The Edge of the Frame

One of the two major guilds left to announce their winners has made their decision. The American Society of Cinematographers awarded Wally Pfister last night for his outstanding work on “Inception.” Pfister is a longtime (and by longtime you could say career) collaborator with writer/director Christopher Nolan. The pair have worked together as director and DP for six films thus far. Out of those, Pfister has netted three ASC nods, as well as four Oscar nominations, and now his first ASC victory. Not a terrible track record.

While Roger Deakins is much more overdue for an Oscar victory, and despite this win, I am still predicting him, I do not feel about this victory in the least. Pfister is one incredibly talented gentleman. It’s hard to imagine Christopher Nolan being considered anywhere near the visual genius that he is without the help of his brilliant cinematographer. And with “Inception,” he produces some of the most imagery of his career.

In terms of the Oscar race, I don’t think that this changes much. While Pfister still remains the biggest competition, I believe that the statue is still Roger Deakins’ to lose. While both are talented DPs, Pfister hasn’t half the gorgeous career that Deakins has. With nine nominations under his belt and no victories yet, it’s hard to imagine this not being his year. And while he has yet to win an Oscar, Deakins has already taken two ASC awards for “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” as well as being awarded the lifetime achievement, last night.  It’s hard to imagine them giving him both awards in the same night.

Next up, the American Cinema Editors which should announce by this weekend.