WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |Former Cashton man wins Oscar

Former Cashton man wins Oscar

CASHTON, Wisconsin (WXOW)- A former Cashton man makes a bit of Oscar history.   

Tim Hawkins was awarded an Oscar in the Scientific and Technical division on February 20th in Beverly Hills.  His parents, James and Sheri Hawkins, still reside in Cashton.

Hawkins, along with Paul Debevec, John Monos and Dr. Marc Sagar, were recognized  for the design and engineering of the LightStage capture devices and the image-based facial rendering system developed for character relighting in motion pictures. These capturing devices allow the creation of realistic digital faces as they would appear in any lighting condition.

The technology was used in a number of films including Spiderman 2 and 3 and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button according to a company release. 

After graduating from Cashton High School, Hawkins, now 40, went on to study at the University of Michigan where he received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He then went on to work at the University of Southern California Institute of Creative technology.  Hawkins met and became friends with Debevec while in school, which eventually led to his work in Hollywood. 

The Scientific and Technical Oscars are given to those making significant improvements in motion picture production and exhibition. These Oscar awards happen two weeks before the better known Oscar ceremonies.  This year's awards were presented by actress Elizabeth Banks.

Tim Hawkins currently lives in Los Angeles and works for LightStage, LLC.

Tim Hawkins, on the far left, receives his Academy Award for his work in Hollywood.  Photo courtesy of AMPAS.