Ranking 10 Best Cinematographers Working Today

One of the newer cinematographers on this list, Bradford Young's relatively brief career belies his incredible craft. The on-the-rise DP has worked on modern-day classics such as Arrival, A Most Violent Year, and Selma. This varied filmography has enabled him to show the full range of his visual style.

He employs soft, minimalist lighting to create genuine imagery using the film's subjects, adding a layer of authenticity to the story and the way the characters interact with each other and the world around them.

This authenticity is further reinforced by his lack of precise framing, opting for relatively simple shot creation that conveys emotion over visual symmetry. Therefore, his style is able to find the right balance between serving the story and standing on its own as one of the film's narrative tools.

For his work, he has received nominations from various awards bodies such as the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and the Independent Spirit Awards. He does not seem to have any upcoming projects but due to his immense talent, it stands to reason that his poetic sensibilities will be seen by audiences in the near future.