The American Society of Cinematographers often don’t care who’s doing what around them and go out of their way to choose their favorite piece, not necessarily the most celebrated. The only guild announcing over the weekend, the ASC will be an interesting award to watch.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS AWARDS

Best Cinematography

The Artist (RU:Peter / RU:Tripp)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo (RU:Wesley)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
The Tree of Life (Wesley / Peter / Tripp)

Wesley Lovell: This group votes for what they like, predictive capability be damned. Therefore picking the right winner can often be challenging. Looking back at their history, it’s hard not to believe that The Tree of Life with its copious amounts of exterior photography will be the winner, but sometimes it’s the most colorful picture that wins, which gives Hugo an edge. Of course, they love foreign cinematographers, so The Artist could also be a big winner. They have occasionally gone intimate, which could net Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy the prize as well. Only The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo seems like a film they wouldn’t necessarily pick out of this lien-up.

Peter J. Patrick: Both The Artist and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy are beautifully photographed, but the breathtaking cinematography of The Tree of Life is its best asset, the one aspect of the film which everyone agrees is award worthy. I think it’s an obvious choice.

Tripp Burton: Even those most unimpressed with The Tree of Life acknowledge that it is impeccably shot. This organization, even more than the Academy branch, has generally avoided major sweeps rolling through the other guilds and instead honored the most stunning piece of work. I expect this year to be no different. If they do give in, though, The Artist surely has enough prestige and is gorgeous enough (and in black and white, like 2009 winner The White Ribbon) that it could prove the upset here.