Digital cameras dominate the movie industry globally but film can still cut through to make an impact. Celebrated celluloid cinematographer, Bob Nguyen ACS, has won the prestigious Milli Award for Australian Cinematographer of the Year . Nguyen also won a Gold Tripod (in the Feature Films Budget Under $5m category) for Ky Nam Inn.
At this year’s Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) 56th National Awards in Adelaide, Nguyen accepted his award via video link.
“It is a great honour to have won the Milli for the second time, particularly when the standard of cinematography in Australia is so high,” said Nguyen.
“I would like to thank the ACS, all of their sponsors for putting on the awards and for everything they do for cinematographers and congratulate all of the other nominees for their excellent work.”
Nguyen is known for SUT and SONG LANG, with SONG LANG garnering more than 30 international awards. In 2019 Nguyen won the Golden Tripod and the prestigious Milli Award for Australian Cinematographer of the Year for the first time.
His cinematography on BLACK HEN and MUOI – THE CURSE RETURNS also earned him double Gold Awards and two additional Golden Tripods at previous ACS National Awards.
“A huge congratulations to Bob Nguyen ACS on being named Australia’s Cinematographer of the Year for the second time,” said Australian Cinematographers Society National President Brent Crockett ACS.
“It’s a powerful reflection of Bob’s consistency, craft and extraordinary eye behind the camera. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. My sincere thanks to our industry sponsors, supporters and the South Australian ACS Branch Committee for delivering an outstanding night in Adelaide and congratulations to all award recipients. Australian cinematography continues to stand among the very best in the world and it’s exactly why our talent is so highly sought after here and internationally.”
Hall of Fame Awards were given to Mark Wareham ACS and László Baranyai HSC ACS HCA, the Life Membership Award to Richard Chataway ACS and Carolyn Constantine ACS and the John Leake OAM ACS Emerging Cinematographer Award to Emilie Lowe.
Student Cinematography Award went to Jake Frazer for The Native Police and other Gold Tripod winners included Aaron Farrugia who won the John Bowring ACS Station Breaks & Promos for The Block “Heartland”, Maximilian McKay took home the Music Videos award for 21st Century Cool Girl – Chloe Qisha and Haidarr Jones who won the Neil Davis International News award for Gaza Aid Delivery.
The Current Affairs award went to Tom Hancock for Australian Story: Betrayal, The Story Of Hannah Grundy and Dave May ACS won in Entertainment & TV Magazine for Love on the Spectrum U.S. – E7.
The Ron Taylor AM ACS & Valerie Taylor AM Wildlife & Nature award went to Jack Riley and Nick Robinson for The Kimberley S1E1 and Alper Kasap took out the gong for Short Films with KUDUZ.
The Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget under $1m went to Brendan Barnes SASC ACS for Go and the Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget $1m and over went to Nicola Daley ACS BSC for The Handmaid’s Tale.
Feature Films – Budget $5m and over Gold Tripod award went to Stephen Windon ACS ASC for THE ELECTRIC STATE.
The Judges’ Merit Award went to Matthew Davies for Javelin Aerospace ‘In Our Blood’.
Other Gold Tripod and Award Winners included:
- Serial TV & Comedy Series – Dave Cameron NZCS ACS for Madam S1E1
- Branded Content & Advertising – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Penta Tequila – Método Penta Quintaesencia
- Corporate – Branded Content, Education & Events – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Sub-Atmospheric Carbon Neutral Vacuum Distillation
- Commercials – Budget under $200K – Jackson England for AMAN – Amankora
- Commercials – Budget $200K and over – Jani Häkli for Go Mongolia
- Bob Miller ACS Scholarship – Tom Waugh and Tad Errey
- Ron Windon ACS Contribution award to Mick Fanning (presented to Mick by Ron’s son Steve Windon ACS ASC
