Ranking 10 Best Cinematographers Working Today
1. Roger Deakins
Arguably the greatest cinematographer working today, Roger Deakins' subtle yet grand approach to shooting movies has elevated dozens of films and received a multitude of accolades across more than four decades. His immense talent has seen him work with the likes of the Coen Brothers, , Martin Scorsese, Sam Mendes, and Denis Villenueve.
Deakins' style is malleable and fits the project he is working on, a trait that finds him working on films ranging from indie darlings to blockbuster hits. His experience with film and digital cameras has helped him fine-tune his craft and add to his versatile nature.
Most of the films he has worked on feature a constantly moving but subtle camera that is immersive but never invasive. They also showcase his near unparalleled understanding of light, colour, and framing, and his level of precision shows his hands-on approach on set.
Over the years, Deakins' lack of Academy Awards was the source of constant frustration for critics and his fans, as the DP had over a dozen nominations but no wins. Fortunately, his visually rich work on Blade Runner 2049 earned him the coveted prize, and it was followed by another win for his immersive, one-take work in 1917.