Cinematographer Michael Bauman has secured the prestigious British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) Award for Best Cinematography in a Feature Film for his work on “One Battle After Another.” This marks Bauman’s first recognition at the BSC Awards, where he surpassed notable competitors including Seamus McGarvey for “Die My Love,” Darius Khondji for “Marty Supreme,” Autumn Arkapaw for “Sinners,” and Dan Lausten for “Frankenstein.”
During an interview with Variety for their segment “Inside the Frame,” Bauman explained that director Anderson was inspired by the stylistic elements of 1970s cinema. He referenced classics such as “The French Connection” and “The Last Detail,” emphasizing the importance of a certain “stylistic roughness” in conveying the film’s narrative. Bauman highlighted the desire to shoot the film in VistaVision format, further aligning with this artistic vision.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The BSC Awards ceremony took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on March 15, 2024, and was hosted by Edith Bowman. The event celebrated not only Bauman’s achievement but also recognized exceptional talent across various categories.
Ollie Downey was honored for his cinematography in the BBC drama “Reunion” in the Television Drama (UK Terrestrial) category, while Suzie Lavelle received her second award for her work on the Apple TV series “Severance” in the Television Drama (International/Streaming) category. Additionally, Jake Gabbay continued his success by winning the Cinematography in a Music Video Award for “Chains and Whips,” a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, and Malice.
The evening also featured the presentation of the Operators Award to Danny Bishop Assoc for his work on the Netflix film “Ballad of a Small Player.” In the Television category, Peter Robertson Assoc and Emiliano Topai earned accolades for their contributions to the series “Mussolini: Son of the Century.” The BSC Short Film Awards were awarded to Linda Wu, Christopher Hudson, and Theo Hughes for their respective projects.
Honoring Cinematic Excellence
One of the most significant moments of the night was the presentation of the BSC Lifetime Achievement Award to Remi Adefarasin. Adefarasin’s illustrious career began at the BBC, where he ascended to the role of Cinematographer, notably capturing iconic television movies. He received an Oscar nomination in 1998 for his work on “Elizabeth,” becoming the first Black Cinematographer nominated in that category. His accolades include an Emmy nomination for the miniseries “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.”
John de Borman was honored with the BSC John Alcott Memorial Award for his contributions to the organization, while focus puller Hilda Sealy received the Special Achievement Award for her efforts in fostering inclusivity within the industry. The BSC Bert Easey Technical Award went to Optical Support.
In his closing remarks, Oliver Stapleton, President of the British Society of Cinematographers, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “Tonight we celebrated 70 years of the British Society of Cinematographers Awards. It is a moment to reflect on previous winners from ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ to ‘Schindler’s List,’ but also to celebrate the addition of ‘One Battle After Another’ to that list. My congratulations to all the winners and recipients tonight; your work is a reminder of just how vibrant and creative our industry still is.”
The ceremony not only highlighted individual achievements but also underscored the collective talent within the cinematography community, marking a memorable evening for all attendees.
