The 69th British Society of Cinematographers Awards: Winners and Highlights

The 69th edition of the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) Awards took place on February 1st at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. This year's awards brought surprises, historic wins, and heartfelt moments, making it a remarkable event in the world of cinema. Who were the standout winners?

Best Cinematography in a Feature Film

One of the most anticipated awards of the night, Best Cinematography in a Feature Film, was won by Lol Crawley BSC for his work on The Brutalist (A24). This marked Crawley's first nomination and victory, a well-deserved recognition for his striking visuals in the film.

Television Drama Categories

The television categories also saw notable wins:

• Jody Lee Lipes ASC won Best Cinematography in a UK Terrestrial Drama for The Listeners (BBC). Lipes made history by becoming the first cinematographer to win consecutive BSC TV awards.

• Benedict Spence BSC secured the award for Best Cinematography in an International/Streaming Drama with his exceptional work on the Netflix miniseries Eric.

New Category: Music Video Cinematography

This year, the BSC introduced a brand-new category: Best Cinematography in a Music Video. The award went to Daniel Landin BSC for his stunning visuals in FKA twigs’ Eusexua.

Operators Awards and Short Films

The Operators Award, presented by the BSC alongside the Association of Camera Operators (ACO) and the Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT), recognized the following winners:

• Karsten Bloch Jacobsen DFF & Simon Finney ACO Assoc BSC (Wicked, Universal Pictures) for Feature Film.

• Chris Plevin ACO Assoc BSC, Robert Patzelt & Michael Ole Nielson (True Detective: Night Country, HBO) for Television.

In the short film categories:

• Edward Hamilton-Stubber won Best Student Short Film (Tapeworm).

• Jon Muschamp took home the BSC Club Short Film Award (Bookyville).

Special Recognitions

The BSC Special Achievement Award was presented at the Manaki Brothers International Film Festival, marking its 45th anniversary.

The Bert Easey Technical Award was given to True Lens Services (TLS) for their contributions to lens technology, a crucial aspect of cinematography.

Honoring Industry Legends

Several special awards were given in recognition of outstanding contributions to cinematography:

• Milan Krsljanin received the BSC John Alcott Memorial Award for his dedication to the industry.

• The Dee Edwards Award was posthumously awarded to Ed Ratcliffe, honoring his creativity and impact.

• The Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor from the BSC, was given posthumously to Dick Pope BSC, a legendary cinematographer known for his work on Secrets & Lies, Mr. Turner, and The Illusionist. Director Mike Leigh paid tribute to Pope’s artistic vision and enduring legacy.

Final Thoughts

The BSC Awards continue to highlight the best in cinematography, recognizing the incredible talents behind the lens. From groundbreaking achievements in feature films and television dramas to the introduction of new categories like music videos, the event proves that cinematography is constantly evolving.

As the industry progresses, one thing remains certain: the British Society of Cinematographers will continue to honor those who push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Stay tuned for next year’s awards and the rising talents that will shape the future of cinematography!