#USA #Winter Park #Full Sail University #Juan Peralta #Gary A. Rizzo

Full Sail University Alumni Shine at the Oscars

In a remarkable showcase of talent, 68 graduates from Full Sail University contributed to eight Oscar-winning films at the 2026 Academy Awards. This event highlighted the success of these alumni, who played crucial roles across various categories, showcasing the comprehensive education and training they received.

Among the notable achievements, Juan Peralta and Gary A. Rizzo stood out by winning Oscars for their exceptional work as Re-recording Mixers on the summer blockbuster 'F1', which starred Brad Pitt. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Juan, as it is his first Academy Award, while Gary celebrated his third win, previously honored for his sound mixing on prestigious films like 'Inception' and 'Dunkirk'. Both have also earned a place in the prestigious Full Sail University Hall of Fame, further validating their influence in the film industry.

The graduates of Full Sail University have made significant contributions across various disciplines including Film, Recording Arts, Computer Animation, and Digital Cinematography. Their expertise was recognized in a myriad of categories: from Best Picture and Directing to Sound, Animated Feature Film, Costume Design, and many more. Their talent was integral to the success of projects such as 'KPop Demon Hunters', 'Frankenstein', 'Avatar Fire and Ash', 'Sinners', and 'One Battle After Another'.

Jay Noble, Vice President of Alumni at Full Sail, expressed his pride in the alumni's achievements: "Congratulations to all our graduates whose hard work and creativity were prominently showcased and celebrated through this year's Oscar-winning films. Special congratulations are in order for our Hall of Fame inductees, Juan Peralta and Gary A. Rizzo, for their award-winning efforts on 'F1'. Their journeys continue to inspire current students."

During this awards season, a total of 112 Full Sail alumni were credited on 20 Oscar-nominated projects across 21 categories, a testament to the institution's role in shaping talent that resonates in Hollywood.

The 98th Annual Academy Awards took place on March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event was broadcast live on ABC and streamed on platforms like Hulu, with the ever-entertaining Conan O'Brien as the host for the second consecutive year.

As an educational leader in entertainment media and emerging technologies, Full Sail University continues to foster creativity and skill development. Founded in 1979, this institution has received accolades over the years, including being named a 2025 “Top Game Design School” by The Princeton Review and recognized in MovieMaker magazine's “30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada.” With a diverse array of graduate and undergraduate programs in various fields including Art & Design, Business, Film & Television, and Technology, Full Sail cultivates talent that not only pursues careers in media but excels in them. As of now, the university proudly boasts over 100,000 graduates who have contributed to numerous award-winning projects, earning prestigious accolades like the Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and The Game Awards.

For those interested in learning more about the impressive contributions of Full Sail graduates during the 2026 Oscars and to explore its Film and Television-focused programs, visiting Full Sail's official website is highly recommended.