of what it takes to have a box office success, tell a rich and meaningful story, and run a set where there is respect and collaboration” was most certainly recognized. Feeling “deeply honored to be here tonight,” Lucchesi shared how being a producer has given him a unique appreciation and understanding of the, “precise, difficult, and critical function that a camera operator provides. During the countless hours of strenuous and demanding work, it is the camera operator who truly captures the images which will last on screen for generations.” Lucchesi related stories of being impressed by camera operators throughout his career, and shared his belief of “being there, and doing the work,” as well as the value of giving back, especially in volunteer organizations such as the PGA and SOC, where “fellowship” is the word he finds most accurately describes the benefit of being involved.
SOC STILL PHOTOGRAPHER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD One of the most legendary still photographers in filmmaking, Murray Close, was next to be honored. Longtime friend Rob Friedman, co-chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, awarded the Still Photographer Lifetime Achievement Award to Close. Having taken photos on the sets of directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, and Alejandro González Iñárritu, Close shares something with fellow Lifetime Achievement Award winner Stephen Campanelli in that they were both brought to Hollywood by Clint Eastwood. Mentored by Stanley Kubrick when he worked on The Shining, Close revealed many memorable moments with Kubrick and the lessons Kubrick taught him. “It was a film school like no other, demonstrating the importance of attention to detail and to examine all methods of achieving the final image.” Although being honored with a Life-
Alan “Moose” Shultz, Jack Glenn, and Brad Rea
time Achievement Award, Close continues his work as a photographer on some of the biggest films in Hollywood, having discovered that, “a lifetime in this business goes by very quickly,” he urged the audience to, “remember to step back from the mundane irritants of your work life and take a moment to marvel at what you are contributing to and be amazed by the unique talents that are around you.”
HASKELL WEXLER & VILMOS ZSIGMOND TRIBUTE Following Murray Close’s final remarks urging the audience to reflect upon and marvel at the work they do, it seemed the perfect time to remember and honor two great icons of cinema who had passed away within days of each other: Haskell Wexler, ASC and Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC. An emotional tribute video was shown, which can be seen on the SOC’s Vimeo page.
SOC TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The SOC’s Technical Achievement Award is given in recognition of innovative work that has significantly impacted the art and craft of camera operating. This year, that award went to Cartoni for the legendary Lambda Head. Presenting the award was Eric Fletcher, SOC, who has been the camera operator on television series such as Dexter, True Blood, Shameless, and many others. Fletcher remarked that, “The Lambda is seen on most of our sets and it’s safe to say at one time or another pretty much every operator in this room has used it.” Accepting the award was Elisabetta Cartoni, granddaughter of founder Renato Cartoni. She has been running Cartoni for three decades and thanked the SOC Board of Governors while sharing how “immensely
Elizbeth Cartoni accepting the Technical Achievment Award