The Conversation: 2015 Oscar Predix: Back to Back to Backed in a Corner…Lubezki Will Double Up Best Cinematography Win

The Nominations: Best Cinematography
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Emmanuel Lubezki
“The Grand Budapest Hotel” Robert Yeoman
“Ida” Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski
“Mr. Turner” Dick Pope
“Unbroken” Roger Deakins

Shoulda Been a Contender: Daniel Landin for “Under the Skin” or Bradford Young for “Selma” & “A Most Violent Year”

For the unique and utterly intoxicating look of Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin, it would have been great to see his name amongst these nominees. And then there’s the continued neglect of Bradford Young, responsible for the look of two excellent films this year with Selma and A Most Violent Year.

Should Win: Emmanuel Lubezki for “Birdman”

A recent winner at the ASC Awards, much like his work (and Oscar win) in Gravity, the dp who goes by the nickname of “Chivo” and his work in Birdman will be studied for generations to come.

Could Win: Robert Yeoman for The Grand Budapest Hotel

It’s a definite longshot for the dp who won for his work very earlier in his career (the Independent Spirit) for Gus Van Sant’s Drugstore Cowboy, but Yeoman’s work on Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel could also lead an upset here. Looks like a confirmed silver place for this category.

Will Win: Emmanuel Lubezki for “Birdman”

Several months back I mentioned that “the blood, sweat, and ambitious gumption are all laid down in a whirling tableau of nooks and crannies, every cramped space a possible area for interaction.” It would be hard to imagine that Lubezki wouldn’t score his second, consecutive win.