SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2002-- WETA and Industrial Light & Magic Receive Oscar(R) Nominations For Best Visual Effects

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK) is pleased to announce that the top three films nominated this year for the Academy Award(R) for Achievement in Visual Effects all used Discreet's effects, editing and finishing systems and software to deliver outstanding visual experiences to audiences across the globe. The films and post-production facilities nominated for achievement in best visual effects are:

-- A.I. Artificial Intelligence -- Industrial Light & Magic

-- Pearl Harbor -- Industrial Light & Magic, Asylum and Cinesite

-- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring -- WETA,

Digital Domain, Animal Logic, Oktober and Rhythm & Hues

All of the films nominated in this category offer visually stunning effects. They convey the aesthetically absorbing story of a robot boy capable of genuine emotions and a search that leads him to the beautifully rendered futuristic Sin City; the chaos and destruction of Japan's air raid on Pearl Harbor with astounding, highly detailed and breath-taking scenes; and the glorious adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary epic, including a brilliantly rendered tidal wave resembling a stampede of horses. Discreet developed and delivered the software and systems the digital artists used in all the nominated films -- helping them fluidly translate their artistic visions to the big screen.

"Discreet applauds all of our customers that have been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for their extraordinary talent and innovation in the area of visual effects," said Paul Lypaczewski, general manager of Discreet and executive vice president of Autodesk, Inc. "It is our continued goal, at Discreet, to provide these outstanding story tellers and digital artists with the best solutions available which enable them to create the ultimate visual experience."

Discreet technology has been a part of more than 95 percent of the nominated films in best visual effects for the last seven years, including last year's winning film, Gladiator -- visual effects team, Mill Film of London. A testament to the power of Discreet's visual effects and editing systems, this award highlights the creative magic of the many talented people who work behind the scenes. Discreet is proud to have contributed to aiding all its customers in their work.

The 74th Annual Academy Awards(R) will air on Sunday, March 24th at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (8 p.m. EDT).

About Discreet

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc., is a worldwide leader in digital content creation, management, and distribution tools. Discreet develops systems and software for visual effects, animation, non-linear editing, broadcast production, and integrated infrastructure and workflow solutions. Discreet serves a broad range of markets involved in content creation, delivery, and use, including film and television postproduction, broadcast production, games, animation, multimedia for corporate, government, and education, and the rich media for the web.

Note to Editors: Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Discreet, is a trademark Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

ACADEMY AWARD(S)(R), OSCAR(S)(R), OSCAR NIGHT(R) and OSCAR(R) statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks, and the OSCAR(R) statuette the copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

CONTACT: Discreet Public Relations Kevin G Clark, 415/547-2457 kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com or Access Communications Tuesday Uhland, 415/844-6267 tuhland@accesspr.com