Computer Science Professor Wins Oscar Nod

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named computer science and engineering professor Demetri Terzopoulos as the recipient of an Academy Award for Technical Achievement.

The award, which Terzopoulos will share with colleague John Platt at Microsoft, has been awarded for pioneering work in physically-based computer-generated techniques used to simulate realistic cloth in motion pictures.

The pair's 1987 paper, “Elastically Deformable Models” was a milestone in computer graphics, introducing the concept of physically-based techniques to simulate moving, deforming objects.

Unlike other Academy Awards, achievements receiving scientific and technical awards do not have to have been developed and introduced during 2005. Devices are only considered if they have a proven track record of continued successful use in the film industry.

The award will be presented to Terzopoulos on Saturday, February 18.

For more information on Terzopoulos' work, click here.