Edward Lachman, known for his exceptional work on “Maria,” has secured the top honors at the 39th annual American Society of Cinematographers Awards. This marks Lachman’s first ASC win, a well-deserved recognition for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
The competition in the feature film category was fierce this year, with seven talented cinematographers nominated. The last time the field expanded beyond five was in 2014. The other nominees included Lol Crawley for “The Brutalist,” Phedon Papamichael for “A Complete Unknown,” StĂ©phane Fontaine for “Conclave,” Greig Fraser for “Dune: Part 2,” Jarin Blaschke for “Nosferatu,” and Alice Brooks for “Wicked.”
In the history of the ASC Awards, only 18 winners have gone on to win the Oscar. Last year, Hoyte Van Hoytema won the ASC for “Oppenheimer” and later won the Oscar, setting a high bar for future winners.
On the television front, Robert Elswit emerged victorious for his work on “Ripley.” Elswit, who had previously won the Creative Art Emmy, shared insights on shooting the black and white limited series, emphasizing the importance of lighting in capturing the essence of the characters and the world they inhabit.
The ASC Awards also recognized Richard Rutkowski for his work on “Sugar” in the half-hour category, and Sam Mccurdy for the episode “Shogun – Crimson Sky” in the One-Hour regular series category.
Renowned producer Kathleen Kennedy, known for blockbuster films like “Back to the Future,” “Jurassic Park,” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” was honored with the Board of Governors Award. In her acceptance speech, Kennedy paid tribute to the cinematographers in the room, highlighting the crucial role they play in bringing scripts to life and emphasizing the importance of talent over technology.
Kennedy also announced the induction of 46 new female members into the ASC, a positive step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement award was presented to cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak, known for his work on films like “Speed” and “Falling Down.”
The ASC Awards ceremony took place at The Beverly Hilton, with a star-studded lineup of winners and nominees celebrating the art of cinematography.
The full list of winners across various categories showcases the diverse talents and exceptional work of cinematographers in the industry. From Theatrical Feature Films to TV series and documentaries, the ASC Awards continue to honor excellence in cinematography and storytelling.
Overall, the 39th annual American Society of Cinematographers Awards was a night to remember, recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of cinematographers in shaping the visual language of cinema and television.
