American Society of Cinematographers

American Society of Cinematographers. The American Society of Cinematographers is an educational, cultural, and professional organization founded in 1919 and dedicated to advancing the art and science of cinematography. Membership is by invitation to directors of photography who have demonstrated outstanding ability and is often considered a mark of prestige within the global film industry. The society is headquartered in Hollywood and actively promotes the work of its members through publications, public exhibitions, and its annual awards ceremony.

History

The society was founded in Hollywood in January 1919 by fifteen leading cinematographers of the silent film era, including Phil Rosen, who became its first president. Its formation was inspired by earlier European organizations like the British Society of Cinematographers and aimed to elevate the technical and artistic standing of the craft during a period of rapid innovation in motion picture technology. Early activities included technical committees that contributed to standardizing practices across the burgeoning studio system and advocating for cinematographers' creative rights. The ASC's famous "A.S.C." initials, which members place after their names on screen credits, were first used in 1920 on the film The Unbeliever, photographed by member Arthur Edeson.

Membership and organization

Membership is an honor extended through invitation only, requiring sponsorship from existing members and approval by the society's board of governors. The primary criterion is a sustained, distinguished contribution to the art of cinematography, typically through a significant body of work as a director of photography on major theatrical films, television series, or other visual media. The organization is led by an elected president, with recent officeholders including Stephen H. Burum, Richard Crudo, and Kees van Oostrum. In addition to its active members, the ASC also recognizes associates from related technical fields and offers honorary membership to distinguished individuals such as director Steven Spielberg and inventor Ray Dolby.

Publications and educational activities

The society's flagship publication is American Cinematographer magazine, a monthly periodical launched in 1920 that features in-depth articles on film production, interviews with cinematographers, and technical reviews. The ASC also operates the ASC Clubhouse, a historic building in Hollywood that serves as a meeting venue and houses an extensive archive. Its educational arm, the ASC Master Class, offers intensive workshops taught by renowned members, while public outreach includes museum exhibitions at institutions like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Furthermore, the society publishes technical handbooks and has collaborated on the restoration of classic films such as Napoléon.

Awards and recognition

The primary awards event is the ASC Awards, held annually since 1986, which honors outstanding achievement in cinematography across categories including Theatrical Feature Film, Documentary, and various television genres. The highest accolade is the ASC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases. The society also bestows special awards, including the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been presented to legends like Gordon Willis, Vittorio Storaro, and Roger Deakins. Other honors include the ASC International Award for global contributors and the ASC Presidents Award, which has recognized figures such as actor Morgan Freeman and visual effects pioneer Dennis Muren.

Notable members

The society's roster includes many of the most influential cinematographers in film history. Pioneering early members included Karl Struss, an Oscar-winner for Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, and Gregg Toland, renowned for his deep-focus work on Citizen Kane. Iconic postwar artists include Conrad Hall, who won Academy Awards for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and American Beauty, and Haskell Wexler, celebrated for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Contemporary luminaries encompass Emmanuel Lubezki, a frequent collaborator with Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro G. Iñárritu; Rachel Morrison, the first woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography; and Hoyte van Hoytema, known for his work on Interstellar and Oppenheimer.

Category:American Society of Cinematographers Category:Cinematography organizations Category:Organizations based in Los Angeles Category:1919 establishments in California