There’s much Snoopy dancing around Australia at the moment, because one of the nicest guys in the spec fic community has landed an Oscar for his short film, The Lost Thing. Shaun Tan’s win is much deserved for a guy who has been working his way to international acclaim as an illustrator. It should serve to widen attention on his craft, as well as on his considerable talent. Huzzah!

Other unsung Aussies in the running are Kirk Baxter for editing The Social Network (he won!); Ben Snow for visual effects for Iron Man 2 and Joe Farrell for visual effects for Hereafter.

We’re also claiming a gong for Dave Elsey’s make-up work! All up, five Oscars went Down Under.

And here’s a picture of the fab Helena Bonham Carter on the red carpet: no little statute for her this year, but glam as ever!