Janusz Kamiński to receive THR Visionary in Cinematography award at ToruńCAMERIMAGE

Janusz Kamiński, one of the most influential cinematographers in contemporary cinema, will be honoured with the THR Visionary in Cinematography Award. It is presented by The Hollywood Reporter, and he will receive it at the 34th ToruńCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival. The festival runs from 7 to 14 November 2026.

Why he is being honoured

According to the announcement, the award recognises Kamiński's contribution to the art of cinematography and his approach to shaping the visual language of cinema.

The cinematographer has worked with Steven Spielberg for more than 30 years. Together they have made 20 films, from "Schindler's List" (1993) to "Disclosure Day" (2026). Kamiński won Oscars for best cinematography for "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" (1998). Both films also appear on the list of the best cinematography of the 20th century published by the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

Kamiński has been nominated for an Oscar seven times in total.

A range of styles

The organisers stress that each of his films looks different. In "Minority Report" (2002), Washington is shown in cold blues and the dark tones of film noir. "Munich" (2005) recalls 1970s thrillers and news reportage. In Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (2007), made outside his work with Spielberg, a restricted point of view and subtle shifts of focus convey the experience of the main character.

The road to Hollywood

Kamiński left Poland as a political refugee. He trained at the American Film Institute. He then worked as a lighting technician on low-budget Roger Corman productions and on TV films. His cinematography on the TV film "Wildflower" (1991), starring Diane Keaton, convinced Spielberg to entrust him with "Schindler's List".

The ToruńCAMERIMAGE festival is devoted to the art of cinematography. Presenting the award in Toruń is intended as an opportunity to honour Kamiński's achievements.