Oscars 2011

Why David Fincher Is the Best Design Thinker in Hollywood

BY John Pavlus | 03-01-2011 | 7:19 PM | SNUBS

People flipped out when Christopher Nolan wasn't nominated for an Oscar, but it was David Fincher -- director of The Social Network -- who really got robbed during Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony. Instead of rewarding the ... READ MORE›

Rise of Neurocinema: How Hollywood Studios Harness Your Brainwaves to Win Oscars

BY Kevin Randall | 02-25-2011 | 5:38 PM | DESIGN

One thing you aren't likely to hear Sunday night from the Oscar-winning producer after accepting the trophy for Best Picture: "I'd like to thank my neuroscience partners who helped us enhance the film's script, characters, and scenes." It's not that far-fetched, though.READ MORE›

For Winklevoss, Olympic Glory and Moral High Ground Ease the Facebook Sting

BY Austin Carr | 02-25-2011 | 2:57 PM | ETHONOMICS

Cameron Winklevoss dissects "The Social Network," and discusses how Facebook is only the first chapter in a story that will be defined by Olympic and entrepreneurial achievement. Part one of a two-part series. READ MORE›

Fast Company's Alternate Oscars of Innovation

BY David Zax | 02-25-2011 | 1:14 PM | EDITORS PICKS

Sunday marks the 83rd annual Academy Awards. And while we doubt members of the Academy vote this way, we couldn't help but take a look at this year's Best Picture nominees through the lens of innovation. Which movie brought plot to ... READ MORE›

Daryl Hannah Wants the Movies to Quit Smoking

BY Jenara Nerenberg | 02-25-2011 | 7:07 AM | ETHONOMICS

Public health advocates have tried for years, but now celebs are taking matters into their own hands. As the Oscars approach, the Splash star is backing an anti-cigarette flick that shows screenwriters how to break the habit.READ MORE›

Dolby Laboratories and the 3-D Movie Sound Revolution

BY E.B. Boyd | 02-25-2011 | 4:22 AM | INNOVATION

On Sunday, Pixar's animated hit, Toy Story 3, goes for a Best Picture Oscar. And it was an innovative new series of sound channels that let Buzz Lightyear be even buzzier. READ MORE›

Autodesk: The Secret Star Behind Oscar-Winning Visual Effects

BY E.B. Boyd | 02-25-2011 | 4:03 AM | INNOVATION

Autodesk is known for its CAD software. Less well known are its Media & Entertainment tools, which have been used in every Visual Effects Oscar-winning movie for the last 15 years.READ MORE›

The Frumpy Oscar Envelope Gets a Hollywood Makeover

BY Suzanne LaBarre | 02-23-2011 | 2:28 PM | MARC FRIEDLAND

For the past 70 years, the names of Academy Award winners have been sealed in unremarkable little envelopes presenters have no qualms tearing open and leaving aside like some discarded fruit rind. Now, the homely Oscar envelope is ... READ MORE›

"Inside Job" Filmmaker Charles Ferguson Hopes to Help Send Bankers to Jail

BY Linda Tischler | 10-05-2010 | 12:27 PM | ETHONOMICS

"This has cost the American people trillions of dollars," Ferguson tells Fast Company. If only he were talking about his film and not the deception behind the financial crisis.READ MORE›