QUOTE (Tom Lowe @ Feb 20 2009, 06:13 PM)

meh...
i really don't care this year. slumdog was nothing special at all in terms of photography, imo.
this is probably the worst field for cinematography Oscar in the last decade at least.
I don't believe you Tom. Surely you want to see the first non-film (even non-Kodak) winner for cinematography, no? Or does it have to be RED that takes that honor?
When is the Academy Award Ceremony by the way? Personally, I plan on getting drunk if "Dark Knight" wins to celebrate, and drinking half-to-death if "BB" wins.
Still haven't seen "BB;" it's probably very well done.
I want to see the first IMAX winner ever, and the first 70mm winner since, what, "Patton?" This is probably the showdown of the best that film has to offer vs. the best of digital. I was hoping that this showdown was further down the road.
This is more about the "best" looking film in the eyes of Joe Q. Public. Frankly, it is frustrating to see digital movies made with no innovation, no motivation in mind.
I mean it'd be like if someone didn't validate "Wizard of Oz" with the cinematography nod, or if a movie won instead that wasn't in color.
Sure, showmanship is part gimmick, but if the public and the Academy don't validate one of the few real firsts of improvement in filmmaking since 70mm went out in the '70s, or at the very least since high-speed stock, I feel it is a decline in the appreciation for what cinematography is.
Too often nowadays we hear how cinematography should be subtle, not distracting from the story. Try telling me that cinematography didn't MAKE the story in "2001," "Lawrence of Arabia," "American Beauty."
I truly hope that the academy will speak and realize that new, original, NOTICEABLE cinematography doesn't steal the show, but rather emboldens the story, is a platform or pedestal upon which a good story can only be raised higher in the minds and imaginations of its audience. Powerful, innovative cinematography doesn't steal the spotlight from the story, it really makes the story better.
Here's hoping that the Academy continues to recognize cinematography that elevates the story, not digital cost-cutting and trickery that shies away from the scrutiny of the lime-light. One day I hope we do see a digital movie that wins best cinematography. I hope it is as innovative and ground-breaking as "Wizard of Oz" something so new and different that we wouldn't have it any other way.