Jon Johnson, a 1978 graduate in Media and Theatre Arts from
Montana State University, won an Academy Award for Best Sound
Editing for the film "U-571."
Johnson received the award, called an "Oscar," in ceremonies
Sunday evening. Johnson, a native of Sheridan, Wyo., received the
award during the award during the life presentation of the show
seen by millions of viewers world-wide. Johnson read a speech
written on a small piece of notebook paper. He thanked, among
others, his wife, and told his kids, who were viewing, that their
parents would be celebrating late that night.
Johnson was one of just two nominees in the category this year.
His competition was the editor for the film "Space Cowboys."
"U-571" was produced by the legendary producer Dino DeLaurentis,
who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremonies
Sunday.
Johnson told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle that among the
techniques he used for the award-winning sounds, was covering two
cheap microphones with condoms and immersing them in the family
swimming pool.
Johnson remains an active supporter of both MSU, and particularly
the film and television program. He recently led a special
back-lot tour of Universal Studios for a group of current MSU
film students, including an intimate discussion with Jonathon
Mostow, director of both "U-571" and "Payback."
Johnson is not the first MSU grad to be nominated for a national
Oscar. Johnson recently completed work on a film tentatively
called "Squelch" with fellow MSU film grad John Dahl, Media and
Theatre Arts '81, who was an Academy Award nominee several years
ago. Dahl, a critically-acclaimed director, is known for his
films "Rounders" and "Red Rock West."
