When Tesla discovered the rotating magnetic field in 1882 during his research years in Budapest, Hungary, a whole new era in modern scientific research and medical technology was born. All Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines are calibrated in “Tesla” units, which are the international standard unit of magnetic flux density adopted in 1956. The invention of MRI machines is only part of Nikola Tesla’s legend and legacy.

Son of a Serbian Orthodox clergyman, Nikola Tesla was born into Smiljan Lika, a territory of the former Yugoslavia then occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Much of his schooling took place in Graz, Austria, and the University of Prague. While conducting his research work in the United States of America, Tesla became a naturalized American citizen in 1891.

As a revolutionary thinker, Tesla is recognized among the most innovative engineers of the late 19th century and early 20th century. His patents and theoretical work form the basis of modern alternating current electric power (AC) systems, including the polyphase power distribution system and AC motor.

In America, Tesla’s name became a byword for futuristic innovation coupled with practical achievement. The public and the media deemed him a “magician” who conjured up spectacular technical feats. After his demonstration of wireless communication in the late 1800’s and after being declared the victor in the “War of Currents”, Tesla was widely respected as America’s greatest electrical engineer.

Under the sponsorship of George Westinghouse, Nikola Tesla lit up the World Columbia Expo in Chicago in 1893 with a glittering light and electrical energy display, validating Tesla’s status as the originator of technologies which helped usher in the Second Industrial Revolution.

Tesla’s legacy can be seen across modern civilization wherever electricity is used. Tesla envisioned the earth’s ionosphere as a rarified environment for communication and has been validated by the wireless industry. His unparalleled showmanship and penchant for innovative theories and ingenious methods live on in his namesake Tesla Award presented each year during the International Press Academy’s Satellite Awards.

IPA’s first Tesla Award recipient was George Lucas in 2003. Other honorees include James Cameron, Jerry Lewis, Stan Winston, Richard Donner, Dennis Muren, Rick Baker and Robert A. Harris.

The categories eliminated include “Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical,” “Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical,” and “Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical.”

“Best Actor” and “Best Actress” categories will no longer specify genre, but reflect a broad spectrum of performances with up to 10 Nominees. Supporting actor categories already reflect this guideline, but may also include up to 10 Nominees.

“When UP IN THE AIR came out listed as a comedy by some critics and a drama by others, it became clear to us that we needed a new system,” said Mirjana Van Blaricom, President.

“Expanding to 10 Nominees in Best Picture and most other film-related award categories is a realistic way to handle the volume of projects released nowadays.”

“Motion Picture, Foreign Language Film” will also be renamed as “Motion Picture, Foreign Film” to allow entries from English-speaking countries to be considered as official foreign entrants for consideration.

Additionally, IPA’s new website will debut mid-November. The upgraded site will include easier navigation and faster access to popular features.

A complete archive of past shows will be built throughout the year, but the site will be up and running throughout the construction period. The website’s designer is Jon Stout of E A Media.