The Visual Effects Society has announced Hiroyuki Sanada and Takashi Yamazaki as recipients of its Award for Creative Excellence and Visionary Award.

At the 23rd VES Awards, February 11 at the Beverly Hilton, the VES board will honor Sanada and Yamazaki for their work on FXs Shogun And Godzilla Minus Onerespectively.

Sanada, who became the first Japanese actor to win a Primetime Emmy Award after producing and starring Shogunreceives the Creative Excellence Award, which recognizes “extraordinary roles in Japanese and Hong Kong action films and dramatic cinema for more than five decades, as well as his influence as a cultural ambassador for Japan.”

“Hiroyuki Sanada has been at the center of compelling cinematic stories for decades that use visual effects to enhance unforgettable storytelling,” said VES Chairman Kim Davidson. “A long-time consultant to Hollywood films to ensure authentic depictions of Japanese history, he served as the creative force behind the Juggernaut drama ShogunSanada’s work has left an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape. We are delighted to honor him with the VES Award for Creative Excellence!”

The award goes to those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the art and science of visual effects and motion picture entertainment. Guillermo del Toro, David Benioff & DB Weiss, Sheena Duggal, Robert Legato and William Shatner previously won.

Yamazaki, who wrote the screenplay and directed Godzilla Minus Onewill be honored with the Visionary Award for his “consummate artistry, immersive storytelling and profound ability to use visual effects to bring his unique visions to life.”

“Takashi Yamazaki is a renowned talent in Japanese cinema who accomplished a significant feat when he became only the second director to win an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, revitalizing an iconic kaiju franchise in the process,” said Davidson. “Yamazaki pioneered the use of visual effects to tell remarkable stories that captivate audiences and create unforgettable cinematic experiences.” As a creative force that has left an indelible mark on the world of film entertainment, we are honored to honor him with the to receive the prestigious VES Visionary Award.”

Previous honorees include Christopher Nolan, Ang Lee, Alfonso Cuarôn, JJ Abrams and Roland Emmerich. The Visionary Award goes to those who use the art and science of visual effects in a unique and consistent way to advance the imagination and inspire future discoveries through artistry, invention and groundbreaking work.