The thespians aren't the only ones who
have to “perform” on set. Camera operators and directors of
photography have their own marks to hit and creative decisions to
make, working closely alongside the director to capture images that
will compose the final product. Since I'm so crazy about
cinematography in general, I determined that this category needed its
own post.
Birdman's recent win
notwithstanding, this category has been dominated by 3D movies of
late. Robert Zemeckis' The Walk will take us high above
New York City in an attempt to give is all vertigo as we follow
Philippe Petit's legendary tightrope stunt, and the premise sounds
tailor made for the stereographic gimmick. Could it earn some love
for cinematographer Dariusz Wolski?
Here's a filmmaker/DP partnership that
never disappoints; Quentin Tarantino and Robert Richardson have
developed a signature visual flare over the last decade, and all eyes
will be eager to catch sight of their super widescreen imagery for
The Hateful Eight.
Another invigorating filmmaker/DP duo
(albeit one with fewer collaborations under their belt so far) is Ron
Howard and Anthony Dod Mantle, who really should have been nominated
for 2013's Rush. In the Heart of the Sea looks
to provide major visual spectacle smack dab in the middle of awards
season, and maybe bring Mantle his followup nomination seven years
after Slumdog Millionaire.
Another branch favourite – although
sadly one whose genius the Academy hasn't gotten wise to yet –
is Roger Deakins, who has racked up seven nominations in the last
eight years (hey, AMPAS, this branch is trying to tell you
something)! Could Sicario, the latest from Prisoners
helmer Denis Villeneuve, continue the hot streak?
Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn,
Everest, Spectre
