S26 - Ep 9 - 98th Oscars - Cinematography

Cinematography is where intention meets execution — in the choice of lens, the placement of light, and the movement of the camera.

For Episode 9 of Below the Line’s 2026 Oscar series, we turn to the nominees for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography at the 98th Academy Awards. Skid is joined by cinematographers Patrick Cady and David Tuttman, who return to examine this year’s field from the inside — balancing technical precision, aesthetic philosophy, and the lived reality of production.

As with the rest of this year’s Oscar series, the conversation is available both as an audio podcast and as a full video episode on YouTube.

In this episode, the conversation explores:

• The “military operation of joy” behind Frankenstein — and how large-format photography, depth of field, and camera movement supported a unified creative vision
• The disciplined exposure control and 1970s-influenced grit of Marty Supreme, shot largely on film with exacting precision
• The ambitious VistaVision approach of One Battle After Another, and why certain sequences demand to be seen on the biggest screen possible
• The bold format shifts and musical visual language of Sinners, including the challenge of blending IMAX, 70mm, and intimate close-ups
• The natural-light philosophy of Train Dreams, and why “lighting with fire” is anything but simple
• Patrick’s case for five additional films he believes deserved recognition — and what that reveals about how deep this year’s cinematography field really is

Along the way, Patrick and David reflect on film versus digital workflows, lens design, aspect ratios, shutter angle choices, and the subtle collaboration between cinematography, production design, and performance. The discussion moves easily between the granular (film stocks, lenses, exposure latitude) and the philosophical (joy in the process, trust between departments, and how cinematography shapes story without announcing itself).

🎧 Press play — or watch the full conversation on YouTube — and join us Below the Line for Episode 9 of our 2026 Oscar series. For more, visit belowtheline.biz.