As a painter , Kosa Jr. was stylistically affiliated with the movement that became known as California Scene Painting . He painted mainly California landscapes and urban settings in both oil and watercolor , and he also produced commissioned portraits of celebrities , businessmen , and politicians . His work was widely exhibited starting in the 1930s , with solo shows at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and elsewhere . In 1933 , he joined the newly formed special effects department at 20th Century Fox . He was quickly promoted to art director , a position he held for the next 35 years . In 1964 , he became the first person to win the Best Visual Effects after the Academy Awards changed the name from Special Effects . He won at the 36th Academy Awards for his work on the film '' Cleopatra ''
36th Academy Awards
36th Academy Awards
Emil Kosa Jr.