Ang Lee's Life of Pi, about a shipwrecked Indian boy, registered early wins at the 85th Academy awards by taking home the trophies for the best cinematography and visual effects.

Claudio Miranda won the best cinematography trophy for his stunning camera work in the 3D movie.

A nervous Miranda said the film, which was largely shot in a huge water tank, was "quite a piece" to make.

"Wow, this movie was quite a piece to make. We did it.... I can't even speak," said a nervous Miranda before ending his speech by thanking director Lee, his wife and daughter.

The film also won in the visual effects category with Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and R Christopher White taking home the golden statuette.

The team paid tribute to the Rhythm & Hues, the company behind the VFX, which has filed for bankruptcy.

The awards were presented by The Avengers team Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L Jackson.