Best Cinematography - 98th Academy Awards

The Art of Cinematography

Cinematography is the science or art of motion-picture photography by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as film. These artists create the visual identity of the film.

We write with light

Dan Laustsen

for Frankenstein

Nationality: Danish

Known for: The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley, John Wick series

Style: Dark, atmospheric lighting with strong contrast and dramatic shadows

Previous Nominations: 2 (The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley)

"In Frankenstein, we wanted to create a visual language that reflects the Gothic horror of the story while maintaining a sense of beauty in the darkness. The challenge was to make the monstrous appear both terrifying and sympathetic."

Primary Equipment:

ARRI Alexa LF Panavision Primo Lenses Practical Lighting High Contrast Ratio

Darius Khondji

for Marty Supreme

Nationality: Iranian-French

Known for: Seven, Midnight in Paris, The Immigrant

Style: Rich, textured visuals with meticulous attention to detail and color

Previous Nominations: 1 (Evita)

"Marty Supreme demanded a vibrant, energetic visual approach that captures both the glamour and the grit of the music world. We used color as a character, with each scene having its own distinct palette."

Primary Equipment:

Sony Venice Cooke S7 Lenses Vibrant Color Palette Dynamic Camera Movement

Michael Bauman

for One Battle After Another

Nationality: American

Known for: There Will Be Blood, The Master, Phantom Thread

Style: Naturalistic lighting, precise compositions, and subtle camera movements

Previous Nominations: 4 (3 wins)

"For One Battle After Another, we focused on creating a visceral, immersive experience. The camera becomes a participant in the drama, with long takes and natural lighting that makes you feel present in each moment."

Primary Equipment:

ARRI Alexa Mini LF Zeiss Supreme Primes Natural Light Sources Long Takes

FIRST FEMALE NOMINEE

Autumn Durald Arkapaw

for Sinners

Nationality: American

Known for: Loki (Disney+), Palo Alto, The Sun Is Also a Star

Style: Modern, dynamic visuals with innovative lighting techniques

Previous Nominations: First nomination

"Sinners required a bold, contemporary visual approach that matches its modern storytelling. We experimented with unconventional lighting and camera angles to create a sense of unease and intensity throughout the film."

Primary Equipment:

RED Ranger Monstro Sigma Cine Lenses LED Lighting Experimental Angles

Adolpho Veloso

for Train Dreams

Nationality: Brazilian

Known for: The Secret Agent, Bacurau, Central Station

Style: Poetic realism with emphasis on landscape and human emotion

Previous Nominations: 1 (The Secret Agent)

"Train Dreams is about memory, loss, and the American landscape. We used the camera to capture both the vastness of the scenery and the intimacy of personal moments, often in the same frame."

Primary Equipment:

Panavision Millennium DXL2 Panavision Ultra Vista Lenses Golden Hour Shooting Wide Landscape Shots

Cinematography Facts

Nominees

1st

Female Cinematographer Nominated

Different Countries Represented

15+

Total Oscar Nominations Combined

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