Short Takes / The rest of the best

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’

Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges

and Hammond Peek

Previously known as simply “sound,” the addition of “mixing” to this category’s title clarifies the difference from its close neighbor “sound editing.” In the final step of the aural process, sound mixers strive to achieve the proper balance between dialogue, music and effects.

This year included numerous multiple nominees within the same category. Christopher Boyes was nominated for both “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (with Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges and Hammond Peek) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (with David Parker, David Campbell and Lee Orloff).

It was for “Return of the King” that Boyes and his collaborators won .

As well, Andy Nelson and Anna Behlmer were nominated for “The Last Samurai” (with Jeff Wexler) and “Seabiscuit” (with Tod A. Maitland).