Gordon E. Sawyer Award

	Dr. Roderick T. Ryan

Dr. Roderick T. Ryan, who served for many years as regional director of engineering services for the Eastman Kodak Company, has been voted the Gordon E. Sawyer Award by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Award, an Oscar statuette, was presented at the Scientific and Technical Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 4, 2000, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Established in 1981, the Sawyer Award is "presented to an individual in the motion picture industry whose technological contributions have brought credit to the industry." It is named in honor of the veteran sound director who died earlier that year. Ryan is the 14th recipient.

A 40-year veteran of Eastman Kodak, Ryan retired in 1986. He began his career as a World War II naval photographer and was one of the cameramen who photographed the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. Ryan received his Doctorate in communications from the University of Southern California.

In 1981, the Academy honored Ryan with a "Scientific and Engineering Award" for a film processor specially designed for visual effects as used by optical houses. In 1990, the Academy celebrated Ryan again with a "Medal of Commendation" for "outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy."

Throughout his career, Ryan has been honored with many awards. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) gave Ryan, a Life Fellow of the Society, two special commendations. An active member of the organization, Ryan served as a governor, treasurer, vice president of photoscience and vice president of motion picture affairs. Ryan also is a Fellow of the British Kinematograph Sound and Television Society.

The American Society of Cinematographers selected Ryan as an Honorary Member, a special tribute limited to only a few non-cinematographers, including George Eastman, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Neil Armstrong and Gregory Peck. Ryan, who has written numerous books and textbooks that are recognized within the industry as authoritative sources, is featured in Who's Who in Engineering and Who's Who in Technology.