Weta Digital’s visual effects work on this film was all encompassing and greater in scope and complexity than that of its predecessor. From the expansive digital environment builds of Lake-town and Erebor to the detailed creatures work in the form of the spiders of Mirkwood and the infamous Dragon Smaug, the effects work brought the fantasy elements of the story to life without compromising the realism of the film.
The combined efforts of Weta Digital and actor Benedict Cumberbatch result in one of the most believable fantasy creatures ever put to film.
Ben Kendrick, Screenrant
VFX of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Barrel Chase
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Laketown: The Devil is in the Details
VFX of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Thranduil's Realm
VFX of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Erebor
Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture
Eric Reynolds, David Clayton, Myriam Catrin, Guillaume Francois