Here’s a bold statement: the art of cinematography is about to get its most deserving spotlight yet. Robbie Ryan, the Irish cinematographer whose work has left audiences and critics alike in awe, is set to receive the inaugural THR Visionary in Cinematography Award at the 2025 EnergaCamerimage Film Festival. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just another award—it’s a celebration of a master craftsman whose lens has shaped some of the most emotionally resonant films of our time.
Ryan’s name might not be a household one, but his work? It’s everywhere. A two-time Oscar nominee, he’s the genius behind the visually stunning The Favourite (2018) and the surreal Poor Things (2023), both directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. And this is the part most people miss: his latest collaboration with Lanthimos, Bugonia, is already generating buzz as an awards-season favorite. But Ryan’s portfolio doesn’t stop there. He’s worked with some of the most visionary directors in the industry, including Andrea Arnold (American Honey, Fish Tank, Wuthering Heights), Ken Loach (I, Daniel Blake, Sorry We Missed You), and Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story, The Meyerowitz Stories). His ability to adapt his style to each director’s vision while maintaining his signature authenticity is nothing short of remarkable.
But here’s the controversial part: What makes Ryan truly stand out? Is it his naturalistic approach to lighting, his intuitive framing, or his unparalleled ability to capture raw human emotion? The festival’s statement hints at all three, praising him for creating ‘evocative, emotionally charged imagery that combines naturalism with striking visual artistry.’ Yet, some might argue that his success lies in his chameleon-like ability to disappear behind the story, letting the visuals serve the narrative rather than overshadow it. What do you think? Is Ryan’s strength in his subtlety, or is it something more?
This isn’t Ryan’s first rodeo at Camerimage. He’s a festival favorite, having previously won the Golden Frog for C’mon C’mon (2021), the Bronze Frog for Wuthering Heights (2011), and another Bronze Frog for Poor Things (2023). He’s also been recognized for his work in music videos, taking home the Best Cinematography Award for Paolo Nutini’s ‘Iron Sky.’ But this new award feels different—it’s a recognition of his entire body of work and his visionary impact on the craft.
Ryan will accept the award in person at the festival’s opening ceremony in Toruń, Poland, on November 15. The event, running through November 22, is the ultimate gathering for anyone passionate about the art of cinematography. And if you’re not already signed up for THR’s newsletters, now’s the time—you won’t want to miss the latest updates on this and other groundbreaking moments in film.
So, here’s the question: What’s your favorite Robbie Ryan film, and why? And do you think his style is redefining cinematography, or is he simply mastering the classics? Let’s debate it in the comments!
