Arrival was an uncommonly great and intelligent sci-fi film that didn’t resort to the many clichés that so many alien movies rely upon. It was also a modest box office hit this fall despite the strong competition. Now that the Oscar race is beginning to take shape, Arrival could be nominated for more than just its visual accomplishments. Nonetheless, Oblique FX is making the case for a potential Academy Award nomination with an FX reel for the stunningly shot film.

If you haven’t seen Arrival yet, there aren’t too many spoilers in this two-and-a-half minute compilation of clips. Nor are there any glimpses of the aliens themselves. Presumably that means the aliens were either created by another FX company or perhaps the studio didn’t want to show them off outside of the movie. Regardless, the focus of the video largely falls on the creation of the alien spaceships that had a deceptively simple design. The visual effects artists managed to use the familiar shape of the ships while still conveying the otherworldly aspects.

The FX reel also revealed more of the subtle effects that were included in the film. Most of the main performers and background players were present in these shots, but the military equipment and many of the vehicles and buildings were CGI creations that may have gone unnoticed by most moviegoers. We’ve always felt that some of the best special effects are the ones that the audience doesn’t immediately pick up on. Those subtle touches are crucial.

What did you think about the Arrival FX reel? And do you believe that the film will pick up a few Oscar nominations or awards? Share your predictions in the comment section below!

Image: Oblique FX/Paramount Pictures