NFSA-ACS John Leake OAM Award for an Emerging Cinematographer

First presented in 2010, the Award is designed to enable emerging cinematographers to develop their craft, and is presented annually at the Australian Cinematographers Society Awards – the only Australian event which celebrates Australians who have excelled in the field of cinematography.

The Award includes a cash prize of $5000 to an emerging cinematographer who is either currently studying cinematography at a tertiary institution or is currently working in the film industry. The recipient can use the prize money for any educational, training, or professional work which will further his or her cinematographic knowledge.

The Award is named in honour of Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) co-founder and industry icon John Leake OAM ACS (1927-2009). John began his cinematographic career as a 15-year-old with Movietone News in 1944 before moving on to Supreme Sound Studios. He served as both NSW President and Federal President of the ACS and was the Society’s Official Historian until his death.

The judging panel will comprise the Federal President of the Australian Cinematographers Society, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Sound Archive, and two other executive members of the ACS.

Award recipients
2012 Jimmy Ennett
2011 Edward Goldner
2010 Kirsty Stark