Having influence over the Best Cinematography category at the Oscars, the ASC has split quite often with the Academy and might be one of the oldest organizations to do so on a frequent basis. Will they be able to forecast the Oscar victor between Dune and The Power of the Dog? We shall see.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS AWARDS

Best Cinematography

Belfast
Dune (Wesley, Tripp, RU:Peter)
Nightmare Alley
The Power of the Dog (Peter, RU:Wesley, RU:Tripp, RU:Thomas)
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Thomas)

Wesley Lovell: Since the ASC doesn’t always go Oscar’s way, it’s possible they could truly appreciate the nature of achievement that is The Power of the Dog. They also love black-and-white films. Having said all that, Dune has been rolling through most of the season and is the most obvious of the bunch, but I think if anyone can appreciate the claustrophobia and grandeur of The Power of the Dog, it’s the ASC and not the Academy.
Peter J. Patrick: I’m expecting either The Power of the Dog or Dune, giving the edge to the ongoing power of The Power of the Dog.
Tripp Burton: To be honest, any five of these could win and I wouldn’t be surprised.
Thomas LaTourette: The guild seems to like black and white films, so The Tragedy of Macbeth may win. If not then Dune or The Power of the Dog takes it, with the edge to The Power of the Dog for the sweeping vistas.

Documentary

Cusp
Faya Dayi (Wesley, Tripp, RU:Peter, RU:Thomas)
The Hidden Life of Trees (Peter, Thomas, RU:Wesley, RU:Tripp)

Wesley Lovell: Three films whose popularity isn’t such that they are terribly familiar to most and that might make the selection here difficult. Ultimately, Faya Dayi had the most recognition throughout the year, so I’m thinking it might win, but I’m also not 100% sure.
Peter J. Patrick: This one is a pure guess.
Tripp Burton: I’m not sure how this goes, so I will go with the Oscar-shortlisted film.
Thomas LaTourette: All of the close-up and stop motion camera work may let The Hidden Life of Trees win, otherwise, the moody black and white work of Faya Dayi takes it.

Spotlight Award

Jockey (RU:Peter, RU:Thomas)
Pig (Peter, RU:Wesley, RU:Tripp)
Titane (Wesley, Tripp, Thomas)

Wesley Lovell: Titane is explosively filmed and those who’ve seen it say the opening moments are spectacular. Pig seems to be a more down-to-earth film and Jockey arrived too late on the scene to be of much impression. I suspect Titane may be in the lead, but this is an odd category with an odd selection of films that could result in an odd winner.
Peter J. Patrick: Could be any of the three, but I suspect Pig will pull out ahead of both Jockey and Titane in that order.
Tripp Burton: These are three strong contenders here, and any of them could easily win.
Thomas LaTourette: It could go to any of these three.