Alias, the world's leading provider of 3D graphics technology today extended congratulations to its esteemed customers on their Oscar® nominations. The Oscar award-winning Maya® 3D animation software played an integral role in the making of all three films nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the "Best Visual Effects" category: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban®; I, Robot and Spider-Man® 2.

"Our customers have once again used Maya to create characters and special effects that help immerse the viewer in the cinematic experience; we're pleased to see their great work recognized with Academy Award nominations," said Doug Walker, Alias President.

Alias' Maya was also used extensively for modeling, rigging, animation, lighting and rendering in the animated short Ryan, an Oscar® nominee in the "Best Animated Short Film" category. Directed by former Alias employee Chris Landreth, Ryan is a highly imaginative 3D-animated film tribute to Canadian animator Ryan Larkin. This is Landreth's second Oscar® nomination – his animated short – The End (released in 1995) – was produced during his tenure at Alias.

"Ryan is an incredible achievement, having already received numerous international awards. We congratulate our friend on his Oscar nomination, thank all those who helped Chris make this film, and wish him the best of luck," Walker continued.

The winners will be announced at the 77th Annual Academy Awards® presentation on February 27, 2005 at the Kodak® Theatre in Hollywood.

About Alias
As the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias develops award-winning software, custom development and training solutions for the film and video, games, web, interactive media, automotive, industrial design, education and visualization markets. On March 1, 2003, for the awards year 2002, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded Alias|Wavefront™ an Oscar® for scientific and technical achievement for the development of Maya software, the professional 3D animation and effects package. Alias also offers a powerful range of services for new to advanced users in the most demanding environments. Learning Tools and training, support, and professional services help meet rigorous production deadlines.