Roger Deakins entered the National Film School in 1972, following a period spent documenting rural life across North Devon. Born in 1949 in Torquay, England, he transitioned from a background in graphic design and photography to become one of the most prolific cinematographers in the history of motion pictures, amassing extensive accolades for his technical precision.
Early Photographic Roots
Before his career in film, Deakins studied at the Torquay Boys' Grammar School and the Bath School of Art and Design. His initial interest in graphic design evolved into a professional pursuit of photography, heavily influenced by the work of Roger Mayne. This training provided the foundation for his visual approach before he gained entry into the National Film School in 1972.
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Deakins spent seven years working as a cameraman, often focusing on documentary subjects. His early assignments included filming the Whitbread Round the World Race for the project Around the World with Ridgeway. He documented the Rhodesian Bush War in Zimbabwe and the Eritrean War of Independence. His transition to music-related projects involved working on short videos for artists such as Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, and Herbie Hancock.
Collaborations and Aesthetic Techniques
His feature film career began with the miniseries Wolcott, followed by collaborations with director Michael Radford on Another Time, Another Place and Nineteen Eighty-Four. For the latter, he pioneered the use of the bleach bypass technique to achieve a distinctive, washed-out aesthetic. He later formed a long-term partnership with the Coen brothers, beginning with 1991's Barton Fink, and worked with directors including Sam Mendes and Denis Villeneuve.
Technical Innovation and Recognition
Deakins was instrumental in digital advancements, including the first complete digital color correction for a feature film on O Brother, Where Art Thou? in 2000. He is a member of the British Society of Cinematographers and holds a CBE and a knighthood. His body of work has earned him multiple Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards throughout his career.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Torquay, United Kingdom
- Education: Bath School of Art and Design; Torquay Boys' Grammar School
- Academy Award for Best Cinematography: 2018, 2020
- BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography: 2002, 2008, 2011, 2018, 2020
- Member: British Society of Cinematographers
- Occupation: Cinematographer, photographer, camera operator
Questions readers ask
Which major awards has Roger Deakins received?
He has won two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and five BAFTA Awards for Best Cinematography.
Where was Roger Deakins educated?
He attended the Torquay Boys' Grammar School, the Bath School of Art and Design, and the National Film School.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Academy Award for Best Cinematography — 2020
- BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography — 2018
- Worked as cinematographer, camera operator and photographer
