The cinematography category has changed over the past three years as big Hollywood films have dominated the award. The accolade, which recognizes the exceptional camera work in a film, used to favor art films like "Slumdog Millionaire," "There will Be Blood" and "Pan's Labyrinth." However, recently it has swayed towards bigger films such "Avatar," "Hugo," and "Inception." Additionally, the past five winners in the category were nominated for Best Picture. As a result out of the nominees it seems that only three films have a chance of winning the category.
Anna Karenina-Seamus McGarvey's nomination marks his second in the category. He was nominated in 2007 for Joe Wright's "Atonement." McGarvey's work on "Anna Karenina" features a lot of choreographed movement and many long takes, a signature of director Wright. Up to this point McGarvey has not won a single precursor award although he is nominated for the BAFTA and the American Cinematographers Society.
Django Unchained-Robert Richardson's nomination came as a surprise as his work for Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" was not recognized by any other awards organization. Richardson's nomination marked his eighth in the category at the Academy Awards. He has won three Oscars and is unlikely to win this year because last year he surprised pundits by taking home the award for his work on "Hugo."
Life of Pi-Claudio Miranda's work on "Life of Pi" garnered him his second nod in the category. He was previously nominated for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" in 2008. Miranda has already won 13 awards for his work on "Pi" including the Broadcast Critics' Choice. He is also nominated for the BAFTA and American Cinematographers Society. With the film's Best Picture nod and all the precursor awards "Life of Pi" seems to have the right ingredients to win the category.
Lincoln-Januski Kaminiski's work on Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" marks his sixth nomination in the category. The cinematographer has won for his work on Spielberg's previous films "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List." He has also been nominated for "War Horse," and "Amistad," also for Spielberg. "Lincoln" looks like the front-runner to win the Best Picture award giving Kaminski, a chance to win htis category. However, the lack of precursor awards and the fact that the film does not possess the flashy cinematography that the Academy usually awards could hurt its chances.
Skyfall- Roger Deakins received his tenth nomination in the category. The veteran photographer has never received an Oscar award and has previously been nominated for films "The Reader," "No Country for Old Men" and "True Grit." For his work on "Skyfall," Deakins has received nine awards including the Los Angeles Film Critics' award. If the Academy decides to award "Skyfall" in more than one category, they may finally give Deakins his first Oscar.
Predictions: The race comes down to two films; "Skyfall" and "Life of Pi". However, because "Life of Pi" is nominated for Best Picture and is also the most nominated film this year, "Pi" looks like the safest choice.
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