The 39th annual American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Awards took place on Sunday night at The Beverly Hilton, celebrating the artistry and technical excellence of cinematographers across film and television. This year, Edward Lachman, ASC, claimed the top honor in the Theatrical Feature Film category for his stunning work on Maria, marking his first-ever ASC Award win. The competition was fierce, with seven nominees in the feature film category—Lol Crawley for The Brutalist, Phedon Papamichael for A Complete Unknown, Stéphane Fontaine for Conclave, Greig Fraser for Dune: Part 2, Jarin Blaschke for Nosferatu, Alice Brooks for Wicked, and Lachman for Maria. This expansion to seven nominees was a rarity, with the last time the category featuring more than five nominees dating back to 2014. The ASC Awards are highly regarded in the industry, with only 18 of its past winners going on to claim the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Last year, Hoyte Van Hoytema won the ASC Award for Oppenheimer and later took home the Academy Award, continuing the tradition of the ASC as a key predictor of Oscar success.
In the television categories, Robert Elswit, ASC, won for his exceptional work on the limited series Ripley. Elswit, who also won a Creative Arts Emmy last year, spoke about the challenges and creativity involved in shooting the black-and-white series. He emphasized the importance of lighting in capturing the essence of the character Tom Ripley and the world he inhabits, explaining how the stark contrasts in lighting were designed to evoke a sense of anxiety, tension, and mystery. Other television winners included Richard Rutkowski, ASC, who took home the award for the half-hour series Sugar, and Sam McCurdy, ASC, BSC, who won for his work on the episode Crimson Sky from Shogun. These wins highlight the incredible range and artistry of cinematographers working in television today.
The ceremony also honored industry legends and celebrated the impact of cinematographers on storytelling. Kathleen Kennedy, the renowned producer behind iconic films such as Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, was presented with the Board of Governors Award. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Kennedy praised the cinematographers in attendance, calling them "the magicians who bring movies to life." She emphasized the importance of assembling the right team to translate a script into a visual and emotional experience, stating, "It’s not about the bloody technology, it’s about the person behind it." Kennedy also announced a significant milestone: 46 new female members had joined the ASC, a testament to the growing diversity within the organization. Additionally, Andrzej Bartkowiak, known for his work on films like Speed and Falling Down, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the craft.
The event also showcased the breadth of cinematographic talent across various genres and formats. The Spotlight Award, sponsored by Panavision, was awarded to Michal Dymek for The Girl with the Needle, while Jomo Fray and Klaus Kneist and Renata Mwende also received recognition for their work in Nickel Boys and Nawi, respectively. In the Documentary category, Michael Crommett, Michael Dweck, and Gregory Kershaw were honored for their work on Photographer: Dan Winters Life is Once. Forever. and Gaucho Gaucho. The ASC Music Video Award went to Pepe Avila del Pino, AMC, for his work on 313, performed by Residente, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, and Penelope Cruz. These awards underscore the ASC’s commitment to recognizing excellence across all forms of visual storytelling.
The ceremony was a celebration not only of individual achievements but also of the collaborative spirit that defines filmmaking. The ASC Awards have long been a benchmark of excellence, and this year’s winners continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the art of cinematography. From the stark black-and-white imagery of Ripley to the visually stunning landscapes of Dune: Part 2, the work of these cinematographers reminds us of the power of the moving image to tell stories that captivate, inspire, and challenge audiences.
In conclusion, the 39th ASC Awards was a testament to the creativity and innovation of cinematographers working today. Edward Lachman’s win for Maria was a well-deserved recognition of his ability to use light and composition to tell a compelling story, while the other winners across film and television categories demonstrated the versatility and artistry of their craft. The event also highlighted the importance of diversity and collaboration in the industry, with Kathleen Kennedy’s speech serving as a powerful reminder of the human element that drives the creation of magic on screen. As the ASC continues to honor the work of these visual storytellers, it also inspires future generations of cinematographers to push the boundaries of their craft.
