Full Sail University Celebrates 112 Alumni in Oscar-Nominated Projects This Year
Full Sail University has a reason to celebrate this year, with a remarkable 112 alumni contributing to 20 projects nominated at the prestigious 98th Annual Academy Awards. These credits span across 21 categories, underscoring the diverse talents cultivated at the university which has been a beacon of education in the entertainment media space since its founding in 1979.
Among these celebrated alumni, two stand out as nominees for their exceptional skills in sound — Gary A. Rizzo (1993 Recording Arts) and Juan Peralta (1996 Recording Arts). Their nomination in the "Best Sound" category for the action-packed sports drama 'F1,' featuring Brad Pitt, highlights the level of expertise that Full Sail fosters within its programs, particularly in Recording Arts.
The wide array of nominated projects demonstrates the extensive involvement of Full Sail graduates across various fields in the film industry. This year's Oscar nominations include not just the aforementioned 'F1,' but also high-profile projects such as 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' 'Zootopia 2,' and 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' Alumni from programs in Film, Computer Animation, Digital Cinematography, and more have contributed their talents to these cinematic achievements, showcasing the collaborative spirit and technical prowess that the institution promotes amongst its students.
Jay Noble, Vice President of Alumni at Full Sail, expressed pride in the accomplishments of these graduates. He stated, "We’re proud to celebrate our extraordinary alumni whose talent and dedication are on display within this year’s Oscar-nominated releases. The artistry, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that each of you demonstrate exemplifies the very spirit of our university. Watching your work on display on the world’s stage at the Academy Awards serves to inspire our entire university community. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!"
As the Oscars approach, all eyes will be on the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2026, where the ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. With Conan O'Brien returning as the host for the second consecutive year, audiences worldwide are set to witness not just stars walking the red carpet but also the splendid contributions of Full Sail's dynamic alumni—who continue to influence the industry.
This year’s Oscars stand as an inspiring testament to the hard work and creativity of Full Sail students and alumni alike. The university's commitment to fostering talent that transcends the traditional boundaries of film and entertainment is clearer than ever with this impressive showing at the Academy Awards.
As the institution continues to forge its path into the future, with over 100,000 graduates making their mark on the industry, the achievements of this year's alumni are surely just the beginning. With accolades including Oscar®, Emmy®, Grammy®, and Addy® awards under their belts, Full Sail graduates are changing the landscape of entertainment media, one project at a time. As they step onto the world stage, they not only represent their individual talents but also the very ethos of Full Sail University and its mission to prepare students for successful careers in fast-evolving fields.