Oscars 2018: Why Roger Deakins was the biggest winner
By John Dotson
The Oscars had a ton of surprise wins, but none more deserving than Roger Deakins. Here is what you may not know about the famous cinematographer!
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Viewers couldn’t help but talk about how different the Oscars 2018 were in comparison to previous years. It only seems appropriate that for its 90 year anniversary, the Academy would choose to honor those films that truly deserved it. From The Shape of Water being the first science fiction film to win Best Picture to Jordan Peele’s smashing success with Get Out as Best Original Screenplay, this year was one for the books with the Academy taking steps outside of their comfort zone.
The man most people inside the film community were rooting for most was cinematographer Roger Deakins. While some of you may not be familiar with his name, he has photographed some of the best films of the last three decades – many of which might be some of your favorites.
The first thing you might not be aware of, Deakins has been nominated 13 previous times for his achievements in cinematography. Most people are not lucky enough to gain this amount of recognition without at least one major win. To put this in perspective, Meryl Streep has 19 nominations under her belt with 3 wins included. The only other cinematographer to almost hit this streak without a win was George J. Folsey, who died after being nominated 13 times without getting an Oscar.
The other staggering fact is the catalog of films Deakins is known for. Whether you are thinking about Andy Dufresne reaching to the sky in the pouring rain or getting chills at the thought of Anton Chigurh asking you to “call it,” Deakins framework has inspired many of us over the years. The way he sets up a shot is so subtle yet radiates with intensity. Some of this can be felt while watching Sicario as well.
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This is what makes this win one of the biggest of the night. It’s rare for a cinematographer to have his fingerprint on so many Best Picture winners and nominees, and not ever win. Deakins has made such a visual impact on modern cinema that frankly this win was long overdue.
Dead Man Walking, The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?, A Beautiful Mind, No Country For Old Men, The Reader, and Revolutionary Road.
This list encompasses some of his finest work, and finally, Roger Deakins has won a much-deserved Oscar for Blade Runner 2049. May this be the first of many. Cheers!
Next: Box office: The top 10 movies after Oscar weekend
Of all of Deakins films, which is your favorite? Do you think Blade Runner 2049 was deserving of this Oscar? Tell us in the comments below!