WAR OF THE WORLDS - GORILLAS + ALIENS TRIUMPH AT VISUAL EFFECTS OSCARS

KING KONG and WAR OF THE WORLDS were the big winners at the fourth annual Visual Effects Society Awards on Wednesday night (15FEB06).

Both film claimed three honours to lead the Hollywood event.

King Kong claimed Best Visual Effects, Environment Award and Best Animated Creature in a Live-action Picture, while the alien invasion drama won awards for Best Composition, Best Models + Miniatures and the coveted Best Single Visual Effect - for a scene in which extras flee as invaders from space attack earth.

But the highlight of the evening was an emotional tribute to Pixar boss JOHN LASSETER, who was honoured with one of the night's Lifetime Achievement Awards.