Dick Smith’s career to be honored by the Academy with a special tribute

With fellow Academy Award winner and former student Rick Baker acting as the Master of Ceremonies, Dick Smith‘s illustrious career will be honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science with a special event being held June 17 2009 in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles.

Dick Smith was instrumental in revolutionizing special effects make-up as we know it today, pioneering his career on the back of films such as The Exorcist, The Godfather and Taxi Driver.

Makeupmag.com released the information today, and also noted that the Academy will be taping the ceremony and plans to assemble a collection of highlights for its Web site. Selected video will also be posted on Smith’s official site www.dicksmithmake-up.com

To view the complete article, including a list of attending celebrities and make-up artists, click here.  Linda Blair’s presence is still pending. Also of note is that the event is open to the public.  I would attend if I could!

Before I had seen The Exorcist, I bore witness to An American Werewolf In London – another horror classic that also set new heights in special effects make-up thanks to the brilliant work of Rick Baker.  When I finally did see The Exorcist, I was agasp at the brilliant special effects, make-up and techniques that were used, especially considering the year it was produced. At the time, I had no idea I was seeing the work of the master Dick Smith. I will always remember the day I learned that Rick Baker had been a prodigy of Smith’s, and my two favorite moments in horror special effects were forever combined.

Extra bit of trivia I think some long-timers here may already be aware of: This was almost going to be an American Werewolf In London Fansite.