Janusz Zygmunt Kamiński began his career in the United States after emigrating from Poland in 1981. Since 1993, he has served as the regular cinematographer for Steven Spielberg. His technical contributions to modern film have been recognized with two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, solidifying his role within the industry as both a camera operator and director.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1959 in Ziębice, Kamiński moved to the United States at age 21. He pursued formal training at Columbia College in Chicago between 1982 and 1987, earning a Bachelor of Arts. He later attended the AFI Conservatory, where he received a Master of Fine Arts. His professional start occurred at Roger Corman's Concorde Pictures, working under Phedon Papamichael as a gaffer and later as a second unit director of photography.
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Steven Spielberg identified Kamiński's work after viewing the 1991 television film Wildflower. This led to an engagement on the production of Class of '61. Their partnership became a defining feature of Kamiński's career, resulting in Academy Awards for Schindler's List in 1994 and Saving Private Ryan in 1999. In 2019, the American Society of Cinematographers named both films among the best-photographed of the 20th century.
Directorial Projects
Beyond cinematography, Kamiński expanded into directing feature films and television. His directorial debut was the 2000 horror film Lost Souls. He also directed the Polish feature Hania in 2007 and American Dream in 2021. His television credits include the NBC series The Event in 2011 and the WE TV series The Divide in 2014, as well as the 2013 short film Making a Scene.
Professional Recognition
Kamiński joined the American Society of Cinematographers in 1994 and resigned in 2006. His accolades include the 1994 BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography and Satellite Awards in 1998 and 2007. In 2010, the AFI Conservatory awarded him the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. He has also received an Independent Spirit Award for his technical work in film.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Ziębice, Poland
- Education: Columbia College, AFI Conservatory
- Primary Occupation: Cinematographer, Director
- Academy Awards: 1994, 1999
- Spouses: Holly Hunter (1995-2001), Rebecca Rankin (2004-2010)
- Languages: Polish, German
Questions readers ask
Which films earned Kamiński his Academy Awards?
He won for Schindler's List in 1994 and Saving Private Ryan in 1999.
Did Kamiński direct any television series?
Yes, he directed episodes for The Event in 2011 and The Divide in 2014.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Cinematography — 1994
- BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography — 1994
- Worked as cinematographer, film director and camera operator
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