“Cold War” Claims Top Prize, ARRI’s Franz Kraus Honored at ASC Awards

The 33rd ASC Awards gala took place February 9 in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland, with Ben Mankiewicz from TCM taking his second turn as host. Claiming the coveted Theatrical Award for best cinematography in a motion picture, Łukasz Żal, PSC took home the American Society of Cinematographers Award for his work on “Cold War.” The black-and-white drama using Academy aspect ratio was captured on the ALEXA XT with ARRI/Zeiss Ultra Primes. The award was accepted on his behalf by camera operator Ernest Wilczyński. This was Żal’s second win. He previously earned a Spotlight Award for his co-cinematography duties with Ryszard Lenczewsk on “Ida.”

Giorgi Shvelidze took the Spotlight Award for “Namme,” a period film from the country of Georgia that was captured on ALEXA. The Spotlight Award – co-presented by George Tillman Jr., who produced the Oscar®-nominated “Mudbound” and directed this year’s “The Hate U Give” – recognizes cinematography in smaller features that may not receive wider theatrical release or awareness. Shvelidze thanked the ASC for recognizing such a small film and expressed his gratitude to his family and director Zaza Khalvashi. 

In the TV categories, winners included Jon Joffin, ASC for “Beyond” (Commercial TV); James Friend, BSC for “Patrick Melrose” (Motion Picture, Miniseries, or Pilot for TV), and Adriano Goldman, ASC, ABC, BSC for “The Crown” (Non-Commercial TV). “Beyond” and “Patrick Melrose” were shot on ALEXA.

The ASC Bud Stone Award of Distinction was given to Professor Franz Kraus, long-time Executive Board Member and now member of the Supervisory Board of ARRI. This award is presented to an ASC Associate Member who has demonstrated extraordinary service to the society and has made a significant contribution to the motion-picture industry. ASC President Kees van Oostrum presented the award saying, “His tenacity and commitment eventually allowed him to spearhead the creation of a tool with the ARRI ALEXA that deeply touches and inspires everyone in this room tonight.”

The ASC Board of Governors Award was presented to Jeff Bridges by actor-stuntman Loyd Catlett for his significant and indelible contributions to cinema. It is the only ASC Award not given to a cinematographer and is reserved for filmmakers who have been champions for directors of photography and the visual art form. Bridges has earned numerous accolades including Academy Award® nominations for his performances in “Hell or Highwater,” “True Grit,” “The Contender,” “Starman,” “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” and “The Last Picture Show.” He took home the Oscar® for lead actor for his portrayal of Bad Blake in Scott Cooper’s “Crazy Heart.” Bridges took a photo of the crowd with his Widelux camera and thanked the many cinematographers he worked with over the years. 

The ASC Career Achievement in Television Award was presented to Jeffrey Jur, ASC by director John Dahl. Jur has received numerous accolades for his wide range of television credits. He collected Emmy® Awards for his artistry on HBO’s “Carnivale” and “Bessie.” Jur’s work has also been recognized by the ASC, having won Outstanding Achievement Awards for the Showtime movie “Last Call” and “Carnivale.” Jur said, “Thank you, ASC for this incredible honor. I’m so proud to be a part of this society, and it means so much to be recognized by my peers - especially on its 100th anniversary.” 

The ASC Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Robert Richardson, ASC and presented by frequent collaborator, writer-director Quentin Tarantino. Richardson’s extensive career has spanned nearly four decades and counting. Along the way, he has garnered three Academy Awards® for his cinematography on “Hugo,” “The Aviator,” and “JFK,” in addition to six Oscar® nominations “The Hateful Eight, “Django Unchained,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Snow Falling on Cedars”,” Born on the Fourth of July,” and “Platoon”. He has worked alongside some of the most renowned directors in cinema, including Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino. Said Richardson, “It has taken many decades to stand before you now and what an honor it is to be with such a celebrated and gifted audience. The journey is as much about survival as it is about success. My life is crowded with the kindness of strangers and standing on the shoulders of giants.”