said in a statement. “As a friend and associate, I am especially delighted that James is receiving this honor. The films he has written and overseen combine great style and substance, entertainment and purpose.”

Schamus was nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and won Best Screenplay at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival for The Ice Storm.