Oscar for Best Cinematography: Lol Crawley BSC Wins for The Brutalist

The Oscars 2025 brought intense competition in the Best Cinematography category, with five remarkable films showcasing stunning visual storytelling. Two months ago, we explored the nominees and their cinematographic techniques, from the gothic aesthetics of Nosferatu to the vast sci-fi landscapes of Dune: Part Two. Now, the results are in, and we have a winner: Lol Crawley BSC has taken home the Best Cinematography Oscar for his work on The Brutalist.

Lol Crawley BSC Wins Best Cinematography

Lol Crawley’s cinematography in The Brutalist stood out for its elegant yet powerful visual style. Utilizing Arricam LT, Arricam ST, Arri 235, Arri 435, and Beaumont VistaVision cameras, combined with Cooke S4 and Leica R lenses, he created a striking aesthetic that balances classical and contemporary influences. This meticulous selection of cinema lenses contributed to the film’s sophisticated composition, making it a deserving winner.

The Nominees for Best Cinematography at the 2025 Oscars

While Crawley emerged victorious, he faced stiff competition from some of the most talented cinematographers in the industry:

• Greig Fraser (Dune: Part Two): A masterful use of Arri Alexa 65, Alexa LF, and Alexa Mini LF cameras with Arri Prime DNA and IronGlass Helios lenses brought an epic sci-fi scale to life.

• Paul Guilhaume (Emilia Pérez): Crafted a vibrant and modern look using Arri Alexa Mini, Red Komodo, and Sony Venice 2 with Tribe7 Blackwing7 and Arri Signature Prime lenses.

• Ed Lachman ASC (Maria): Delivered a nostalgic, poetic visual style using Aaton LTR, Arricam ST, and Arriflex 416 with Cooke Varokinetal and Canon K35 lenses.

• Jarin Blaschke (Nosferatu): Captured gothic horror with Arricam LT and ST cameras alongside vintage Bausch & Lomb Baltar and Goerz Dagor lenses.

The Brutalist: A Film of Distinct Visual Identity

Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist is a visually rich film that tells a compelling story through carefully composed shots and a distinct tonal palette. Crawley’s work not only impressed audiences but also helped the film secure additional Oscars, including Best Original Score (Daniel Blumberg) and Best Actor (Adrien Brody).