Photo: Columbia Pictures / MGM
Roger Deakins has won twice before with the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) for The Shawshank Redemption and The Man Who Wasn't There. Going into tonight, his record was two-for-ten and and now he's upped that 20% win percentage to 27% as he won tonight for his work on Skyfall.
The award comes over fellow nominees Danny Cohen (Les Miserables), Janusz Kaminski (Lincoln), Seamus McGarvey (Anna Karenina) and Claudio Miranda (Life of Pi). Four of the five of these gentlemen were also nominated at the Oscars with Robert Richardson (Django Unchained) replacing Cohen.
Of course, one would suspect Deakins is now the front-runner for Oscar. After all, he won with the Cinematographers Guild and that has to mean something. Well, it does, but... Deakins has been nominated nine times for Oscar's Best Cinematography (including the two times he won the ASC) and he's lost all nine times and, at the moment, he isn't my favorite on Oscar night, February 24.
Right now I see Miranda's work on Life of Pi taking home the Oscar with Deakins coming up short once again. Miranda won last night at the BAFTA Awards to go along with wins at the Critics Choice and Satellite Awards this year.
Deakins' losses, however, haven't been against weak competition. I'd argue, however, this is his best chance for winning since 2002 when his work on The Man Who Wasn't There lost (unfairly I might add) to Andrew Lesnie for his work on The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Hell, looking at the nominees that year -- Moulin Rouge!, Black Hawk Down and Amelie -- I'd say the least deserving of the bunch won, but such is the way of the Academy.
I've updated the Oscar Overture with the win for Skyfall and you can check out my current predictions for the Best Cinematography category right here.
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Malamaire.Jr was unfairly overlooked by ASC and major award groups.
His inclusion could have been further intensified the race.
But as rightly pointed monsieur, such is the way of the Academy.
Ah, my english stinks.
Extremely sorry.
Strike that 'been' from the 2nd sentence.
I agree that Life of Pi is still the front runner, I'd probably give it a 65% chance of winning at the Oscar's. Interestingly, from the last 10 year's the winner of the ASC has gone on to win Best Cinematography 5 times, so Deakins is definitely in with a decent chance!
Side note I've hopped on at $9 odds (8-1) for Skyfall, so I'll be cheering it home!
i took the same odds. Hoping for Deakins! he deserves it imo
Nice. I'm glad Deakins got the ASC award, and my moneys on him for the Oscars as well.
I really hope Deakins wins at the Oscars. His cinematography is great.
My gut tells me Life of Pi will get it, but I'm not sure. It's a tough one.
Interesting. But I still think Life of Pi will take the Oscars
I still think that Life of Pi is better and should win, but Skyfall could win if the Academy pulls another Scorsese and just gives him his first Oscar for Deakins' career achievements. Not to say his work isn't top tier.
Both Life of Pi and Skyfall I feel are strong contenders and quite deserving. I think Life of Pi still has the edge, but wouldn't be upset either way.
Deakins' work on "Skyfall" was a major reason the movie worked so well and was so exciting. I'm looking forward to receiving the Blu-ray tomorrow.
Personally between Skyfall and Pi I would prefer to see Skyfall (and Deakins) win. But, I think Pi will actually win.