The essence of cinema is born out of the motion picture camera, and the task of capturing a film’s visual dynamics falls upon the shoulders of the cinematographer. Here is an individual whose artistic choices – from lighting to camera positioning to choice of film stock – influence a film in immeasurable ways. Truly great cinematography also serves the director’s vision. A good relationship between director and cinematographer is integral to a film, making it not surprising that many directors re-team with a particular D.P. (director of photography) after previous successful collaborations (the great Roger Deakins’ relationship with the Coen brothers immediately comes to mind).

The Academy Award for Best Cinematography is always one of the races I look forward the most every year. This is not only because I admire the work so much but also because I am truly happy to see these individuals rewarded, even when personal favorites fail to make the cut. I’ve found it to be a nice touch that the five nominees have been shown on the television screen in the past three years in the same way that the directing and acting nominees are shown together before the envelope is opened.