Michael Bauman has emerged victorious at the 40th annual American Society of Cinematographers Awards with his film “One Battle After Another” taking home the top prize. This year, Bauman was nominated alongside other talented DPs in the feature film category including Dan Laustsen for “Frankenstein,” Darius Khondji for “Marty Supreme,” Autumn Durald Arkapaw for “Sinners,” and Adolpho Veloso for “Train Dreams.” These nominations mirror the Oscar nominees in the cinematography category, showcasing the high level of talent in the industry.
The ASC has a history of aligning with the best cinematography Oscar winners, having matched the Oscar winner 18 times in the last 39 years. However, last year’s ASC winner, Ed Lachman, did not take home the Oscar, highlighting the unpredictability of award season. Bauman also received a nomination for his work on “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” in the television category, showcasing his versatility and talent across different mediums.
The evening was kicked off by Mandy Walker, the 48th president of the American Society of Cinematographers, who made history as the first woman to lead the prestigious organization. Walker, who won the top prize in 2024 for “Elvis,” emphasized the importance of diversity and collaboration within the cinematography community.
The awards ceremony saw a range of talented cinematographers being recognized for their outstanding work, including Adam Newport-Berra for “The Studio,” Pete Konczal for “Black Rabbit,” and Rodrigo Prieto for Taylor Swift’s music video “The Fate of Ophelia.” Guillermo del Toro was honored with the ASC Board of Governors Award, with Jason Reitman praising del Toro’s unique vision and dedication to his craft.
Cynthia Pusheck was presented with the Presidents Award, celebrating the achievements of women in the industry and honoring those who paved the way for future generations. The evening’s emcee, Kerri Kenney-Silver, brought humor to the event, joking about the industry’s recent mergers and the ever-changing landscape of film and television.
Overall, the ASC Awards celebrated the artistry and talent of cinematographers from all genres, highlighting the importance of storytelling through visuals. The winners showcased their creativity and dedication to their craft, setting a high standard for the future of cinematography.
