Yes, it’s that time of the year when the world’s best cinematographers and their supporters will be gathering at the Beverly Hilton to celebrate the art and craft of what we do. Thirty-two candidates are vying for the top pick across seven categories, ranging from feature and independent film to commercial and streaming television and documentaries (check www.theasc.com for a full accounting). But in spite of all that incredible work that will be on display, I’m always charmed by the folks already slated to receive special honors:
Lifetime Achievement Award – Stephen Goldblatt, ASC, BSC
Career Achievement in Television Award – Fred Murphy, ASC
International Award – Darius Khondji, ASC, AFC
Presidents Award – Charlie Lieberman, ASC
Curtis Clark, ASC Technical Achievement Award – Sam Nicholson, ASC
Board of Governors Award – Viola Davis
I can’t say enough about each of these people; they’re so deserving of such recognition. If I were to give them any advice, I’d tell them to prepare for a marathon of admiration. Friday kicks off with an intimate dinner at the ASC Clubhouse. It’s a huge favorite for many of us and is always a memorable occasion. Late Saturday morning ushers in a brunch that builds on the momentum started the previous night. By the time the cocktail hour begins before the main event on Sunday evening, I assure you – everyone is glowing.
The ASC Awards have been the toast of the town since their inception in 1986. But there’s one big difference between our show and all the others. Audience, nominees and recipients are united in their profound appreciation of the enterprise. You’d be surprised at how easily egos are checked at the door and the many ways in which respect and admiration flourish. That’s very refreshing in this time of so much overblown nonsense.
Special thanks must go out to the Awards Committee, an amalgamation of ASC Members and Associates who work very hard to create a flawless presentation. Having occupied the position a number of times, I can confidently say that Chairman Chuck Minsky, ASC is a genius in the way he manages to keep so many plates spinning. As always, Events Coordinator Patty Armacost serves as the straw that stirs the drink. We simply could not mount the effort without her. Delphine Figueras is another mainstay who routinely runs circles around everyone else. And Chief Operations Officer Alex Lopez, well, I can’t say enough about him. The miracles he performs during Awards season are a natural extension of the ones he performs all year-long.
The big event kicks off Sunday at 7:30PM PST and will be live-streamed via the ASC’s website. Tune-in to watch me present the Bud Stone Award, which is given to an Associate Member who has gone above and beyond in support of the organization. I can’t name the individual…this honor is kept under wraps until the very instant I announce their name from the podium.
It’s going to be a fantastic experience. Photos, maybe some video and plenty of comment will follow next week.
If you’re not lucky enough to have a ticket, use the handy link below to tune in!
https://theasc.com/awards/37th-annual-asc-awards
Great to see that ASC is FINALLY recognizing documentary photography.
DOCUMENTARY AWARD (Sponsored by Creamsource)
WINNER: Ben Bernhard and Riju Das for All That Breathes
Adam Bricker for Chef’s Table: Pizza “Franco Pepe”
Wolfgang Held, ASC for This Stolen Country of Mine
Greg – They’ve been doing it for a couple of years now.