Thursday, February 21----At the American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Awards, held Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, the top award for Best Cinematography in a Feature Film was won by Emmanuel Lubezki for his stellar work on the futuristic thriller CHILDREN OF MEN. Lubezki, who is also nominated for an Oscar for the film, won top honors at the BAFTA Awards last week n the same category.

Comedian Tim Allen presented the award to Lubezki.  He thanked the film's cast, crew and especially director Alfonso Cuaron, while inviting his camera operator George Richmond up to the stage to share the honors. Lubezki was chosen by his peers in a competition field that included Dick Pope (THE ILLUSIONIST),  Dean Semler (APOCALYPTO), Robert Richardson (THE GOOD SHEPHERED) and Vilmos Zsigmond (THE BLACK DAHLIA).

Several special awards were also given out. Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron presented veteran cinematographer Allen Daviau with the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award. Daviau has earned five Oscar nominations for  his work on E.T. THE EXTRATERRETRIAL, THE COLOR PURPLE, AVALON, EMPIRE OF THE SUN and BUGSY. Actor-turned-director Ron Howard was also recognized with the Board of Governors Award. ""Cinematographers have been saving my ass for just about my entire life," Howard quipped.  Finally, Oscar nominated director Martin Scorsese paid tribute to cinematographer Michael Ballhaus with the International Achievement Award.

Sandy Mandelberger, Awards Watch Editor