LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Vancouver-based Guillaume Rocheron has won an Academy Award for best visual effects for the dazzling "Life of Pi."

Born in France, Rocheron shares the award with Bill Westenhofer, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott.

"Pi" was competing against "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," "Marvel's The Avengers," "Prometheus" and "Snow White and the Huntsman."

"Life of Pi," based on the Booker-winning novel by Saskatoon-based Yann Martel, went into the night with 11 nominations, just behind "Lincoln," which is up for 12 trophies.

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