FAIRBANKS -- Former Alaskan Ben Grossmann is an Oscar winner.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says Grossmann won an award for groundbreaking work in visual effects in the Martin Scorsese-directed film "Hugo."

Grossmann, who comes from Delta Junction, was one of four to win the award Sunday for "Hugo" in the best visual effects category. Their group beat films including "Planet of the Apes" and the last installment of the "Harry Potter" films in visual effects.

Grossmann grew up in a cabin in Big Delta and began attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks at age 16. In Fairbanks, he worked as a photographer for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and a stringer for The Associated Press. He moved to California in 2001 to pursue film work.