A Star Is Born Review: 7 Ups & 2 Downs

2. Matthew Libatique's Fantastic Cinematography

This will likely see veteran cinematographer Matthew Libatique score his second Best Cinematography nomination, after scooping his first for Black Swan in 2011.

Libatique, who made a name for himself working with Darren Aronofsky, does a splendid job making the film feel visually dynamic despite the obvious familiarity of the story and the environments within.

The lighting during the musical performances is especially splendid, yet even the most simple, stripped-down dialogues are ravishingly filmed. Libatique and Cooper also ensured to have the lighting reflect Jackson's mood and sobriety (or lack thereof) throughout the film, yet it's done in a subtle, unpretentious way that doesn't draw overt attention to itself.

It's not showy cinematography on the level of, say, any film lensed by Roger Deakins, so it probably won't win the Oscar outright - Alfonso Cuarón probably will for Roma - but a nomination seems pretty damn likely.