Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the 85th Academy Awards

OTTAWA, Feb. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadians are proud of our artists and creators who have once again represented our country so well at the Academy Awards.

Canadians who dedicate themselves to their art are a source of inspiration and pride. Our Government is pleased to celebrate Canadians whose outstanding work helps shape our collective identity and contributes significantly to our national economy.

I would like to applaud this year's Oscar winners:

Best Original Score:

• Mychael Danna - Life of Pi

Visual Effects:

• Guillaume Rocheron - Life of Pi

Best Production Design:

• Jim Erickson - Lincoln

I would also like to congratulate all Canadians honoured at the 85^th Academy Awards as nominees in several categories.

Congratulations are also in order to Doug James , a Canadian software developer who was one of the first Academy Award winners of the year. With his three colleagues Nils Thuerey, Theodore Kim , and Markus Gross , he won a Technical Achievement Award for developing the Wavelet Turbulence software.

I congratulate this year's Canadian nominees and winners as they distinguish themselves on the world stage and strengthen our country's reputation for cinematic excellence.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage