Maxence Cazorla, the actor who provided the motion capture for the character Gustave in the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has publicly suggested that major award shows should implement a “Best Character” category. He argues that this approach would be “more logical” and help ensure proper recognition for every individual involved in bringing a game character to life.
Cazorla raised this point in the context of The Game Awards, where only one person—voice actor Charlie Cox—was nominated for Best Performance for the role of Gustave. For his part, Cox graciously acknowledged Cazorla’s contribution, a gesture Cazorla described as very kind.
Ultimately, Cox did not secure the award, which went to Jennifer English for her performance as Maelle, also from Expedition 33. Speaking to Eurogamer, Cazorla emphasized his view, stating that the Best Character category “feels more logical” than “isolating a single performer and potentially leaving others invisible.”
It remains unknown whether Geoff Keighley, the host and organizer of The Game Awards, is considering this change for upcoming ceremonies.
Cazorla expressed that it was an “incredible honor” that Cox “spoke publicly and acknowledged my work,” adding that he was “deeply moved by his humility and generosity.”
He explained that a character like Gustave is fundamentally a “combination of these two performances,” referencing his physical contribution through motion capture and Cox`s distinctive voice work. He also stressed the importance of the “incredible writing and development work” necessary for Gustave`s creation.
While Cazorla advocates for the Best Character concept, he is less certain about establishing a specific award for the best performance capture. He called this a “delicate subject,” noting that production methods vary widely. He pointed out that in Clair Obscur, central figures such as Maelle, Lune, and Verso were all the result of collaboration between multiple actors.
“Other games might have a single actor doing full performance capture, and some projects even involve stunt performers, motion-capture actors, and voice actors all contributing to the same character,” he elaborated. Given this complexity, Cazorla feels the “fairest way to celebrate performers” is through recognition that honors the character as a whole entity.
He noted that the DICE Awards already follow this intelligent approach. In their latest ceremony, the character Indiana Jones from Indiana Jones and the Great Circle won the equivalent character-focused award. That character was fully realized by Troy Baker, who provided both the voice and the motion capture.
In related news, Expedition 33 recently had its Game of the Year title revoked by The Indie Game Awards amid public concerns regarding the use of AI in its development.