Australian cinematographer Stephen Windon ACS has claimed the American Society of Cinematographers’ annual television movie/miniseries award for his work on HBO series The Pacific.
He edged out fellow Australian David Gribble ACS, who was nominated for Jesse Stone: No Remorse, and Jon Joffin for his work on episode two of mini-series Alice, at the 25th Annual American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Outstanding Achievement Awards.
The 10-part series The Pacific tells the story of US Marine Corps’ campaign against the Japanese on islands in the Pacific during World War II and was largely filmed in Queensland and Victoria. The Steven Spielberg-Tom Hanks executive-produced series was estimated to have a production budget of between $US150 million and $US200 million.
Windon was presented with his award by actress Gillian Jacobs while the ASC International Award was presented to legendary Australian cinematographer John Seale, ASC, ACS, by director Michael Apted. They previously collaborated on the Oscar-nominated film Gorillas in the Mist. Seale's credits also include The English Patient, which won him an Oscar, as well as Cold Mountain, Rain Man, and Witness.
Wally Pfister ASC won the top award in the feature film competition for Inception, which was presented by Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane, while Jonathan Freeman ASC earned the top accolade in the television episodic category for Boardwalk Empire’s “Home” episode.
It was Pfister’s first win after two previous nominations for Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. All of the ASC feature film nominees this year have also been nominated for an Oscar: Matthew Libatique, ASC (Black Swan), Danny Cohen, BSC (The King's Speech), Jeff Cronenweth, ASC (The Social Network), and Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC (True Grit).
"All of the nominees here tonight earned the respect of their peers," said Richard Crudo, ASC, chairman of the Awards Committee. "Once again, they showed the world that while cinematography requires mastering a complex craft, the art of telling stories with moving images comes from the heart and soul."
Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Tom Hanks presented the Board of Governors Award to Julia Roberts in recognition of her body of work and contributions to the art of filmmaking.
The ASC Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to 10-time ASC Award nominee Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC by filmmaker Joel Coen.
The Career Achievement in Television Award was presented to Emmy-winner Michael O'Shea, ASC (CSI: Miami) by John C. Flinn III, ASC. The ASC Presidents Award was given to photographer Douglas Kirkland by Ellen Kuras, ASC.
More photos from the night can be seen here.