Decoding Cinema: 5 Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Cinematography

Story and storytelling are two significant, unmissable aspects of filmmaking. There are multiple processes involved, like conceptualization, screenwriting, shooting, and editing. However, one of the most significant ones is cinematography. It is the art of visual storytelling in filmmaking that shapes the film’s aesthetic, mood, and overall impact. It decides how a story is presented to the audience. In this article, we will discuss “Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Cinematography”.

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The cinema started with basic techniques. Cinematography began developing in the silent era when filmmakers began exploring this aspect. Soon, experimentation began with the transition to sound, and the golden age of Hollywood opened the opportunities for colour cinematography. Since the new age, technological advancement has opened a new world for endless expansion in the field.

Several filmmakers and innovative cinematographers have pushed the limitations regarding creativity and expansion, bringing path-breaking techniques.

These are some of the most iconic Oscar-winning cinematography techniques. They have captivated the filmmakers and left a profound impact on the minds of the audiences.

Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Cinematography

1. The Revenant (2015)

Cinematographer: Emmanuel Lubezki

The Revenant is a Western action film by Alejandro. It’s about how a frontiersman gets injured by a bear attack and survives. He then works on revenging the companion who betrayed him, giving a lot of scope for experimentation to a cinematographer. Emmanuel Lubezki made the best use of this opportunity. As a result, he won his third consecutive Academy Award for it.

A variety of shots are captured for the attack and survival scenes, giving the audience an authentic sense of thrill and action. Interestingly, they were captured using natural lighting and innovative camera techniques. There is a precise sense of realism in capturing the wilderness of the surroundings. It will make you feel part of it and shape the story’s mood.

There is a good use of long takes and sweeping camera movements. Due to them, you get an immersive viewing experience that doesn’t allow you to take your eyes off the screen.

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2. Gravity (2013)

Cinematographer: Emmanuel Lubezki

Lubezki gave other praise-worthy and groundbreaking cinematography insights in Gravity. It changed how space and zero-gravity environments were depicted on the big screen. He used a mix of cutting-edge visual effects and innovative cinematography techniques, doing justice to the mega-budget film.

He used intricate lighting setups and complex camera rigs to create a sense of weightlessness on screen that doesn’t seem artificial or unnatural. No wonder audiences and filmmakers were left in awe. It has been one of the best combinations of practical and digital elements for cinematography on-screen. The film has laid a path forward for cinematographers redefining the existing boundaries of this field.

3. Children of Men (2006)

Cinematographer: Emmanuel Lubezki

Children of Men is one the best movies of its decade. It’s an ideal blend of chase thriller, human drama, and a fantasy cautionary story. It’s otherwise rare to find. To present this wonderful tale, Lubezki extensively uses long takes to keep the audience engrossed with intricate camera movements that don’t break its momentum.

The compelling action sequences were captured without breaks. As a result, they increase the tension during viewing and make you feel like you’re a part of the mess in that dystopian world.

Apart from this, handheld cameras and strategic lighting are used. They successfully create a sense of realism that intensifies the film’s emotional impact.

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Cinematographer: Andrew Lesnie

This first movie in the trilogy has a special place in the hearts of the audiences. This spectacular adventure film was perfectly brought to life by the commendable cinematography of Andre Lesnie. He takes audiences to Middle-earth’s rich and fantastical world, making them feel like an unmissable part of it. There is a beautiful use of lighting, framing, and camera movements.

Most of it was shot on 35mm and transferred to digital forms. There was a good use of natural light and low-key lighting to match the aesthetic of the fantasy world. Some scenes were shot outside under natural light, limiting the extended use of artificial lighting.

Lesnie brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic story to life using enchanting visuals and is an excellent example for upcoming cinematographers to refer to. He did complete justice to the grandeur and scale of the narrative.

Eventually, it has set new standards for the cinematography of fantasy films. In addition, it influenced countless other beginners in the niche.

5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Cinematographer: Peter Pau

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts action film. It is directed by Ang Lee. Peter Pau’s cinematographer enhanced the film’s theme, giving it a visual treat. There was an innovative use of wirework and seamless integration of CGI that kept the audiences hooked on the gravity-defying fight sequences.

The camera precisely captured the fluid camera movements and stunning compositions, maintaining its essence. As an important example for future films, it set new leaks of visual excellence for cinematographers in the genre. At the same time, it displayed the artistic potential of cinematography in action films.

Final Words

These Oscar-winning cinematography over the years have pushed the boundaries of cinematography in cinema. It has introduced the cinematographers to new techniques and higher levels of innovation that previously seemed impossible to achieve for the big screen.

These works have inspired a whole new generation of cinematographers. Overall, it revolutionised how stories are told through the art of cinematography.

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